Kongunadu Biryani
A distinctive Kongunadu biryani cooked in the 'seeraga samba' or short-grain rice variety with bone-in country chicken or mutton — the masala dominated by stone flower, marathi mokku, and a generous quantity of small shallots. Unlike the dum biryanis of the north, Kongunadu biryani is cooked on direct flame with a more rustic, spiced-oil base.
Cuisines
Kongunadu
Best for
Lunch
Dinner
Build a full meal around Kongunadu Biryani
Get a matched combo of sides and accents
Recipe
Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
|
1.5 cups | Basmati rice |
|
300 grams | Chicken , cut into pieces |
|
2 tablespoons | Ghee |
|
1 tablespoon | Oil |
|
1 teaspoon | Fennel Seed |
|
1 inch | Cinnamon stick |
|
1 large | Onion , thinly sliced |
|
2 medium | Tomato , chopped |
|
1 tablespoon | Ginger-garlic paste |
|
1 teaspoon | Red chili powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Turmeric powder |
|
1 teaspoon | Coriander powder |
|
1 cup | Yogurt |
|
2 cups | Water |
|
1 handful | Cilantro , chopped |
|
1 handful | Mint , chopped |
|
— | Salt , to taste |
Instructions
- 1 Wash and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes.
- 2 Heat ghee and oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- 3 Add fennel seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick, and sauté until fragrant.
- 4 Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- 5 Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
- 6 Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and oil separates.
- 7 Mix in red chili powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for a minute.
- 8 Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are no longer pink.
- 9 Stir in the yogurt and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- 10 Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
- 11 Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
- 12 Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
- 13 Once done, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- 14 Garnish with chopped coriander and mint leaves before serving.
Tips
For extra flavour, use whole spices in the oil first.