Delicious Prawn Biryani with Crispy Prawns

Indulge in this flavorful Prawn Biryani, featuring aromatic basmati rice layered with succulent prawns and crispy onions. Perfect for special occasions or a delightful family meal!

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cardamoms
• 1 stick cinnamon
• 1 tsp shahi jeera (cumin seeds)
• 1 star anise
• 1 Maggi cube
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste (fresh)
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• 1 tbsp chopped mint
• ½ tbsp crushed or chopped curry leaves
• 2 slit green chillies
• 1 tbsp ghee
• ½ juice of lemon
• ½ cup curd
• 1 tbsp biryani masala (any brand)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• Pinch red chilli powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp pepper powder
• ½ tsp jeera powder
• 1 tbsp ghee for prawns
• 15-20 medium-sized prawns
• Salt to taste
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• ½ tsp coriander powder
• ½ tsp jeera powder
• ½ tsp pepper powder
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste (fresh)
• 1 tbsp crushed or chopped curry leaves
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• ½ tbsp cornflour
• Oil for deep frying
• 2 medium-sized onions (for frying)
• 5-7 strands saffron or saffron color as per preference

Instructions

1. Wash and soak the basmati rice for 15-20 minutes.
2. In a pressure cooker, add the soaked rice, 2 cups of water, and all the ingredients listed under "biryani rice ingredients."
3. Turn on the flame for the cooker. Wait until bubbles rise, then put the lid on and pressure cook for exactly 2 whistles.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients listed under "biryani masala" and set aside.
5. Once the pressure is released, open the cooker lid and gently spread the prepared masala and saffron water (or saffron color) over the hot rice. Mix lightly and put the lid back on to let it rest and steam.
6. Meanwhile, clean and devein the prawns, then marinate them with all the ingredients listed under "prawns 65 marination."
7. Heat oil for deep frying and fry the marinated prawns until golden and crispy.
8. In the same oil, fry the chopped onions until golden brown.
9. For serving, take a deep-bottomed bowl or vessel. Layer with prawns, followed by a layer of fried onions, and then cover with rice. Cover the bowl or vessel with a plate or lid and let it rest for 5 minutes.
10. To serve, turn the bowl or vessel upside down onto a large serving plate or thali. Garnish with coriander and enjoy with raita.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition information per serving is not available at this moment.

Understanding Prawn Biryani

Prawn Biryani is a celebration of flavors and aromas that captures the essence of Indian cuisine. The dish is characterized by its layered cooking method, where fragrant basmati rice is cooked separately and then layered with spiced prawns and crispy fried onions. This technique not only enhances the dish s presentation but also allows each element to shine. The prawns bring a delightful sweetness and a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the spiced rice. When preparing this dish, using high-quality basmati rice is crucial, as its long grains and nutty flavor form the backbone of the biryani.

The Importance of Marination

Marination is a key step in achieving the perfect Prawn Biryani. By marinating the prawns with spices like turmeric, red chili powder, and ginger garlic paste, you infuse them with flavor and tenderize the meat. The acidity from the lemon juice and curd in the marinade helps to break down the proteins in the prawns, resulting in a juicy, flavorful bite. Allow the prawns to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even longer if time permits, to ensure the spices penetrate deeply. This step is essential for balancing the overall taste of the dish and ensuring that each layer is packed with flavor.

Layering for Perfection

Layering is an art in biryani-making that can significantly affect the final outcome. When assembling the biryani, it s important to follow a specific order: start with a layer of cooked prawns, add a generous layer of crispy fried onions, and then top it off with the spiced rice. This method ensures that each serving has a balanced mix of prawns, rice, and toppings. Additionally, allowing the biryani to rest after layering is crucial as it helps the flavors meld together. Covering the pot with a lid traps steam, which continues to cook the rice and prawns gently, enhancing their flavors and aromas.

Serving Suggestions

Prawn Biryani is often served with accompaniments that complement its rich flavors. A cooling raita made with yogurt, cucumber, and mint is a classic pairing that provides a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the biryani. Additionally, serving it with a side of pickles or a tangy salad can elevate the meal experience. For a festive touch, consider garnishing the biryani with fresh coriander leaves, fried onions, and a sprinkle of saffron strands. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the dish but also adds a hint of luxury that is perfect for special occasions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen prawns for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen prawns. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating. This will help the marinade stick better and prevent excess moisture during cooking.

What can I substitute for basmati rice?

If you don t have basmati rice, you can use jasmine rice as an alternative. However, the cooking time may vary, so be sure to adjust accordingly for the best results.

How can I make Prawn Biryani less spicy?

To reduce the spice level, you can decrease the amount of green chilies and red chili powder used in the marination and rice preparation. Additionally, serving the biryani with a cooling raita can help balance out the heat.

Practical Cooking Tips and Tricks

Here are some practical tips to ensure your Prawn Biryani turns out perfect every time:

• Soak the Rice: Always soak basmati rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the grains elongate and cook evenly.
• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices impart more flavor to your biryani. Always check your spice cupboard and replace old spices to enhance the dish s aroma.
• Don t Rush the Cooking: Allow the biryani to rest after assembling. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld together, so be patient!
• Keep the Prawns Dry: Ensure the prawns are patted dry before marination and frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Be Mindful of Cooking Time: Overcooking prawns can make them rubbery, so keep an eye on them while frying.