Biryani, biriani, or beriani is a set of rice-based foods made with spices, rice (usually basmati) and meat, fish, eggs or vegetables. The name is derived from the Persian word beryā(n) (بریان) which means "fried" or "roasted".Biryani was originated in Iran (Persia) and it was brought to South Asia by Iranian travelers and merchants. Local variants of this dish are popular not only in South Asia but also in Arabia and within various South Asian communities in Western countries.
Ingredients:
1kg basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
2-3 tsp ghee/butter
1 star anise
2 sticks cinnamon
4 cardamoms
2 stalks lemongrass,
bruise
5 pandan leaves, tear the middle and tie into a knot
1/4 cup yoghurt
3 cups evaporated milk
3 cups water
salt
some saffron or use colouring
some toasted almond slivers or cashew nuts + raisins fried in ghee/butter for garnishing
Directions:
Heat ghee, fry the spices till fragrant
Add the rice and stir fry for about 2 minutes
Transfer everything to the rice cooker
Add lemongrass, yoghurt, water, evaporated milk, salt and pandan leaves and stir the mixtureSwitch on rice cooker and cook
Once cooked, sprinkle saffron or colouring to the rice and mix gently
Sprinkle toasted nuts and fried raisins and serve
