CHICKEN BIRYANI FOR BEGINNERS
Here's a simple chicken biryani recipe for beginners:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 250 grams chicken, cut into small pieces
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, chopped
- 1 teaspoon biryani masala powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Fried onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and mushy.
6. Add chicken pieces to the pan and sauté until they are browned on all sides.
7. Stir in biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
8. Add yogurt to the pan and mix well. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through.
9. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice to the boiling water along with some salt. Cook the rice until it is 70% cooked, then drain and set aside.
10. Layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken mixture in the pan. Sprinkle some chopped coriander leaves and fried onions (if using) over the rice.
11. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
12. Once done, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, gently fluff the biryani with a fork.
13. Serve hot chicken biryani garnished with more fresh coriander leaves and fried onions, if desired. Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken biryani!
This recipe serves 2-3 people. Adjust the ingredients accordingly for larger servings.