Fish Biryani

So this isn't a completely authentic recipe. It's something I slapped together based on C's biryani expertise (gained solely through eating and not by actually, you know, cooking it) and mom's recommendation of a good biryani mix.

I use Sanjeev Kapoor's Bombay biryani mix as the rub for the fish and the seasoning for the rice. It smells and tastes amazing, so it's going to stay until they decide to discontinue the brand. When that happens, I will cry. But until then, I will make full use of this recipe! :)

Ingredients:

2 tilapia fillets (fresh, thawed whatever), cut into bite size pieces

1 cup + 1 tbsp Bombay Biryani mix

4 tbsps plain yogurt (I use nonfat, but as long as it's plain, it's ok)

1/2 tsp salt (and some for the fish)

1/2 cup cilantro

1/2 tsp fennel seeds (jeera)

1 cinnamon stick

1/4 tsp saffron (optional)

2.5 cups basmati rice

1 small onion, sliced

1 tbsp oil

1. Cut fish into Add 1 tbsp mix and some salt to the fish. Make sure all the fish is coated and salted. Put aside.

2. Mix 1 cup mix with yogurt and salt to taste.

3. Prepare rice. Add cinnamon, jeera, and cilantro leaves to the rice cooking water. Add saffron if you have it by crushing it in the rice water.

4. Drain rice when it is half cooked. To me, the rice is half cooked if the water is boiling and the rice is 'dancing' or bubbling in the water. Also, when you look at it, it does not have the fluffy look of cooked rice.

5. While the rice is cooking, add 2 tsp of oil to a pan and cook the onion until it is caramelized .

6. Place oil in the wok(a wok is ideal, but any heavy bottomed pan with high sides will do). Layer fish in the wok . Spread half the rice on top of the fish. Spread the paste on the rice. Distribute the remaining rice on top.

7. When the lid goes on, make sure it is airtight. There should be no steam leaking from the sides. That steam is needed for the rice to cook completely. I place two paper towels and the lid on top of them to create an airtight container.

8. Cook for 20 minutes on medium low heat.

9. When it's done, mix so that the rice and fish are evenly distributed. Sprinkle onions on top and serve!

'Til the next dish...