Biryani is a delicious and aromatic rice dish that originated in South Asia. Different types of rice can be used but we find basmati gives the best results.
Vegetable Biryani:
Preparation Time: 20-30 minutes
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Chicken Biryani:
Marination Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
Preparation Time: 20-30 minutes
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Meat Biryani:
Marination Time: 1-2 hours
Preparation Time: 20-30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1.5-2 hours (depending on the meat type and cut)
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, etc.)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup cashews and raisins (optional)
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
- 1/2 cup chopped coriander leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Whole spices (2-3 cardamom pods, 2-3 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf)
- 4 cups water
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the soaked rice. Cook until the rice is 70-80% cooked. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil. Add the whole spices and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
- Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
- Stir in the yogurt, mint, and coriander leaves. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, layer half of the partially cooked rice, followed by the vegetable mixture. Add the remaining rice on top.
- Sprinkle garam masala, fried onions, and cashews/raisins over the rice layers.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and aromatic.
Chicken Biryani:
As above, replacing the mixed vegetables with chicken pieces. Marinate the chicken in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Meat Biryani:
As above, replacing the mixed vegetables with your choice of meat (such as lamb or beef). Marinate the meat in yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt for at least 1-2 hours before cooking.
Enjoy this beautiful dish with yogurt, mint sauce or a curry.
