Let’s Make Healthy Biryani With the Best Ingredients

Healthy Biryani Recipe with the Best Ingredients

Biryani is a delightful and aromatic Indian dish that can be made healthier without compromising its delicious flavors. By using the best ingredients and making some smart choices, you can create a nutritious and wholesome version of this classic dish. Here’s a healthy biryani recipe that you’ll love:

Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice (preferably soaked for 30 minutes)
– 1 lb boneless chicken or vegetables of your choice (cut into bite-sized pieces)
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (low-fat or non-fat for a healthier option)
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 2-3 slit green chilies (tune the amount of heat to your taste)
– 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
– 4-5 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
– 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
– 1/4 cup fried onions (for garnish)
– 2 tablespoons ghee or olive oil
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– Whole spices: 1 bay leaf, 4-5 cloves, 2-3 green cardamoms, 1-inch cinnamon stick
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/8 teaspoon red chilli powder (modify to your own level of heat)
– 1 teaspoon biryani masala or garam masala
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the soaked rice. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% done. Drain the water and set the rice aside.

2. In a separate pan, heat ghee or olive oil. Add the cumin seeds and whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cardamoms, and cinnamon) and sauté for a minute until they release their aroma.

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

4. Add the grated ginger and minced garlic, and cook for another minute until the raw smell disappears.

5. Add the chopped tomatoes and green chilies. Cook the tomatoes just until they start to soften and the oil begins to separate.

6. Now, add the chicken or vegetables and cook until they are partially done.

7. Stir in the Greek yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, biryani masala, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves. Mix well to coat the chicken or vegetables with the spices and yogurt.

8. Layer the partially cooked rice over the chicken or vegetable mixture in the pot.

9. Garnish with fried onions and a handful of chopped cilantro and mint leaves.

10. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let the biryani cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, until the rice and chicken or vegetables are fully cooked.

11. Once done, gently fluff the biryani with a fork and serve hot with raita or yogurt sauce on the side.

This healthy biryani recipe combines the richness of spices with the goodness of Greek yogurt and fresh vegetables or lean chicken. Enjoy the delectable flavors of this wholesome dish while knowing you’ve made the best ingredient choices for a nutritious meal!