| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 445 | 17g | 8g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 4g | 12g | 1.2g |
There is a myriad of reasons to love the Alkanet Root Biryani Recipe. This distinct blend of flavors marries my Nebraska roots and the vibrant international cuisine I grew up exploring. Born out of the heartland, my relationship with cooking has always been about comfort, coupled with an adventurous appreciation for international dishes.
A Celebration of Ingredients
The Alkanet Root Biryani Recipe, for all its culinary complexity, shares a spirit of heartland cooking. This recipe brings together the global appeal of Basmati rice, topped off with the rustic and comforting presence of fresh fruits. Not only does this concoction add a pop of color, but it also contributes the necessary natural sugars that bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. It’s not wholly dissimilar to our traditional mixed fruit cobblers, but presents these comfort staples in a new, exciting, healthy dish.
A Mosaic of Flavors
The aromatic ensemble of spices–cloves, star anise, cardamom, fennel seeds, and cinnamon–creates a fragrant, multi-layered dance of flavors reminiscent of a nice, spiced apple cider or a comforting beef stew at a Sunday church gathering. It’s this harmonic mosaic of flavors that connects this dish back home, while introducing my palate to a novel, colorful tapestry of taste.
While the dish is flavorful as is, the Alkanet Root Biryani also pairs exceptionally well with Yogurt Marinated Chicken Kebabs or a Fragrant Mango & Prawn Curry for a fully realized meal.
Nutrition and Health
Equally important, the Alkanet Root Biryani Recipe possesses several health benefits. This biryani is brimming with antioxidants from the fruits, spices, and almonds. These ingredients, combined with the fibre-filled Basmati rice, help to promote a healthy digestive system. This recipe also offers a comfortable way to indulge in food, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In essence, the Alkanet Root Biryani Recipe delivers a heartwarming, delicious, and nutritious experience. It’s a recipe I cherish as it beautifully interweaves the essence of my Midwestern upbringing with a rich tapestry of international flavor.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 4 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Alkanet root powder
- 1.5 cups fresh mixed fruits (e.g. apples, grapes, pears, pomegranate, etc.)
- 2 Onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon Ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon Garlic paste
- 2 Green chilies, slit
- 6 cloves
- 2 inch piece Cinnamon stick
- 4 Cardamom
- 1 teaspoon Fennel seeds
- 1 Star anise
- 1 Bay leaf
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoon Ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup Toasted cashew nuts
- 1/2 cup Golden raisins
Method
Step One
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Once rinsed, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes. After soaking, drain the rice and set it aside.
Step Two
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the drained rice and a tablespoon of alkanet root powder. Cook the rice until it is 70% done, then drain the water and set the rice aside.
Step Three
In a separate pan, heat up the ghee. Once the ghee is hot, add the finely chopped onions, green chilies, ginger paste, and garlic paste. Sauté these ingredients on a medium heat until the onions become golden brown.
Step Four
Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom, fennel seeds, star anise and bay leaf to the pan and sauté for a minute until the spices become fragrant.
Step Five
Add the mixed fruits to the pan and stir well to combine. Then, add salt to taste and cook for an additional minute.
Step Six
Add the partially cooked rice to the pan and gently mix everything together. Ensure the rice and fruits are evenly spread out.
Step Seven
Sprinkle the fresh mint and cilantro leaves on top of the rice and fruit mixture. Then, cover the pan with a lid and cook on a low heat for 20-30 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the flavors have melded together.
Step Eight
Finally, garnish the biryani with toasted cashew nuts and golden raisins. Mix gently and serve immediately.
Enjoy your Alkanet Root Biryani!
