Indian Chicken Biryani recipe:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups of basmati rice
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup of cooking oil
– 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste
– 1/2 cup of plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh cilantro
– 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint leaves
– Juice of one lemon
– 2 tablespoons of biryani masala
– 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon of red chili powder
– 4 cups of water
– Salt to taste
**Whole Spices:**
– 2 bay leaves
– 4 green cardamom pods
– 4 cloves
– 1 inch cinnamon stick
– A few saffron strands, soaked in warm milk
Directions:
1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the whole spices and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add onions and fry until golden brown. Then, add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another two minutes.
4. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they start to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
5. Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, and biryani masala. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are well mixed with the chicken.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes, yogurt, half of the mint and cilantro, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook until the oil starts to separate from the gravy.
7. Add the drained rice to the pot and gently mix it with the chicken mixture. Pour in 4 cups of water, add salt to taste, and bring to a boil.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the water has evaporated, about 20 minutes.
9. Drizzle saffron-soaked milk over the cooked biryani. Cover again and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
10. Garnish with the remaining cilantro and mint before serving. Enjoy your delicious Indian Chicken Biryani!