Explore our delicious Biryani recipe, a fragrant rice dish infused with aromatic spices and tender meat. While similar to Kabsa, Biryani offers unique regional variations and flavors. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will guide you through making a savory and satisfying Biryani that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500 grams chicken or lamb, cut into pieces
- 1 large onion, finely sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 3 tablespoons Biryani spice mix (or Garam Masala)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Saffron strands (optional)
- Fried onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
Cook the Meat:
- In a large pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Stir in the Biryani spice mix, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Add the meat pieces and cook until browned on all sides.
- Stir in the yogurt and cook for 10 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and tender.
Cook the Rice:
- In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt.
- Add the soaked and drained rice. Cook until the rice is 70% cooked (parboiled). Drain the rice and set aside.
Layering:
- In the pot with the meat, spread a layer of the partially cooked rice over the meat.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped cilantro and mint leaves on top of the rice.
- Add another layer of rice and the remaining cilantro and mint.
- If using saffron, dissolve it in a little warm water and drizzle it over the top layer of rice.
Final Cooking:
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
Serve:
- Gently fluff the Biryani with a fork before serving. Garnish with fried onions if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful Biryani with raita or a side salad!
Nutritional values
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and their potential nutritional values for the Biryani recipe:
For the Biryani:
Basmati Rice - 2 cups
- Calories: 680
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 150g
- Protein: 12g
Benefits:
- Provides a light and fragrant base for the dish.
- Good source of carbohydrates and energy.
Chicken or Lamb - 500 grams
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 60g
Nutritional Values (for Lamb):
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 55g
Benefits:
- High in protein and essential vitamins and minerals.
- Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
Large Onion - 1 (finely sliced)
- Calories: 45
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Protein: 1g
Benefits:
- Adds flavor and sweetness.
- Contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Tomatoes - 2 (chopped)
- Calories: 44
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
Benefits:
- Provides acidity and enhances flavor.
- Rich in vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
Plain Yogurt - 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 9g
Benefits:
- Adds creaminess and tanginess.
- Good source of calcium and probiotics.
Biryani Spice Mix - 3 tablespoons (or Garam Masala)
- Calories: 10-15
- Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
Benefits:
- Adds complex flavors to the dish.
- Contains various spices that may offer health benefits.
Turmeric Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 8
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Provides color and earthy flavor.
- Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory properties.
Red Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 6
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds heat and flavor.
- Contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism.
Garlic - 4 cloves (minced)
- Calories: 20
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
Benefits:
- Adds pungent flavor.
- Contains compounds that may have health benefits.
Ginger - 1-inch piece (minced)
- Calories: 5
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
- Known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
Fresh Cilantro - 1/4 cup (chopped)
- Calories: 1
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds freshness and flavor.
- Contains vitamins and antioxidants.
Fresh Mint Leaves - 1/4 cup (chopped)
- Calories: 2
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds a refreshing taste.
- Contains vitamins and has digestive benefits.
Ghee or Vegetable Oil - 3 tablespoons
- Ghee: 300 calories, 30g fat
- Vegetable Oil: 360 calories, 40g fat
Benefits:
- Adds richness and flavor.
- Ghee may be easier to digest for some people.
Water - 1 cup
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Needed for cooking the rice and making the dish moist.
Salt - to taste
- Minimal caloric content.
Benefits:
- Enhances flavor.
Saffron Strands (optional)
- Calories: 6 (per pinch)
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits:
- Adds a distinct color and flavor.
- May have antioxidant properties.
Fried Onions (optional)
- Calories: 50 (per tablespoon)
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Benefits:
- Adds crunch and sweetness.
- Should be used sparingly due to high calorie content.
This Biryani recipe features a flavorful blend of basmati rice, chicken or lamb, and a variety of spices. The dish is rich with complex flavors from ingredients like yogurt, fresh herbs, and spices, and can be garnished with fried onions for added texture. Optional saffron adds a luxurious touch, while fried onions provide additional flavor and crunch.
Comments