It is a myth that biriyani can only be cooked by experts. You can make biriyani using homemade masala powder and create a restaurant-quality dish in just over an hour. You will have all the flexibility to experiment with the masalas and their proportion once you master this recipe. This recipe tastes best when it is hot. Store it in a casserole to keep it warm for hours together.
Health Benefits:
Rice is the base ingredient of this dish and is a powerhouse of carbohydrates. Basmati rice also provides dietary fibre and proteins. Chicken is hailed as one of the healthier meats, as it contains very little fat and negligible amounts of cholesterol. The spices used in this dish aid digestion, boost metabolism and help fight respiratory diseases. Turmeric contains curcumin, a compound that’s know to fight cancer and shield against bacteria and viruses.
Ingredients
gm chicken: 1/2
cups basmati rice—soaked in water for 20 minutes: 3
tbsp cooking oil: 4
medium-sized onions—finely chopped: 2
medium-sized tomatoes—finely chopped: 2
cup coconut milk: 1
green chillies - slit: 1
cup mint leaves: 1
cup chopped coriander leaves: 1/2
tsp turmeric powder: 1/4
tsp red chilli powder: 1
tsp coriander powder: 1
Star Anise: 1
salt to taste
tsp lemon juice: 1
bay leaf: 1
tbsp fennel seeds: 1
cloves: 4
cinnamon stick: 1
green cardamoms: 2
tbsp cumin seeds: 1/2
tsp peppercorns: 1
tsp sonth: 1
tsp nutmeg powder: 1
bay leaves: 2
How To Make Chicken Biryani with Homemade Masala Powder
- Dry roast the spices (except star anise and bay leaves), let cool and make a coarse powder.
- In a pan, heat oil, and fry star anise and bay leaves until aromatic, and add onions and the chilli. When the onions turn translucent, add tomatoes and cook until mushy.
- Add mint and coriander leaves and continue stir.
- Add turmeric, chilli powder, and the other spice powders. Stir to combine.
5.Add the chicken, a splash of water (about ½ cup), a pinch of salt let cook.
6.Add coconut milk and 4 more cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Now add parboiled rice, ½ tsp lemon juice. Check the taste and season more salt if required. Stir to combine and cook over medium flame for about ten minutes or until done completely.
7.Serve the biriyani with raita/gravy and enjoy!
Fun Fact :
Tamil actor Ajith loves cooking biriyani and often serves to the crew during his film shoots.