How to make Biryani

How to make Biryani?

Biryani is a popular dish from the Indian subcontinent made with rice, meat or vegetables, and a variety of spices. Here is a basic recipe for making chicken biryani:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of basmati rice
• 1 lb of boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup of ghee or oil
• 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup of chopped mint
• 1/4 cup of fried onions (optional)
• 1/4 cup of raisins (optional)
• 1/4 cup of cashews (optional)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water several times until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in enough water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat the ghee or oil in a large pan and add the cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Cook until the spices become fragrant.
3. Add the chopped onions and cook until they become golden brown.
4. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5. Add the chicken and cook until it is browned on all sides.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft.
7. Add the yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
8. Add 2 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
9. Drain the rice and add it to the pan. Mix well.
10. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and cook for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water has been absorbed.
11. Stir in the chopped cilantro, mint, and fried onions (if using).
12. Cover the pan and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

You can serve the biryani with raita or chutney.

Note: you can use different meats like beef, lamb, or shrimp. Vegetarian version can be made by using vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, peas, and potatoes.