Introduction: Kolkata Chicken Biryani is a classic Indian rice dish known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. This delightful recipe combines succulent chicken pieces with fragrant basmati rice, tenderly cooked to perfection. In this article, we will explore the steps to prepare this mouthwatering Kolkata-style Chicken Biryani, along with its yield, nutritional information, and cooking instructions.
Preparation: To create the perfect Kolkata Chicken Biryani, we’ll follow a step-by-step process that involves marinating the chicken, cooking the rice, and layering the biryani. Let’s dive into the details:
Kolkata Chicken Biryani
Kolkata Chicken Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with basmati rice, tender chicken, and a blend of spices.
Note: For an extra layer of flavor, you can add fried onions and saffron-infused milk to the biryani.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups basmati rice, soaked
- 3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
- 2 teaspoons Kolkata Biryani masala
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala powder
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons rose water
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon saffron strands
- 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
- 2 onions, thinly sliced and fried until golden brown
- 2 tablespoons cashews
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander leaves
- 1 teaspoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 pinch saffron strands
- 2 tablespoons hot milk
Supply:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Strainer
- Serving dish
Instructions:
-
Marinate the chicken
Step 1:In a large bowl, combine the chicken, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, Kolkata Biryani masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Mix well to coat the chicken pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
-
Cook the rice
Step 2:Wash the soaked basmati rice thoroughly and drain the water. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.Add the drained rice to the boiling water along with 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook the rice until it is 70% cooked (still slightly firm). Drain the partially cooked rice using a strainer and set it aside.
-
Layer the biryani
Step 3:In a skillet, heat ghee (clarified butter) over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and fry them until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions and set them aside for garnishing. To the remaining fried onions in the skillet, add the marinated chicken. Cook the chicken on medium heat until it is no longer pink and is cooked through. Add the chopped mint leaves and coriander leaves. Mix well. In a small bowl, mix together rose water, milk, and saffron strands. Set this saffron milk mixture aside. In a large pot, layer half of the partially cooked rice. Top the rice with the cooked chicken mixture, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the saffron milk mixture over the chicken. Layer the remaining rice over the chicken. Sprinkle the fried onions, cashews, raisins, sliced almonds, and chopped coriander leaves on top. Drizzle ghee and sprinkle saffron strands soaked in hot milk over the rice.
-
Cook the biryani
Step 4:Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook the biryani on low heat for 30 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
-
Serve the Kolkata Chicken Biryani
Step 5:Gently fluff the rice and chicken layers with a fork. Transfer the Kolkata Chicken Biryani to a serving dish. Garnish with the reserved fried onions and chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious flavors of Kolkata Chicken Biryani!
Conclusion: Kolkata Chicken Biryani is a tantalizing Indian dish that encompasses the essence of Kolkata’s culinary heritage. By following the detailed recipe above, you can recreate this aromatic and flavorful delight in your own kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant rice, and a medley of spices will transport you to the streets of Kolkata. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the art of biryani-making, and savor the delightful Kolkata Chicken Biryani with family and friends.
