Introduction

 

Hey there, it's Ajay Chopra! Let me take you on a journey to the streets of Muradabad, where the aroma of spices fills the air and the flavors dance on your palate. The first time I tasted Muradabadi Chicken Biryani, it was like a culinary revelation. The tender chicken, fragrant rice, and aromatic spices came together in perfect harmony, leaving an indelible mark on my taste buds. Since then, I've been hooked on recreating this exquisite dish in my own kitchen, each time reminiscing about that first unforgettable bite.

 

Let's dive into the essence of Muradabadi Chicken Biryani, a culinary gem that hails from the bustling streets of Muradabad. This dish is renowned for its rich flavors and vibrant spices, drawing inspiration from the vibrant street food culture of the region. Muradabadi Chicken Biryani encapsulates the essence of Uttar Pradesh's culinary heritage, with each bite telling a story of tradition and innovation.

 

Now, let's move on to the recipe!

 

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Recipe of Muradabadi Biryani

 

Ingredients:

 

For Marinating Chicken:

• 600 gms Chicken, biryani cut
• 1 cup Curd
• 1 tsp Salt
• 2 tbsp Ginger-garlic-green chilli paste
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 2-3 Bay leaves
• 1 Star anise
• 5-6 Cloves
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 1 Mace
• 4-5 Green cardamoms
• 2 Black cardamoms
• 8-9 Black peppercorns

 

For Muradabadi Biryani:

• 4 tbsp Oil
• 1½ cup Sliced onion
• 3-4 Green chillies
• 1 tsp Salt
• Marinated chicken
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Red chilli powder
• 1 tsp Coriander powder
• 2 tsp Saunf powder
• 2 ¾ cup Water
• 2 whole Green chillies
• ½ tbsp Lemon juice
• 1½ cup Basmati rice, soaked
• ½ tbsp Kewra water
• ¼ cup Ghee
• ½ tsp Food colour

 

 

Method:

 

Marinating Chicken:

1. In a bowl, mix curd, salt, ginger-garlic-green chilli paste, and lemon juice.
2. Add chicken pieces to the marinade.
3. Crush bay leaves, star anise, cloves, cinnamon, mace, green cardamoms, black cardamoms, and black peppercorns. Add to the marinade.
4. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Making Muradabadi Biryani:

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add sliced onions and green chillies. Sauté until onions turn golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is partially cooked.
3. Add salt, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and saunf powder. Mix well.
4. Add water, whole green chillies, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
5. Add soaked basmati rice and kewra water. Mix gently.
6. Cover and cook until the rice is 80% done and most of the water is absorbed.
7. In a separate pan, heat ghee. Add food colour and mix well.
8. Layer half of the cooked rice over the partially cooked chicken.
9. Sprinkle half of the fried onions and green chillies over the rice.
10. Drizzle half of the ghee over the rice.
11. Repeat the layers with the remaining rice, fried onions, green chillies, and ghee.
12. Cover and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and aromatic.

Serving:

1. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and fried onions.
2. Serve hot with raita or salan.

 

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About the Recipe

 

Muradabadi Chicken Biryani is a celebration of flavors and textures, combining tender chicken with fragrant rice and aromatic spices. Originating from the bustling streets of Muradabad, this dish captures the essence of Uttar Pradesh's rich culinary heritage. The marriage of bold spices and tender meat creates a symphony of flavors that tantalize the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

• Avoid excessive stirring while cooking the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Use high-quality basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.
• Marinate the chicken for at least an hour to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
• Keep the flame low once the rice comes to a boil to prevent it from burning.
• Garnish with fried onions and fresh coriander for an added burst of flavor.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Muradabadi Chicken Biryani pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber raita or tangy mint chutney. For a complete meal, serve it with a side of crispy papadums and pickled onions. To complement the rich flavors of the biryani, consider pairing it with a light and aromatic Indian lager or a fruity white wine.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Muradabadi Chicken Biryani

 

1. What makes Muradabadi Chicken Biryani unique?

   • Muradabadi Chicken Biryani is known for its unique blend of spices and the use of tender chicken pieces, creating a dish that is bursting with flavor and aroma.

2. Can I use boneless chicken for Muradabadi Chicken Biryani?

   • Yes, you can use boneless chicken for this recipe. However, using bone-in chicken adds extra flavor to the dish.

3. How long does it take to marinate the chicken?

   • It's recommended to marinate the chicken for at least an hour to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat fully.

4. Can I make Muradabadi Chicken Biryani in a pressure cooker?

   • Yes, you can make Muradabadi Chicken Biryani in a pressure cooker for a quicker cooking time. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.

5. What kind of rice is best for Muradabadi Chicken Biryani?

   • Basmati rice is the preferred choice for Muradabadi Chicken Biryani due to its long grains and fragrant aroma.

6. Can I substitute yogurt with something else in the marinade?

   • You can use sour cream or buttermilk as alternatives to yogurt in the marinade.

7. Is Muradabadi Chicken Biryani spicy?

   • The level of spiciness can be adjusted according to personal preference by controlling the amount of chili powder and green chilies used.

8. Can I make Muradabadi Chicken Biryani ahead of time?

   • Yes, you can prepare Muradabadi Chicken Biryani ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

9. What should I serve with Muradabadi Chicken Biryani?

   • Muradabadi Chicken Biryani pairs well with cucumber raita, mint chutney, or a simple salad.

10. Can I freeze Muradabadi Chicken Biryani?

    • Yes, you can freeze Muradabadi Chicken Biryani for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw it before reheating.

 

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