Italian Biryani

Ingredients

This Italian version of biryani uses arborio rice instead of basmati rice, and Italian spices such as oregano and basil instead of traditional biryani spices like cumin and coriander. Chicken is used as the protein in this recipe instead of beef or lamb. We alse have the original recipe for Biryani, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth 2 cups (470ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (200g) arborio rice 1 cup (200g) arborio rice
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp basil 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp turmeric 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp salt 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 / 1464
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g / 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g / 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat oven to 180C (350F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
3. 3.
   Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
4. 4.
   Add red and green bell peppers and cook for 2-3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Add frozen peas, oregano, basil, paprika, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
6. 6.
   Add arborio rice and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
7. 7.
   Transfer mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
8. 8.
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until rice is cooked through and liquid is absorbed.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Arborio rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent the rice from becoming too sticky.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Add a pinch of saffron to the rice for an extra burst of flavor.
• Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken to make this dish vegetarian.

Serving advice

Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Presentation advice

Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for a pop of color.