Cheryl's Biryani

You can be sure of delicious food at Cheryl's home. Apart from her Dhall with Acorn Squash recipe, featured on this site, do try this recipe for Cheryl's excellent biryani. For those not familiar with Biryani, it is a rice dish with a number of ingredients & a range of exotic spices that exude a tantalizing aroma. Biryani is often served as a main dish. Not all Biryani's are vegetarian. There are also chicken, mutton & fish biryanis.

There are many different styles to cooking Biryani, but many of the flavorings and spices are similar. The cooking process may include either steaming, baking, pressure cooking, or stove - top cooking. Cheryl's version is delicious and will give you good results when you try this recipe. This quantity will serve between 5-6 adults.



INGREDIENTS

  1. 2 cups rice
  2. ½ cup red lentils (masoor)
  3. 1½ cups canola oil
  4. 3 med. onions -1 diced, 2 sliced
  5. 2cups crushed tomatoes
  6. 2 tsp. crushed garlic.
  7. ½ tsp. crushed ginger
  8. 1 tsp. turmeric powder
  9. 4 large potatoes peeled and quartered
  10. 3 cloves, 2 elachi (cardomom), 2, 2"cinnamon sticks, 2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, 2 bay leaves
  11. 5 tsp. powdered coriander (dhania)
  12. 2 tblsp. Shan Biryani Mix
  13. 2 tsp. cumin powder(Jeera)
  14. 2 tsp. powdered fennel (soomph)
  15. salt to taste (approx. 2 tsp.)

METHOD

  • Pick lentils & wash, then boil together. Add cloves, elachi and cinnamon. When rice is still firm drain water and set aside
  • Wash all fresh vegetables that will be used
  • Marinate mixed veg in spices, salt & tomatoes. Add cloves, cinnamon, elachi, bay leaves, red pepper flakes garlic, ginger & diced onion mix. Set aside
  • Heat 1 cup oil. Fry potatoes until golden brown-set aside
  • In remaining oil fry sliced onions - set aside
  • In rest of oil, cook marinated veg, about 10 mins.
  • Add potatoes & rice to vegetables. Stir until well mixed. Decorate with fried onions
  • 1½ cups water. Cover & steam on low/med until water has evaporated
  • Serve with sambals, salads and dhall


biryani

Cheryl's Delicious Biryani enjoyed at a recent potluck





biryani

Masoor also commonly know as Red Lentils





biryani

Bay Leaves, Cinnamon Sticks & Cardomom (elachi)




Many of the spices mentioned in this recipe are obtainable from regular grocery stores. For some items like Shan's Biryani Mix, check out Indian grocery stores.
For other recipes by Cheryl please check Dhall with Acorn Squash

If you have any questions or would like to add a recipe of your own, email me, Nirmala, at email address.
I will be happy to help in any way I can. The site will be regularly updated with tasty recipes and hints and tips. You can also reach me at Contact

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