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.
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
- Wash the basmati rice and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, soak the saffron strands in warm milk and set aside.
- Marinate the chicken pieces with yogurt, salt, and half of the fried onions. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- 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.
- Add the marinated chicken and cook until it's partially done.
- 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.
- Add the remaining rice on top of the herbs and onions. Pour the saffron-infused milk over the rice.
- 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.
- 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