Recipe: Chicken Biriani

Ingredients...

8-10 oz basmati rice, rinsed
2 tbsps olive oil
2 shallots, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 tsp finely chopped fresh ginger
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin

TO GARNISH...

1 tbsp fried shallots
2 tbsps toasted flaked almonds
1 tsp ground coriander
a pinch of nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp turmeric
6 fl oz natural yoghurt
1 tsp sugar
3 tbsp raisins or sultanas
salt and black pepper

Instructions...

1) Boil the rice in 3 pts water with a little salt for 8 minutes, stirring once and keeping the water at a rolling boil. Drain and reserve.Meanwhile, thinly slice the chicken breasts.

2) In a large saucepan or casserole with a tight fitting lid heat the oil and fry the shallots, ginger and garlic for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

3) Add te chicken, raise the heat and stir fry for 3 minutes. Add all the ground spices and stir again for a few seconds.

4) Add the yoghurt and stir for one minute, then add the sugar and raisins or sultanas and stir again.Check seasoning.

5) Put the rice on top then cover the saucepan with foil or a damp teatowel and put the lid on tightly. Reduce the heat to low and cook undisturbed for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and rest, still covered, for 5 minutes.Uncover, sprinkle with the garnishes and serve.
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