Chicken Biryani

 

Biryani is an ancient dish that symbolises the spice trade and ancient

silk road. Unique to Persia and the Indian subcontinent, Biryani is a flavour rich and aromatic dish, often made using either Lamb or Chicken.

Biryani unleashes a fusion of flavours, textures and spices, captivating your taste buds!

The recipe below is a Mesopotamian version, unique to ancient Persia and surrounding region.

Ingredients

• 3 Maryland Chicken pieces
• 250g Beef Mince
• 1 1/2 Cup Basmati Rice
• 5 Medium Sized Potatoes
• 2 Medium Sized Brown Onions
• 1/2 Cup Frozen Peas
• 6 Garlic Cloves
• 1 Lemon
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Baharat spice (source from Arab grocer)
• Turmeric
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

  

Preparation – Chicken

1.  Score the Chicken with diagonal lines.
2. Cut the Maryland Chicken into halves. (two pieces for total six pieces)
3. Put Chicken into a bowl for marinading purposes.
4. Add 1 tbsp of Baharat to the Chicken.
5. Add 1 tsp of Garlic powder to the Chicken.
6. Add 1 tsp of Turmeric to the Chicken.
7. Add 1 tsp of Paprika powder to the Chicken.
8. Add juice of one whole Lemon to the Chicken.
9. Add salt (quantity depending on your preferences)
10. Place bowl into fridge to rest while rice is prepared.

Preparation – Rice

1. Soak 1 1/2 cup of Rice in water for 30 minutes.
2. Slice the Onions and place into bowl.
3. Lightly sprinkle Turmeric powder and Baharat spice on the onions.
4. Add 1 tbsp of Olive oil to the Onions and mix well, place aside.
5. Wash Potatoes thoroughly and remove the skin.
6. Dice the Potatoes into small cubes.
7. Sprinkle the potatoes with Turmeric powder, Baharat spice and Salt.
8. Add 1 tbsp of Olive oil to the Potatoes and mix well, place aside.
9. Chop the Garlic finely and place aside.
10. Drain the rice from the water.
11. Place the rice into a cooking pot.
12. Add into the cooking pot, the Peas, Onions, Potatoes and some chopped  Garlic.
13. Add 1 tsp of Baharat spice, 1 tsp of Turmeric, Salt and mix well.
14. To the Beef mince, add 1/2 tsp Baharat spice,  remaining chopped Garlic, Salt and mix well.
15. Make the Beef mince into small balls.
16. Place small Beef mince balls into the cooking pot with the rice and mix well.
17. Add water till rice is covered in cooking pot.

Process

1. Place the Chicken on the top two tiers of the cooking rack included with your Artisan Tandoor oven.
2. Place your cooking pot (with rice) on the bottom tier.
3. The rice will cook within approximately 20 minutes. Remove the rice and set aside, cover with foil.
4. The Chicken takes approximately 50 minutes to cook. Add the rice back into the lower tier at the 40th minute to reheat and keep warm.
5. Optional: Fry Sultanas and Almonds in oil and use to garnish the Biryani.