Kesar Biryani (fragrant Saffron Pilaf)

Kesar Biryani, also known as Fragrant Saffron Pilaf, is a classic Bangladeshi rice dish infused with the rich flavors of saffron, aromatic spices, and tender meat. This royal dish is perfect for special occasions and gatherings.

Kesar Biryani (fragrant Saffron Pilaf)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 500g chicken, cut into pieces
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/2 tsp saffron strands
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup ghee
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup fried onions
  • 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash the basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in warm milk and set aside.
  3. Marinate the chicken pieces with yogurt, salt, and half of the fried onions. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
  4. In a large pot, heat ghee and vegetable oil. Add the whole spices (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon) and sliced onions. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
  5. Add the marinated chicken and cook until it's partially done.
  6. Layer the partially cooked chicken at the bottom of the pot. Top it with half of the soaked rice, mint leaves, cilantro, and remaining fried onions.
  7. Add the remaining rice on top of the herbs and onions. Pour the saffron-infused milk over the rice.
  8. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the rice and chicken are fully cooked.
  9. Gently fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
20 minutes
Cooking time:
1 hour
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Stovetop

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
450 per serving
Carbohydrates
60g
Protein
25g
Fat
12g

Supplies

Large pot Tight-fitting lid

Tools

Fork

Serving suggestions

Serve the Kesar Biryani with raita, salad, and a side of spicy pickle.

Tips & tricks

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a few drops of kewra water to the biryani before cooking.

Cost

$15