Here’s a simple Chicken Mandi Biryani recipe in 7 steps:
Ingredients:
1 kg chicken (cut into pieces)
2 cups Basmati rice
2 large onions (thinly sliced)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies (slit)
2 tsp Mandi spice mix (or biryani masala)
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
4-5 cloves
2 bay leaves
4-5 cardamom pods
2 tbsp ghee or oil
Salt, to taste
Fresh coriander and mint leaves, for garnish
Water (as needed for cooking rice)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- In a large bowl, marinate the chicken pieces with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, half of the Mandi spice mix, turmeric powder, cumin powder, and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (you can marinate longer for better flavor).
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add the soaked basmati rice, a pinch of salt, bay leaves, and cardamom pods. Cook the rice till it’s about 70-80% done (al dente). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Aromatic Base
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat ghee or oil. Add sliced onions and fry them until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions and set them aside for garnish.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- To the same pan, add the marinated chicken and cook it on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and tender. Add chopped tomatoes, slit green chilies, and the remaining Mandi spice mix. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Step 5: Layer the Biryani
- In a large pot, layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken. Sprinkle some fried onions, fresh mint, and coriander leaves over the rice.
Step 6: Dum (Slow Cook)
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. If needed, seal the edges with dough to ensure no steam escapes. Cook on low heat (Dum) for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Once done, gently fluff the rice and chicken together. Serve hot, garnished with fried onions, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Mandi Biryani with a side of raita or salad!
Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic Mandi Biryani with your loved ones!