Nouvelle Cuisine Biryani

Ingredients

While the essence of Biryani remains intact, this Nouvelle Cuisine adaptation focuses on delicate presentation and refined flavors. The dish is elegantly plated, with each component meticulously arranged to create a visually stunning masterpiece. The spices are subtly balanced, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. We alse have the original recipe for Biryani, so you can check it out.

• 500g (2 1/4 cups) basmati rice 500g (2 1/4 cups) basmati rice
• 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into pieces 500g (1 lb) boneless chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger paste 2 teaspoons ginger paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk 1/4 teaspoon saffron strands, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk
• 1 cup chicken broth 1 cup chicken broth
• Salt to taste Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 60g, 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown and caramelized.
3. 3.
   Add the minced garlic and ginger paste to the pot and cook for another minute.
4. 4.
   Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
5. 5.
   Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, and cinnamon. Cook for 2 minutes to toast the spices.
6. 6.
   Add the soaked saffron strands with milk and chicken broth to the pot. Season with salt to taste.
7. 7.
   Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
8. 8.
   Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the boiling water and cook until it is 70% cooked. Drain the rice.
9. 9.
   Layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken in the pot. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the rice to fully cook.
10. 10.
    Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
11. 11.
    Gently fluff the rice with a fork, ensuring the chicken and rice are evenly mixed. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basmati rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for a fluffy texture.
• Saffron strands — Soak the saffron in warm milk to release its vibrant color and delicate aroma.
• Caramelized onions — Slowly cook the onions until they turn golden brown for a sweet and rich flavor.
• Chicken — Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Fresh cilantro — Use fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and vibrant green color.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the dish with edible flowers.
• Experiment with different proteins such as lamb or shrimp for a variation in flavors.
• Add a handful of toasted nuts, such as almonds or cashews, for a delightful crunch.
• Serve the Nouvelle Cuisine Biryani with a side of refreshing cucumber raita to balance the flavors.
• To intensify the aroma, lightly toast the whole spices before grinding them.

Serving advice

Serve the Nouvelle Cuisine Biryani on individual plates, ensuring each portion is beautifully presented. Accompany it with a small side salad for a fresh contrast.

Presentation advice

Create an artistic presentation by arranging the chicken pieces on top of the rice, garnishing with a sprinkle of saffron strands and fresh cilantro leaves. Drizzle a touch of saffron-infused oil over the dish for an added visual appeal.