Chicken-Biryani

CHICKEN BIRYANI

 Chicken Biryani is a popular spicy Indian rice dish. Asha, an Indian native who lives in New York City and blogs at Fork Spoon Knife, shares an easy chicken biryani dish.

Biryani is often reserved for special occasions for a variety of reasons. This meal is well-known for the several layers of flavors that emerge and mingle over time.

As a result, it’s a multi-step procedure that demands a lot of love spread out over a lengthy cooking period. 

Additionally, the tastes and fragrances of the meal are derived from a combination of spices that are not frequently used in everyday cooking and are therefore more expensive, contributing to the dish’s unique feel.

The Persians invented the Biryani. When the Mughals invaded Northern India, they brought a large portion of their cuisine.

As their dominion moved farther south, the delicacy became familiar to most Indians, and it cemented a place in every Indian’s heart. 

The meal was subsequently adopted by each area of the country, which gave it a distinct flavor and taste by adjusting the ingredients and the procedure based on indigenous cuisine.

Over time, a distinction arose between Biryani served in North India (a somewhat modified version of the Persian original). Biryani served in the south, particularly in Keral and Tamil Nadu, extensively adjusted to suit the Southern palate.

The benefit of making the Biryani components ahead of time is that it tastes even better the next day because the flavor developed through time.

This recipe has a low-calorie count of 449 calories per serving.

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE MARINADE 

• 6 drumsticks de chile
• 14 cup mint 1 bunch cilantro
• 2 tbsp. ginger-garlic paste
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tbsp cream salt to taste

FOR THE CURRY

• 1 big onion, peeled and chopped
• 4 chopped garlic cloves 2 minced ginger chunks
• 1 bunch coriander
• 12 c. mint
• 1 cup coconut milk, thick
• 2 tbsp. liquid/broth
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 6-7 whole cloves 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6-7 peppercorns, whole
• 3 whole star anise 
• 3 dried bay leaves season with salt to taste

FOR THE RICE

• 3 c. rice basmati
• 12 julienned small onions 3 whole cloves
• 2 cracked cardamom pods
• 1 leaf of bay
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 5 1/2 cup water 

FOR GARNISH

• a few roasted cashews

INSTRUCTIONS

1. It is best to utilize a food processor to combine the marinade ingredients. Slit the drumsticks flesh-side down, cover with the marinade, and set aside for a few hours or overnight.
2. Sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger into hot oil until transparent to prepare the curry. Allow it to cool after expelling it in the pan. Combine the sautéed onions, cilantro, and mint in a food processor. Roast the whole spices in ghee in a large dish until their scents are released. Reintroduce the onion mixture to the pan and cook over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the oil separates. Combine the dry components and salt in a small bowl and cook for a few minutes. Bring to a boil the coconut milk and water. Cook on medium until the marinated chicken pieces are thoroughly cooked. Allow the curry to cool until it is barely warm.
3. Prepare the rice in the meantime. In ghee, roast the entire spices and then sauté the onions. Roast for a few minutes or until the Basmati rice is tender. Cook the rice with water and salt until just tender. Allow it to cool to room temperature. Avoid touching the rice while it is hot since it is most fragile at that temperature.
4. When ready to assemble, distribute the rice evenly in a deep, oven-safe dish. Add the curry a bit at a time and gently mix until it’s barely moist. The recipe yields more curry than you require. You will only need about a cup and a half of the curry for three cups of uncooked rice. Arrange the chicken pieces in a circle around the dish and cover them with a bit of rice to prevent them from drying out. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees. In between, check to see if the Biryani has dried out. If necessary, add additional curry and gently stir.
5. Spoon the rice onto a serving tray, scatter the drumsticks around, and top with toasted cashews. Biryani is generally served with simple onion raita prepared with yogurt and sliced onions.