Homestyle Express Biryani (Rice Cooker Method)
Makes: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Making an authentic biryani is a whole day affair and can involve so many ingredients and elusive exotic spices. With our special Homestyle Express Biryani Kit and accompanying tested recipe, we have you covered for nights when you want to put an elaborate-tasting dish like biryani on the table with barely 5 minutes hands-on time to spare.
Cooking the biryani in the rice cooker means that you can literally press the start button, take a long hot bath, and the rice cooker will keep it warm until dinner time. Not bad for less than 5 minutes of prep time!
Ingredients:
FROM OUR BIRYANI BUNDLE:
1½ cups Organic Aged Himalayan Basmati Rice*
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Grassfed Organic Regular or Cultured Ghee* (divided, set the 1 teaspoon aside)
2 ½ tsp of Organic Biryani Masala Powder*
1 Tbsp whole DIY Exotic Garam Masala*
ADDITIONALLY:
1 cup fresh or frozen veggies (optional, we recommend peas and carrots if using)
⅓ cup yogurt (full fat preferred, dairy-free is also okay)
1 cup water
1 tsp Himalyan Pink Salt*
1 pinch Organic Kashmiri Saffron* strands (optional)
GARNISH
Freshly chopped mint and cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rinse the basmati rice gently and carefully so that the rice grains don’t break. This is important so that your biryani results in beautifully separated grains. Wash rice several times until water runs clear.
2. Soak the rice for 15 minutes. Drain the rice and set aside.
3. OPTIONAL, WHILE THE RICE SOAKS: If time allows, I recommend frying the whole garam masala with 1 tablespoon of ghee on low-medium heat until fragrant. Also if you're using the optional kashmiri saffron strands, mix them with 2 tablespoons of milk or water, and let the saffron release its fragrance into the milk for about 10 mins while your rice is soaking.
4. Add all ingredients to the rice cooker, except for the 1 teaspoon of ghee and optional saffron. (NOTE: If using veggies, use ¼ tsp additional Biryani Masala. Add the veggies before adding the rice. The veggies should be at the bottom, then the rice, then the toppings.)
5. Mix all well. Top the biryani with the remaining 1 teaspoon of ghee. Try to spread it out all over the rice. (NOTE: If using saffron, sprinkle the biryani with the saffron mixture on top now.)
6. Simply press “start” and wait for the magic to happen!
7. You can enjoy this dish as is, but we recommend accompanying this Express Biryani with carrot raita. Alternatively, some sliced onions, plain yogurt, and our brand new Indian Fermented Garlic Pickle would also be great accompaniments!
