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One-pot Chicken Biryani

17/11/2023

I can provide you with a recipe for a delicious One-Pot Chicken Biryani, but don’t forget that being Il Cucinologo, I also suggest a small Italian twist on this classic Indian dish.

Ingredients

  • 500 g of chicken, cut into pieces
  • 300 g of basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
  • 2 medium onions, finely sliced
  • 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 green chili, chopped (optional)
  • 1 piece of fresh ginger, chopped
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 150 g of natural yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garam masala
  • 4-5 cloves
  • 2-3 cardamom pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Vegetable oil or ghee (clarified butter)
  • Salt to taste
  • A handful of fresh coriander for garnishing
  • Lemon slices to serve

Preparation

  1. In a large pot with a spoonful of oil or ghee, fry the onions until they turn golden.
  2. Add the ginger, garlic, and green chili and sauté for another minute.
  3. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
  4. Add the turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garam masala, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves. Mix well to season the chicken with the spices.
  5. Add the chopped tomatoes, yogurt, and salt. Mix well and cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
  6. Drain the rice from the water and add it to the pot. Stir to incorporate all the ingredients.
  7. Add 600 ml of boiling water, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice and chicken are cooked and the water has been absorbed.
  8. Once cooked, let the biryani rest covered for about 10 minutes.
  9. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with lemon slices on the side.

Italian variation: To add an Italian touch to the Biryani, you could replace the Indian spices with herbs such as rosemary and sage, and add a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil before serving.

Curiosity

Biryani is a dish rich in history and tradition, often considered festive food in various countries of the Indian subcontinent. There are numerous regional variants of Biryani, each with its unique set of spices and ingredients.

One-pot Chicken Biryani