Seafood Biryani

Seafood Biryani is a vibrant and aromatic dish that combines tender seafood with fragrant basmati rice and a blend of spices, creating a delightful harmony of flavors. This Kosher Lebanese version is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup (200g)
• Water - 2 cups (500ml)
• Shrimp, peeled and deveined - 150g
• Calamari, cleaned and sliced - 100g
• White fish fillets (e.g., cod) - 150g, cut into chunks
• Onion, thinly sliced - 1 medium
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Tomato, diced - 1 medium
• Green bell pepper, diced - 1/2
• Fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Biryani spice mix - 1 tablespoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Saffron threads - a pinch (optional)
• Water for saffron - 1 tablespoon (optional)

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes before draining.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and green bell pepper to the pot. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the biryani spice mix, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the shrimp, calamari, and fish chunks to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the seafood is just cooked through.
6. In a separate small bowl, if using saffron, soak the threads in 1 tablespoon of warm water for 5 minutes.
7. In the pot, add the drained rice and 2 cups of water. If using saffron, add it along with the soaking water. Mix gently to combine.
8. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the water.
9. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
10. Drizzle lemon juice over the biryani, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Nutrition

• Calories: 580
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 120 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids from seafood, which support heart health.
• Contains antioxidants from tomatoes and spices that may reduce inflammation.

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