Prawn Biryani is one of the most flavourful and popular Biryanis especially for Sea food lover. I love to prepare the Prawn Biryani in a Matka/Handi so that the earthy flavour of the Matka infuses in the Biryani.You may use any other pot for preparing this Biryani. The preparation time for this Biryani is quite short since the prawns cook quite quickly. Please follow the timings mentioned in the recipe for cooking this Biryani so that your Prawns are not over cooked. There is no need to marinate the Prawns prior so as to restore the fresh flavours of the Prawns.The layering step of the Prawn Biryani is the most important part so make sure that it is followed to the core to get best results. The flavours of this Biryani is very close to the flavour of the Prawn Biryani from the famous Sea Food joint in Karachi Biryani of the Seas. You may use this same recipe to prepare Fish Biryani too.Hope you enjoy cooking this beautiful and flavourful Biryani :)
1kgPrawnsIf you are a Prawn lover use 200-300 gms more prawns over the 1kg Prawns
1kgRice
5PotatoesCut in Halves and partially boiled
1/2cupOil
1.5tbspGinger and Garlic Paste
1tbspGreen ChilliesFinely Chopped
3OnionsFinely Sliced
3TomatoesChopped
5-6Green Chillies
1/2cupYogurtWell beaten
Whole Spices
2-3Bay Leaves
2Star Anise
3Black Cardamom
1tbspCumin Seeds
5-6Green Cardamom
2-3Cinnamon Sticks1 inch long
1tspBlack peppercorns
1/2tspCloves
Spice Mix for Biryani Quorma
1.5tbspRed Chilli Powder
1tbspGaram Masala Powder
1.5tbspCoriander Powder
1tbspCumin Powder
1/2tspTurmeric Powder
Salt According to taste
Ingredients for Biryani Layering
1/2bunchCoriander LeavesChopped
1/2bunchMint LeavesChopped
1/2cupFried Brown Onions
1tsp Zarda Food Colour/Orange Food ColourMix with 1/4 cup of water
Instructions
Instructions for the Biryani Quorma
Pour Oil in a Matka/deep dish and add the sliced Onions, fry until Golden brown
Now add the whole Spices and fry until fragrant
Add the Ginger & Garlic Paste and the chopped Green Chilies and fry for a minute
Now add the Tomatoes and stir until the tomatoes are soft and blended
Add the Spice Mix for the Biryani Quorma including the salt to the curry and stir well, can add 1/2 cup of water if it gets too dry
When the Oil separates add the Yogurt and the Green chillies and mix well
Add the Prawns and the partially boiled Potatoes to the curry. Now cover your dish and let the curry cook on medium flame for 3-4 minutes only.
Important note: Immediately after this step the layering should start. Boil the rice and immediately after you strain the rice the layering step should begin
Instructions for Biryani Rice (Should begin this step just before adding the Prawns to the Biryani Quorma)
Wash and soak the Rice for about an hour
Boil the Rice in Water (Add salt according to you taste when boiling). The Rice should be 80% cooked as the steaming time (Dum) for the Biryani is quite short
Strain the rice and keep aside and immediately begin layering
Layering of the Biryani
Add the chopped coriander and mint leaves on top of the Biryani Quorma
Layer the rice on top of it
Drizzle some Zarda/Orange Colour on top of the Rice
Lastly add the fried onions, you may also add chopped Coriander and Mint leaves
Now cover the dish and let the Biryani steam on low flame for about 7-8 minutes
The Biryani is ready and can be served with some fresh Raita (spiced yogurt) and Salad