Ingredients:
- 2 cups basmati rice (washed and soaked for 30 minutes)
- 500g chicken or lamb (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons Sahiba Olive Oil
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons Sahiba Crispy Fried Onions
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger garlic paste (Sahiba Ginger Garlic Paste)
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 3 cloves
- 3 cardamom pods
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Water (for cooking rice)
- 2 tablespoons ghee (optional, for extra richness)
Instructions:
-
Cook the Rice:
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, the bay leaf, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and cardamom pods. Add the soaked rice and cook until 70-80% done (the rice should still have a bite to it). Drain and set aside. -
Prepare the Chicken/Lamb:
Heat Sahiba Olive Oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half of the onions and set them aside for garnishing later. To the remaining onions, add the Sahiba Ginger Garlic Paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken or lamb pieces and cook until browned on all sides. -
Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, mix the yogurt, turmeric powder, cumin powder, garam masala, lemon juice, and salt. Add this marinade to the cooked meat, stir to coat well, and let it cook for another 5-7 minutes until the spices blend and the meat is tender. -
Layer the Biryani:
In a large pot, start by spreading a layer of the cooked meat mixture at the bottom. Next, add a layer of partially cooked rice. Sprinkle a handful of chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and Sahiba Crispy Fried Onions over the rice. Repeat with another layer of meat, then rice, and top with the remaining cilantro, mint, and fried onions. -
Final Cooking:
Drizzle the ghee (optional) over the top layer of rice. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and cook on low heat (you can also place a heavy pan or tava under the pot to avoid direct contact) for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Serve:
Once done, gently fluff the biryani with a fork to mix the layers. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crispy fried onions for that extra crunch and flavor.
This vibrant biryani, made with Sahiba’s Crispy Fried Onions, offers a rich and aromatic flavor, turning a classic dish into an unforgettable meal. The fried onions add a delightful texture, making it a perfect dish for family dinners, celebrations, or special occasions.