Everyone loves an order of chicken biryani. Biryani is a sumptuous and fragrant dish made of basmati rice which is cooked with spices and different meat types mainly chicken, be it mutton, beef or goat. There are numerous regions across the South Asian and the Middle Eastern continent where Biryani can vary from region to region however the whole purpose of this dish is quite the same. Below is an extensive recipe on how to prepare chicken biryani with all the required details on the preparation, cooking methods and the way to attain the highest level of superiority in cooking. Chicken Biryani Recipe.
Step 1: Masala Soaking of Chicken
1. This starts with a bowl, and in that bowl, we add, curry yogurt, crushed garlic, fresh roots ginger, chopped green chili, red chili powder, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, and salt.
2. Then, add the pieces of chicken and stir so that chicken absorbs the marinade thoroughly.
3. Cover it and put in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour preferably 8 hours for better taste.
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Step 2:Zeerak (Sautéed Onions) preparation
1. Heat oil or ghee to a frying pan over medium flame.
2. When the oil is hot, toss in the sliced onions and fry till golden brown and crisp. Fry with a lot of care otherwise it will burn.
3. Remove from heat when color has changed and lay onions on paper towels. Keep away them
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Step 3: Preparation of Rice
1. Wash and clean the basmati rice till the water is clear. Soak the cleaned rinse basmati rice for half an hour and drain.
2. In a large pot, add 4 cups of water and bring to boil. Then add the whole spices and salt.
3. Add the previously soaked and drained basmati rice into the boiling water tub. Water should be cooked till rice is 70% cooked (grains should have some bite left in them).
4. Drain the immersed in water rice and keep aside.
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Step 4: Prepare the Chicken
1. Take a heavy-bottomed vessel or a Dutch oven and place it on medium heat. Pour in the oil or ghee.
2. After 5-7 min, add the marinated chicken (with marinade) and stir occasionally till chicken gets tender and brown in color.
3. At this stage, you can also add half of the fried onion (birista) if you want to enhance the taste.
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Step 5: Biryani Layering
1. As soon as the chicken is browned but not fully cooked, turn down the stove to the lowest setting.
2. Place the chicken layer with the rice which is three quarters cooked.
3. Garnish with the rest of the garam masala, mint, coriander, if any fried onions remain, add here also.
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Step 6:For taste and moistening the rice, the top layer of rice can be coated with a little bit of oil or ghee.
Step 7: Service
1. After the cooking process, turn the stove off and remove the pot. Wait for approximate 5-10 minutes before lifting the lid of the pot.
2. Using a fork, gently mix the layers of the biryani to loosen it.
3. Serve while hot with more coriander and mint leaves garnished on top and with raita or salad
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How To Prepare Perfect Biryani?
Rice Quality: For the best aroma and texture, always use premium quality basmati rice.
Marination: Keeping the chicken marinated for a considerable period improves the taste and tenderness.
Layering: Layering of chicken and rice should be maintained as it helps in cooking and imparting flavours evenly.
Heat Adjustment: Spices have to be adjusted depending on the heat tolerance of the person and feel free to add other spices like star anise or saffron for an extra kick.
Resting Time: When biryani is cooked, allowing it to stand helps them in marrying well, thus enhancing the taste.
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Other Types of Biryani
Hyderabadi Biryani – This is a turmeric-flavored rice dish incorporating yogurt marinated meat, known for its unique taste layered with almost cooked rice.
Kolkata Biryani – The inclusion of potatoes and boiled eggs is aimed at portraying the regional Mughal exit strategy.
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Lucknowi Biryani (or Awadhi Biryani) - It has a slow cooking technique called “dum”, in which meat is cooked with the help of rice providing a very subtle taste.
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Vegetable Biryani: For a vegetarian option, use mixed vegetables instead of the chicken and paneer as well.
Biryani remains a favorite among most as it combines enjoyable palate and scent making it a suitable dish for almost every special ceremony or family get together. Take pleasure in preparing this scrumptious meal!
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