Chicken Biryani
This recipe appeared in Of Rice and Men in our Spring 2024 issue.
- 4 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 4 small potatoes, peeled and halved
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 2 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger root
- 2 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
- 2 tbsp plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1 2-inch piece of cinnamon stick
- 3 lb boneless, skinless chicken pieces, cut into chunks
- 1 lb basmati rice
- 2 1/2 tbsp ghee
- 1 large onion, diced
- 5 pods cardamom
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 pinch powdered saffron
- 4 tbsp chicken stock
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
Heat 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large skillet. Fry potatoes in hot oil until lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain; set aside.
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of ghee to the skillet. Add onions, garlic, and fresh ginger; cook and stir until onion is soft and golden. Add tomatoes, salt, cumin, chili powder, pepper, and turmeric; cook, stirring constantly, for 5 minutes.
Stir in yogurt, mint, ground cardamom, and cinnamon stick. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until 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.
Add chicken and stir well to coat. Cover and cook over very low heat until the 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.
Meanwhile, make the rice: Wash rice well and drain in a colander for at least 30 minutes.
Heat oil in a large skillet. Add onion; cook and stir until golden. Add cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, ground ginger, and saffron; stir in rice until coated with spices.
Heat stock and salt in a medium pot until hot; pour over rice and stir well. Add chicken mixture and potatoes; stir gently to combine. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to very low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and steam for 20 minutes without lifting the lid or stirring.
When done, stir and serve.
