Exceptionally Savory and Delicious Indian Fish Biryani Recipe
Discover the true essence of Indian flavors with this traditional fish biryani recipe, originally featured in Thursday Magazine and brought to you with love on Love With Recipes. This dish combines perfectly spiced fish with fragrant basmati rice in a mouthwatering, layered preparation. With a blend of aromatic spices and a signature “dum” (sealed slow-cooking) technique, this recipe ensures an unforgettable meal.
Preparation and Cooking Times
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 45 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Recipe Overview
| Category | Cuisine | Difficulty Level | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Dish Meal | Indian | Medium | 6 |
Description:
This recipe is a culinary treasure from Mona Basu, celebrating the vibrant spices and flavors of India. The fish biryani pairs perfectly with a cooling raita for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
Hereβs a comprehensive list of ingredients to create this exceptional fish biryani.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1/2 kg |
| Onions (thinly sliced) | 1/2 kg |
| Nonfat plain yogurt | 3 tbsp |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Cinnamon powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Cumin powder | 3 tsp |
| Turmeric powder | 2 tsp |
| Red chili powder (for fish) | 1 tsp |
| Red chili powder (additional) | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Mint leaves (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander leaves (chopped) | 1/2 cup |
| Curry leaves | 10 leaves |
| Tamarind paste | 1 tsp |
| Ginger paste | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic paste | 1 tbsp |
| Green chili paste | 1 tbsp |
| Cooking oil | As needed |
| Wheat flour (for sealing) | As needed |
Nutritional Information
This fish biryani recipe serves six and offers the following nutritional benefits per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 843.1 kcal |
| Fat Content | 57.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.4 mg |
| Sodium | 57.4 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 75.3 g |
| Fiber | 5.3 g |
| Sugar | 6.8 g |
| Protein | 9.1 g |
Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create your fish biryani masterpiece:
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1. Marinate the Fish | Marinate fish with red chili powder, salt, turmeric powder, tamarind paste, and ginger-garlic paste for 30 minutes. |
| 2. Prepare the Onions | Heat oil in a pan. Fry the sliced onions until golden brown, remove from oil, and crush them. Set aside. |
| 3. Fry the Fish | In the same oil, fry the marinated fish until golden. Remove and set aside. |
| 4. Cook the Masala Base | In the remaining oil, stir-fry ginger, garlic, and green chili pastes until aromatic. Add chopped tomatoes, curry leaves, and spices (cumin, coriander, cinnamon, turmeric, and red chili powder). Cook for 2 minutes. |
| 5. Add Yogurt & Onions | Stir in yogurt, crushed onions, and salt to taste. Cook until oil separates, then add fried fish, mint, and coriander leaves. |
| 6. Prepare the Rice | Parboil the rice until 75% cooked, then drain. |
| 7. Assemble the Layers | In a large pot, alternately layer rice and the prepared fish masala. Start and end with rice. |
| 8. Seal the Pot | Seal the pot with a dough layer made from wheat flour. Press edges tightly to trap steam. |
| 9. Cook on Dum | Cook on high heat for 5 minutes, then reduce to low heat and cook for 20 minutes. |
| 10. Serve | Break the seal, gently mix the biryani, and serve hot with raita of your choice. |
Tips for Best Results
- Rice Texture: Parboiling ensures that the rice remains separate and fluffy after cooking.
- Fish Selection: Use firm-fleshed fish like kingfish, pomfret, or tilapia for better results.
- Authentic Flavor: Cook in a clay pot if available for a traditional experience.
- Raita Pairing: A cucumber or boondi raita complements the spices perfectly.
Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful Indian Fish Biryani, crafted with care for your table. Let the love for cooking shine with every spoonful!
