Have you ever wondered how to bring the bold flavors of Indian cuisine right into your home? Well, if you're craving something that's not only delicious but also rich in spices, look no further!
Today, we're diving into a recipe that will fill your house with the mouthwatering scent of aromatic spices—the famous Indian Biryani, also known as "Indian Spiced Rice."
This dish is a hearty mix of fragrant rice and tender meat (or vegetables), and it's perfect for a flavorful dinner that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
In just 45 minutes, you can prepare this dish and enjoy a true taste of India. Let's get started, Lykkers!
Indian Biryani
Video by Bon Appétit
1. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavors
To make this one-pot Indian Spiced Rice, you'll need the following ingredients (serving 2 people):
• 1.5 cups Thai Jasmine rice
• 1 piece of chicken leg (around 300g)
• A pinch of salt
For the Spices:
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic (grated)
• 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
• A small pinch of cinnamon powder
• 1/4 onion
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 300 ml water
• Less than 1 teaspoon of salt
For the Garnish:
• Fresh cilantro (to your taste)
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• Almond slices (as much as you like)
Now that we have everything we need, let's start cooking!
2. Preparing the Chicken
First, take the chicken leg and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the pieces. Then, mix the ingredients for the spices with the chicken in a bowl. Once it's all coated, let it marinate in the fridge for at least an hour. This will help the chicken become tender and flavorful.
Meanwhile, slice the onion thinly. For the cilantro, remove the roots, cut the stems into 1 cm long pieces, and roughly chop the leaves.
3. Cooking the Rice and Chicken
Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and cook it until it turns a light tea color. This adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish.
Now, using a spoon or similar utensil, gently remove the marinade from the chicken and add the chicken pieces to the frying pan, skin-side down. Quickly sear both sides until they are golden and crispy.
Don't discard the marinade just yet! Keep it in a bowl to use later when cooking the rice.
Add the Thai Jasmine rice directly to the pan with the chicken. No need to rinse it! Stir it well, making sure the oil coats the rice grains. This step ensures that the rice absorbs all those amazing flavors as it cooks.
4. Adding the Spices and Cooking
In the same bowl that you used to marinate the chicken, add the water and a pinch of salt. Mix it all together with the leftover spices. Pour this mixture into the frying pan with the rice and chicken. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
Once it's boiling, cover the pan with a lid, lower the heat to medium, and let it cook for 15 minutes. If you hear sizzling sounds from the pan's bottom, reduce the heat a bit to avoid burning.
After 15 minutes, check the rice. If it's still firm in the center, or if all the water has evaporated but the rice isn't fully cooked, add a little more water and heat it up again.
Once done, remove the pan from the heat, sprinkle the raisins and cilantro stems over the rice, cover, and let it steam for about 5 minutes.
5. Finishing Touches
Now, it's time to serve! Stir the rice gently and transfer it to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and almond slices for a delightful crunch. Your Indian Spiced Rice is now ready to enjoy!
Bonus: A Sweet Side Dish—Chia Seed Yogurt with Raisins
To complement your Indian meal, let's prepare a simple yet delightful dessert—Chia Seed Yogurt with Raisins. This healthy and tasty treat will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also make you feel great about what you're eating!
To make this dessert, you'll need:
• 200g plain yogurt
For the Raisin Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• Almond slices (as much as you like)
Begin by draining the plain yogurt in a coffee filter or similar container, leaving it in the fridge overnight to thicken. This step is crucial, so be sure to plan ahead.
Next, mix the raisins, chia seeds, honey, and vinegar in a separate container. Let this sit for at least an hour, or ideally overnight, to allow the raisins and chia seeds to absorb the flavors.
Once the yogurt has drained, serve it in a bowl, pour the raisin mixture on top, and garnish with almond slices for a lovely touch.
There you have it, Lykkers! You've just made a delicious and aromatic Indian Biryani, paired with a light and refreshing dessert to round off your meal. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you can bring the rich flavors of India to your kitchen in no time.
Whether you're new to Indian cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let us know how it turns out! We'd love to hear about your experience in making this delightful dish.
