| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins – 45 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 460 | 10g | 2g | 85g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 13g | 3g | 9g | 1.2g |
The Indian Asafoetida Biryani continues to hold a special place in my heart, for reasons spanning far beyond its aromatic blend of spices and intruiging interplay of flavors. It was by blending the rustic cuisine of Montana ranchers, my Native American heritage, and travel-induced culinary inspirations that I decided to put a distinctive spin on this classic Indian dish. But instead of retaining its traditional meatiness, I’ve given it a unique, fruit-based overtone.
A Healthful Treat Packed with Fruity Goodness
Incorporating fruits like pineapple, apple, and pomegranate in the biryani brings forth a curious mix of sweet, sour, and savory tastes. It does not just stimulate and please the palate, but also works wonders in adding an extra dose of essential vitamins and antioxidants to the meal. Please checked out some of the health benefits of Pomegranate to understand the nutritional punch packed into this delightful recipe.
Unifying Diverse Flavors Under One Roof
The Indian Asafoetida Biryani, like Montana’s grand landscapes, blends diverse elements into a harmonious whole. It’s a delightful gastronomic journey that brings together the pungency of asafoetida, the tanginess of tomatoes, the subtle sweetness of mixed fruits, and the fresh overtones of mint and cilantro. A spoonful of this vibrant dish is a feast for the senses, reminiscent of a grand fusion between traditional Indian spices and fresh Montana produce.
This fruit-based biryani recipe can complement various dishes. It pairs well with crisp Indian bread, like naan or papadums, or with a refreshing side of cucumber raita, a creamy yogurt based salad. It’s also reminiscent of other rice dishes such as Nigerian fried rice or Ghanaian jollof rice, but marked with its unique fruit spin and complex seasoning.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Basmati Rice
- 3 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Asafoetida
- 3 large Onions, finely sliced
- 1 large Tomato, finely chopped
- 1.5 cups mixed Fruits (such as pineapple, apple, and pomegranate)
- 1 tablespoon Ginger-Garlic paste
- 2 Green Chillies, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons Biryani Masala Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric Powder
- 1 tablespoon Red Chilli Powder
- 3 tablespoons Vegetable Oil
- 1/2 cup fresh Mint Leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh Cilantro Leaves
- 1 Lime, juiced
- 1 cup plain Yogurt
- Salt to taste
Method
Step One
Start with rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rinsed rice in 3 cups of water for about 20 minutes.
Step Two
Simultaneously, heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown. Add the ginger-garlic paste and chopped green chillies and sauté for another 2-3 minutes.
Step Three
Then add the asafoetida, biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, and red chilli powder into the pan. Stir all the ingredients well until the spices blend with the onions.
Step Four
Add the finely chopped tomato into the spice mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomato softens. Then add the mixed fruits and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step Five
Next step is to drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Sauté for a couple of minutes until each rice grain is coated with the spices. Pour in the remaining water and stir gently.
Step Six
Add salt to taste, cover the pan with a lid and let the rice cook until it is 70% done. This should typically take around 10-15 minutes.
Step Seven
Once the rice is 70% cooked, add the chopped mint and cilantro leaves, lime juice and plain yogurt on top of the rice. Mix lightly without breaking the rice grains and again cover the pan with the lid.
Step Eight
Allow the rice to cook fully on low heat. This should typically take around 10-15 minutes. Once done, turn off the flame and leave the biryani to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Step Nine
After resting, your Indian Asafoetida Biryani is ready to serve. Fluff gently with a fork before serving. Enjoy this delicious biryani with your favourite side dish.
