Indian Chicken Biryani
4 Tbs (60 ml) ghee (see below) or butter
1 onion, chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 Tbs (15 ml) finely chopped fresh ginger
A pinch of saffron threads
10 cardamom pods (preferably 5 green and 5 black)
5 whole cloves
1 stick cinnamon
1 1/2 cups (375 ml) basmati rice
3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock
2-3 lbs (900-1350 g) chicken parts
1/2 cup (125 ml) slivered blanched almonds
Heat half the ghee in a large deep skillet or flameproof casserole with
a lid over moderate heat and saute the onion until tender but not brown,
about 5 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, and remaining spices and cook,
stirring, for 1 minute. Add the rice and cook, stirring frequently, for
2 to 3 minutes. Add the chicken stock and chicken pieces and bring to a
boil. Reduce the heat and simmer covered until both the rice and chicken
are tender and all the liquid has been absorbed, 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove from the heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, heat
the remaining ghee in a small saucepan over moderate heat and saute the
slivered almonds until lightly browned. Pour over the biryani
immediately before serving. Serves 4 to 6.
Ghee
1 lb (450 g) unsalted butter
Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Increase the
heat and bring the butter to a boil. When the surface is completely
covered with foam stir the butter gently and reduce the heat to the
lowest possible setting. Simmer uncovered and undisturbed for 45
minutes, or until the milk solids in the bottom of the pan have turned
golden brown and the butter on top is transparent. Strain the butter
through a sieve lined with linen or four layers of cheesecloth. If there
are any solids in the ghee, no matter how small, strain it again until
it is perfectly clear. Pour the ghee into a glass jar and seal tightly.
This recipe makes about 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) and may be kept at room
temperature for several months, or almost indefinitely refrigerated. It
will congeal if refrigerated, and so must be warmed before using if
liquid ghee is called for.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared
to what lies within us " *Angelique*
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