Chicken Biryani
Description
A traditional South Asian dish composed of rice and chicken. It is crafted with an array of spices to bring a rich flavour to the otherwise simple composition. You'll find variations of Biryani all across the Indian subcontinent, from Pakistan to Bangladesh, Afghanistan to India. There are 2 main types - one where the protein and/or vegetables are cooked mixed throughout the rice, and the other version known as Hyderabad-style biryani in India where meat and rice are layered and cook in a sealed pot over fire. The latter is the style of biryani I'm sharing today.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs
- Yoghurt
- Onions
- Various spices, cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, etc.
- White Rice
Steps
- Marinate chicken thighs in spiced yoghurt in a large pot, then layer with fried onions, fresh coriander/cilantro, then par boiled lightly spiced rice.
- The crowning glory is to finish it off with a drizzle of saffron infused water to give it the signature patches of bright yellow rice, as well as ghee (or melted butter) for buttery richness.
- The pot is then covered and cooked over a low heat for about 25 minutes during which time the rice absorbs the aromas and flavours of the curry underneath, whilst still being beautifully fluffy.