Simple Biryani and Cucumber Raita

Let me keep this post short.., and sweet..., :) I am a Hyderabadi and take a lot of pride in being one.., And.., talking about Hyderabad., the very first thing that comes to mind is its lovely Nizami cuisine.., There are so many more lovely things associated with the city.., like its architecture, the jewelery, the tourism, the nightlife.. but.., Hyderabad Biryani definitely stands out as the winner.. :) So here is the recipe of the Biryani and its accompaniment.., the Cucumber Raita..

Biryani:

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of soaked Basmati (long grained) rice
• 2 Onions, finely chopped
• 5-6 Green Chillies, Split length wise
• Fresh Coriander Leaves, Chopped
• Fresh Mint leaves, chopped (optional)
• 3-4 1/2 inch Cinnamon sticks
• 5 Cardamom pods
• 5 Cloves
• 2-3 bay Leaves/ Tej Patta
• 1 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp Caraway seeds/Shahjeera ( optional)
• 1/2 a tsp Garam masala pwd ( Powder made of assorted Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, etc
• Juice of half a Lemon
• Salt to taste
• 4-5 tbsp oil/Ghee

Method:

I generally prepare all the rice items in the electric cooker. So firstly, switch on the cooker and add the Ghee. Let it heat before you add in the Caraway seeds/Shah jeera. Let them splutter a bit. add in the Cinnamon, Cardamom, Bay Leaves and the Cloves. Now, add in the chopped onions and the split green chillies and fry them till the onions are nice and pink. Now, add in the ginger garlic paste. Fry till the raw smell of the ginger-garlic evaporates. Add in the Rice. And give the entire mixture a quick stir. Now add in the garam masala pwd, the coriander and mint leaves. Add the salt to taste and squeeze in the juice of the lime. Give it another quick stir. Add in 6 cups of water stirring gently. Cover and cook till done. Simple, easy to make Biryani is ready within half an hour.. :)

And now., for the accompaniment.. I made a potato gravy as an accompaniment along with the Cucumber Raita.., Only, I couldn't take a snap of the Gravy.., So here is the recipe of Cucumber Raita..

Cucumber Raita:

Serves: 4

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

• 250 g thick set natural yogurt or curds available in market
• 1 cucumber,finely chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• A few coriander leaves finely chopped
• 3-4 green Chillies, finely chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp roasted Cumin pwd

Method:

Beat the yogurt until smooth. Stir in the salt and the cumin powder. Add in the onions, cucumber and the chillies. Finally, add in the coriander leaves. Transfer the contents to a serving bowl. Refrigerate. Serve chilled along with the hot Biryani..

P.S: I hate Yogurt.. The smell is so nauseating. I haven't tasted it even once in my entire lifetime.., But Raj loves.., I repeat loves yogurt.., and I just have to grin and bear..

Biryani