Chicken Biryani

This is a delicious Pakistani/Indian rice dish which is often reserved for very special occasions such as weddings, parties, or holidays such as Ramadan. It has a lengthy preparation, but the work is definitely worth it. For biryani, always use long grain rice. Basmati rice with its thin, fine grains is the ideal variety to use. Ghee is butter that has been slowly melted so that the milk solids and golden liquid have been separated and can be used in place of vegetable oil to yield a more authentic taste.

• Calories: 832 Calories

Ingredients

• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 2 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (1 inch) piece cinnamon stick
• 4 small potatoes, peeled and halved
• 1 (2 inch) piece cinnamon stick
• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken pieces cut into chunks
• 1 pound basmati rice
• 1 pinch powdered saffron
• 5 pods cardamom

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet. Fry potatoes in hot oil until brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and set aside.

Step 2

Add remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the skillet and fry onions, garlic, and fresh ginger until onion is soft and golden. Add chili, pepper, turmeric, cumin, salt, and tomatoes. Fry, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes. Stir in yogurt, mint, ground cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are cooked to a pulp. It may be necessary to add a little hot water if the mixture becomes too dry and starts to stick to the pan.

Step 3

When mixture is thick and smooth, add chicken and stir well to coat. Cover and cook over very low heat until chicken is tender, 35 to 45 minutes. There should only be a little very thick gravy left when the chicken is finished cooking. If necessary cook uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the gravy.

Step 4

To prepare rice: Wash rice well and drain in colander for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5

Heat oil in a large skillet. Fry onion in hot oil until golden. Add saffron, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, ground ginger, and rice. Stir continuously until rice is coated with spices.

Step 6

Heat stock and salt in a medium pot. When the mixture is hot, pour it over the rice and stir well. Add the chicken mixture and potatoes; gently mix them into the rice. Bring to boil. Cover the saucepan tightly, turn heat to very low, and steam for 20 minutes. Do not lift lid or stir while cooking. Spoon biryani onto a warm serving dish.