Chana Biryani

 Biryani is a staple rice dish in many South Asian countries. They come with a variety of ingredients and types, but have a common theme of similar spices and flavors. This biryani is a chana (chickpea) biryani that is high in protein, flavorful and a comforting healthy dinner.

 

Chana Biriyani with vegan raitha served on the side

Serves: 3 people 

For Biryani rice:

1 cup basmati rice 

1½ cups water

1 tbsp oil 

2 tbsp cumin seeds

1/2 cinnamon sticks

3 green cardamom pods

1 bay leaf 

3 clove

 

For Briyani: 

2 green chilies 

1 tsp rice 

1/2 onion

1 tbsp minced garlic

2 tsp minced ginger (or use 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste if you have)

1 cup frozen peas and carrots 

1/2 cup frozen corn kernels

1/2 can chickpeas or garbanzo beans 

1 tsp garam masala 

1 tsp chili powder

 

For raitha (optional): raitha is a South Asian yogurt dressing with added fresh veggies. It serves as a refreshing side to a flavor and spice-rich biryani. Here is my recipe! 

1 cup vegan yogurt (unsweetened)

1 tsp salt 

1/2 larger cucumber

1 tomato

1/2 red onion

2 tbsp fresh dill  

1 tsp minced green chilies (optional for heat)

1. The first part of your biryani is to prepare the rice. Wash one cup of basmati rice at least 3 times or until the water is fairly clear. This will remove excess starch from rice and allows a fluffy consistency. 

2. Once the rice has been rinsed, add water, oil, cumin seeds, a bay leaf, salt, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and cloves. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or or a pot. Fluff it up every 5 minutes or so to ensure that it cooks well

3. As the flavored rice cooks, bring a pot or wok to heat and add a neutral flavored oil. Finely chop your onion, and mince your garlic and ginger. Add them to the pot with the heated oil. saute until the onions are translucent. Then add garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder. 

4. Add 1 cup of frozen veggies to the masala and mix until well combined. Add a little bit of water if the mixture is a bit too dry. Then add your frozen corn kernels and mix as well. 

5. Add half a can of chickpeas and mix until all veggies and spices are combined. It is now time to add the rice. Mix the rice into the masala. Then serve with raitha if desired.