Mombasa Biryani

Name: Mombasa Biryani
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: {'ingredient': 'Basmati rice', 'amount': '2 cups'}; {'ingredient': 'Chicken (or meat of your choice)', 'amount': '1.5 lbs, cut into pieces'}; {'ingredient': 'Ghee (clarified butter)', 'amount': '4 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Fried onions', 'amount': '1 cup, for garnish'}; {'ingredient': 'Fresh coriander leaves', 'amount': '1/2 cup, chopped, for garnish'}; {'ingredient': 'Salt', 'amount': 'to taste'}; {'ingredient': 'Bay leaf', 'amount': '1'}; {'ingredient': 'Cloves', 'amount': '4-5'}; {'ingredient': 'Cardamom pods', 'amount': '4'}; {'ingredient': 'Cinnamon stick', 'amount': '1'}; {'ingredient': 'Cumin seeds', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Red chili powder', 'amount': '1 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Turmeric powder', 'amount': '1/2 teaspoon'}; {'ingredient': 'Biryani masala powder', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Lemon juice', 'amount': '2 tablespoons'}; {'ingredient': 'Yogurt', 'amount': '1 cup, plain'}; {'ingredient': 'Ginger', 'amount': '1-inch piece, grated'}; {'ingredient': 'Tomatoes', 'amount': '2, chopped'}; {'ingredient': 'Onions', 'amount': '2 large, sliced'}

Mombasa Biryani is a delightful and aromatic rice dish that encapsulates the vibrant flavors of coastal Kenya. With tender pieces of chicken simmered in a rich blend of spices and layered with fragrant basmati rice, this dish is a true celebration of culinary tradition. The origins of Mombasa Biryani can be traced back to the Swahili culture, where spices from the East Coast of Africa mingle with Indian influences. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this biryani is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds.

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Basmati rice (2 cups)
Chicken (or meat of your choice) (1.5 lbs, cut into pieces)
Ghee (clarified butter) (4 tablespoons)
Fried onions (1 cup, for garnish)
Fresh coriander leaves (1/2 cup, chopped, for garnish)
Salt (to taste)
Bay leaf (1)
Cloves (4-5)
Cardamom pods (4)
Cinnamon stick (1)
Cumin seeds (1 teaspoon)
Red chili powder (1 teaspoon)
Turmeric powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Biryani masala powder (2 tablespoons)
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons)
Yogurt (1 cup, plain)
Ginger (1-inch piece, grated)
Tomatoes (2, chopped)
Onions (2 large, sliced)

Instructions

Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Add the sliced onions and cook until they are golden brown, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
Stir in the grated ginger and sauté for an additional minute until aromatic.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well and cook for about 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
Add the yogurt and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Gently fold in the soaked and drained basmati rice, ensuring it is well combined with the chicken and spices.
Pour enough water into the pot to cover the rice by about an inch. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and tender.
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with fried onions and chopped coriander leaves before serving.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich flavors of Mombasa Biryani!

Dietary Information

Servings: 6 • Dish Type: Main Course • Prep Time: 30 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes • Calories: 600 • Fat: 25g • Carbs: 70g • Protein: 35g • Sodium: 450mg • Sugar: 5g

Mombasa Biryani

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Instructions

Dietary Information

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