Chicken Pulao recipe

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 500g chicken (cut into pieces)
• 2 onions (sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 green chilies (sliced)
• 1-inch piece of ginger (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 2 bay leaves
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 4-5 whole black peppercorns
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
• Fried onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Wash the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.

2. Heat oil or ghee in a large pot or pressure cooker over medium heat. Add the bay leaves, cloves, black peppercorns, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and cumin seeds. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

3. Add the sliced onions and cook until they turn golden brown.

4. Add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, ginger, and garlic. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and oil starts to separate from the masala.

5. Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Cook for a few minutes until the chicken is lightly browned.

6. Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

7. Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot. Stir gently to combine everything.

8. Add enough water to cover the rice and chicken completely. For 2 cups of rice, you'll need about 4 cups of water. Adjust the water depending on the type of rice and your desired consistency.

9. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the chicken is tender. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. If using a pressure cooker, cook for about 1-2 whistles depending on your cooker.

10. Once done, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.

11. Fluff the pulao gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and fried onions if desired.

12. Serve hot with raita (yogurt sauce) or salad on the side.

Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken pulao!