Croatian-style Biryani

Ingredients

This Croatian-style biryani recipe uses Croatian ingredients such as lamb, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and incorporates Croatian cooking techniques such as grilling and sautéing. The spices used are similar to traditional biryani, but the proportions have been adjusted to suit Croatian tastes. We alse have the original recipe for Biryani, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1 lb) lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces 500g (1 lb) lamb, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups (470ml) basmati rice 2 cups (470ml) basmati rice
• 2 onions, chopped 2 onions, chopped
• 2 bell peppers, chopped 2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 green chilies, chopped 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin seeds 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander powder 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 cup (120ml) yogurt 1/2 cup (120ml) yogurt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Water, as needed Water, as needed

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 650 / 2720
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g / 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g / 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice in cold water and soak for 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté until fragrant.
3. 3.
   Add the onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the lamb and sauté until browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, and red chili powder. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.
6. 6.
   Add the yogurt and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Drain the rice and add it to the pot. Mix well.
8. 8.
   Add enough water to cover the rice by about 1 inch (2.5cm). Add salt to taste.
9. 9.
   Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 20 minutes.
10. 10.
    Remove from heat and let sit for 10 minutes.
11. 11.
    Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Soaking the rice before cooking helps to remove excess starch and results in fluffier rice.
• Lamb — Be sure to cut the lamb into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Tips & Tricks

• To make this dish spicier, add more red chili powder or green chilies.
• For a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices used.
• This dish can be made with chicken or beef instead of lamb.
• Serve with a side of raita (yogurt sauce) and naan bread.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve hot with a side of raita and naan bread.

Presentation advice

Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and sliced green chilies for a pop of color.