Biryani Lucknowi

Biryani Lucknowi is a fragrant and aromatic rice dish layered with marinated meat, infused with spices and saffron, hailing from the royal kitchens of Lucknow. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also offers a rich culinary experience steeped in history.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 200 grams
• Chicken, cut into pieces - 250 grams
• Onion, thinly sliced - 1 medium
• Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon
• Yogurt - 100 grams
• Fresh mint leaves - 10 grams
• Fresh coriander leaves - 10 grams
• Green chilies, slit - 2
• Whole spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom) - 2 each
• Bay leaf - 1
• Saffron strands - 1 pinch
• Ghee (clarified butter) - 3 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 500 milliliters
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Kewra water (optional) - 1 teaspoon

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, lemon juice, salt, green chilies, half of the mint, and coriander leaves. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. In a large pot, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
4. Add the marinated chicken to the pot and cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken mixture from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the soaked and drained rice and fry for a couple of minutes.
6. Add the whole spices, bay leaf, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer until the rice is about 70% cooked (approximately 10 minutes).
7. Layer the chicken mixture over the partially cooked rice. Sprinkle the remaining mint and coriander, and drizzle saffron dissolved in a tablespoon of warm water over the top.
8. Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on low heat for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
9. If using, sprinkle kewra water before serving for added aroma. Serve hot with raita or salad.

Nutrition

• Calories: 600
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from chicken, supporting muscle health.
• Contains spices like ginger and coriander, which may aid digestion.

Tags