Aloo Biryani

Preparation :25 mins
Cook :10 mins
Total Time :35 mins
Servings :Makes 4 servings

Ingredients :

For The Rice Mixture
3 cups cooked long grained rice (basmati)
1 1/2 tbsp ghee
salt to taste
1/2 cup deep fried onions

To Be Blended To A Smooth Paste
1 cup roughly chopped tomatoes
1/4 cup grated coconut
1/2 tsp roughly chopped ginger (adrak)
1 tbsp roughly chopped garlic (lehsun)
2 tsp roughly chopped green chillies
2 tbsp chopped mint leaves (phudina)
2 tbsp chopped coriander (dhania)
1/2 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
1/4 cup water

For The Gravy
2 tbsp oil
1 bayleaf (tejpatta)
2 cloves (laung / lavang)
3 black peppercorns (kalimirch)
2 cardamoms (elaichi)
1 small stick cinnamon (dalchini)
1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
1 tsp chilli powder
1 1/2 tsp coriander (dhania) powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
salt to taste

Other Ingredients
1 1/4 cups deep-fried baby potatoes halves
2 tbsp finely chopped mint leaves (phudina)
2 tbsp finely chopped coriander (dhania)

Method :

For the rice mixture
For the rice mixture Heat the ghee in a deep non-stick pan, add the rice and salt and sauté on a medium flame for 2 minutes.
Switch off the flame, add the deep-fried onions and mix gently. Keep aside.

For the gravy
For the gravy Heat the oil in a deep non-stick pan, add the bayleaf, cloves, peppercorns, cardamom, cinnamon and sauté on a medium flame for a few seconds.
Add the prepared paste, turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, garam masala, salt and ½ cup of water, mix well and cook on a medium flame for 4 to 5 minutes, while stirring occasionally. Keep aside.

How to proceed
How to proceed Place half the rice mixture in a shallow microwave and oven safe glass dish and spread it evenly.
Pour the gravy over it and spread it evenly.
Place the deep-fried potato halves on it.
Sprinkle 1 tbsp of mint leaves and 1 tbsp of coriander evenly over it.
Put the remaining rice mixture and spread it evenly.Finally sprinkle again with 1 tbsp of mint leaves and 1 tbsp of coriander evenly over it.
Microwave on high for 2 minutes or bake in a pre-heated oven at 200°c (400°f) for 10 minutes.
Serve hot.