Are you craving a hearty and flavorful meal that will transport you to the streets of Pakistan? Look no further than my Chicken Pulao recipe. This iconic Pakistani dish is a staple at family gatherings and special occasions, and for good reason. It’s packed full of aromatic spices, tender chicken, and fragrant Basmati rice. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and will have your kitchen smelling like a Pakistani bazaar in no time. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups Basmati rice
– 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
– 1 large onion, sliced
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
– 2 green chilies, slit
– 1/2 cup yogurt
– 1/4 cup cooking oil
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 4 cloves
– 4 green cardamom pods
– 2 black cardamom pods
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon coriander powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Recipe:
1. Rinse the Basmati rice under cold water and soak for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook until golden brown.
3. Add the garlic, ginger, and green chilies to the pot and sauté for a minute.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices.
5. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and coriander powder. Pour this mixture over the chicken and stir to coat.
7. Add the whole spices (cinnamon stick, cloves, green cardamom pods, black cardamom pods, cumin seeds, and black peppercorns) to the pot and stir to evenly distribute.
8. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
9. Add the soaked Basmati rice to the pot and gently stir to combine with the chicken and spices.
10. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
11. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves before serving.
So, what are you waiting for? This Chicken Pulao recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Give it a try and let the flavors of Pakistan come to life in your own kitchen!