Masala Murg Biryani ~ Spicy Masala Biryani from Amritsar !

Being the spice savvy that I am,this recipe of Nita Mehta caught my attention the very first time I checked with her Amritsari recipes.It was a sure bet for me I knew from the beginning.The masala paste which is the key ingredient of this Biryani seemed exotic and rich in the first place.Cooked in coconut milk,you can imagine how succulent the rice may turn ! This is a quick-fix if you have the masala paste ready.Extremely healthy since you can go for any oil of your choice.Wrap your apron and try this for weekend.Cheers !

Ingredients

2 cups basmati rice

500 gm chicken,cut into medium pieces

5 cup semi-thick coconut milk (ready made will do)

1 tsp turmeric powder

3 tbsp lemon juice

3-5 tbsp oil of your choice

salt as required

To dry and grind to paste

7 dried,red chillies

2 medium size onions,chopped

4 tbsp coriander seeds

4 cloves

8 black peppercorns

12 flakes of garlic

4 tsp chopped ginger

2 tbsp cumin seeds/jeera

2 tsp fennel seeds/saunf

2" stick of cinnamon

seeds of 4 black cardamoms

1/4 tsp grated nutmeg/nutmeg powder

Method

Wash and soak the basmati rice in normal water for 30 minutes.Meanwhile roast all the ingredients mentioned in particular section.This should be done in medium heat stirring in between.It may take 7 minutes by which time it will release nice aroma around.Grind it to a fine paste adding little water.

Heat oil in a heavy bottomed vessel with a tight lid.Add chicken pieces to this and roast in medium flame till it turn golden brown.This may take more than 10 minutes since the chicken is about to release water.When it's almost dried up and chicken is golden brown add the prepared spice paste and keep roasting till the raw smell disappear and it leaves oil.At this point,reduce the heat and pour in half cup of coconut milk.Mix well and cook till it's almost dry.Add turmeric powder,salt,remaining coconut milk and the soaked rice.Mix gently  and bring to a boil.Then reduce the heat,close with the lid and cook till the rice is cooked and water gets dried.In between you may gently mix the biryani.Switch off when done.Sprinkle lemon juice and mix slowly.Serve hot.