Mediterranean Biryani

Ingredients

This Mediterranean Biryani differs from the original South Asian version in the use of spices and herbs. Instead of traditional biryani spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom, we use Mediterranean spices like oregano, thyme, and paprika. We also add vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to the dish for added nutrition and flavor. 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 (190g) basmati rice 1 cup (190g) basmati rice
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 tsp (5g) paprika 1 tsp (5g) paprika
• 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano
• 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt
• 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper 1/4 tsp (1.25g) black pepper
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 / 1340
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g / 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g / 5g
• Protein: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat oven to 180C (350F).
2. 2.
   In a large oven-safe pot, bring chicken broth to a boil.
3. 3.
   Add rice to the pot and stir to combine.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
5. 5.
   Add onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until softened.
6. 6.
   Add bell pepper and zucchini to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes.
7. 7.
   Add paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the pan and stir to combine.
8. 8.
   Add chicken to the pan and cook until browned on all sides.
9. 9.
   Add the chicken and vegetable mixture to the pot with the rice and stir to combine.
10. 10.
    Cover the pot with a lid and bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Chicken breasts — Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and to make it easier to eat.

Tips & Tricks

• Use a large oven-safe pot with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even cooking and to prevent the rice from drying out.
• Add a pinch of saffron to the rice for added flavor and color.
• Substitute the chicken with lamb or beef for a different flavor and texture.
• Serve the biryani with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.
• Leftover biryani can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean Biryani hot with a side of yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Presentation advice

Garnish the biryani with sliced almonds or raisins for added texture and flavor.