Coimbatore, a vibrant city in South India, is renowned for its delectable culinary creations. Among its many mouthwatering dishes, Coimbatore Chicken Biryani holds a special place. This fragrant and flavorful biryani is a delightful blend of succulent chicken, aromatic spices, and fragrant basmati rice, all cooked to perfection. Let’s dive into this authentic Coimbatore-style Chicken Biryani recipe and explore the rich flavors of the South!
Preparation Time In Minutes: 30 minutes
Cooking Time In Minutes: 40 minutes
Recipe Summary:
Coimbatore Chicken Biryani is a traditional Indian rice dish that combines marinated chicken with fragrant rice and spices. The biryani is cooked in layers, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully and create an unforgettable taste experience.
Ingredients:
- 5 cloves of garlic
- 5 shallots
- 1/2 inch ginger
- 3/4 green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon fennel seeds
- 1/2 inch cinnamon stick
- 1/2 cardamom pod
- 1/2 clove
- 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3/4 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup sliced onions
- 3/4 green chilies (slit)
- 1/5 cup chopped tomatoes
- 5 sprigs of coriander leaves (chopped)
- 2 sprigs of mint leaves (chopped)
- 125 grams chicken pieces (bone-in or boneless)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Juice of one lime
- 1/2 cup basmati rice
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Instructions:
- Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and set the rice aside.
- In a blender, make a fine paste using garlic, shallots, ginger, green chilies, fennel seeds, cinnamon, cardamom, and clove. This paste will form the base of the biryani’s flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil and ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the green chilies and the ground spice paste from step 2. Cook the mixture until the raw smell disappears, and the oil starts to separate.
- Now, add chopped tomatoes, coriander leaves, and mint leaves. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and the mixture forms a thick masala.
- Add the chicken pieces to the masala and mix well to coat them with the spices. Cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken starts to brown.
- Pour in the coconut milk and lime juice. Mix everything thoroughly and let the chicken cook in the coconut milk until it becomes tender and well-cooked.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, bring water to a boil, and add the soaked basmati rice. Cook the rice until it’s 70% cooked. Drain the water from the rice.
- Now, it’s time to layer the biryani. Take a heavy-bottomed pan or an oven-proof dish. Add a layer of partially cooked rice, followed by a layer of the cooked chicken masala. Repeat this process until all the rice and chicken are used up.
- Close the lid of the pan tightly, and cook the biryani on low heat for about 20-25 minutes. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- You can use a technique called “dum” to further enhance the flavors. Place a tava (griddle) under the biryani pan and cook on very low heat. This ensures even heat distribution and prevents the biryani from burning at the bottom.
- Once the biryani is fully cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to mature and intensify.
- Finally, gently fluff the Coimbatore Chicken Biryani with a fork, ensuring the layers are mixed well.
- Serve the aromatic and flavorful Coimbatore Chicken Biryani hot with raita (yogurt side dish) and enjoy this delightful South Indian delicacy with your family and friends.
Note: Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences. You can also garnish the biryani with fried onions, chopped coriander leaves, and mint leaves before serving.
Enjoy the rich flavors of Coimbatore with this authentic Chicken Biryani recipe! Bon appétit!