Prawn Biryani with Basmati Rice and Coconut Milk

Ingredients

Water

2 cups

Ghee

2 tablespoons

Lemon juice

1 tablespoon

Fresh coriander leaves

1/4 cup, chopped

Salt

to taste

Garam masala

1 teaspoon

Red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon

Turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon

Cloves

4

Cardamom pods

4

Cinnamon stick

1

Cumin seeds

1 teaspoon

Green chili

1, chopped

Ginger

1 inch, grated

Tomato

1 medium, chopped

Onion

2 medium, sliced

Coconut milk

1 cup

Prawns

500 grams, peeled and deveined

Basmati rice

2 cups, washed and soaked

Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes before draining.
2. Heat ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Sauté for a minute until the spices release their aroma.
3. Add the sliced onions to the pot and sauté until they turn a golden brown color.
4. Stir in the grated ginger, chopped green chili, and sauté for another minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they become soft and mushy.
6. Mix in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
7. Add the prawns to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to change color.
8. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot. Gently stir to coat the rice with the spicy mixture.
9. Pour in the coconut milk and water. Season the mixture with salt to taste.
10. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the prawns are done.
11. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
12. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to prevent it from becoming mushy. Sprinkle the biryani with lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves for added freshness.
13. Serve the prawn biryani piping hot. It pairs beautifully with a side of cooling cucumber raita or a simple onion and tomato salad.