Ramadan’s Healthy Biryani Pilaf Recipe
Having lived in the Maldives, Hyderabad and now UAE, the holy month of Ramadan holds a very special place in my heart. I find this time of the year extremely peaceful and serene.
When we lived in Hyderabad, we would dress up elaborately and attend several Iftars at our friends homes. The food in Hyderabad is legendary and each home has an elaborate iftar spread. The one dish which is the most popular of course is the Biryani.
When Hunter Foods asked me to use their Hunter's Gourmet Fried Onions and Organic White Quinoa in one dish, I absolutely had to make a healthier version of the Biryani.
What was most important for me was to create a recipe which tasted much like the original and to cook the white quinoa in a way that it didn't turn to mush.
So here is my tried and tested recipe. I hope you will cook it and enjoy it with your friends and families during this auspicious time.
INGREDIENTS
- Quinoa 1 and half cup
- Water 3 cups
- Cumin 1 tsp
- Bay leaf 3-4
- Peppercorns 6-7
- Cloves 5-6
- Cardamom 4-5
- Ghee 1 tbsp
- Tomato paste 1 tbsp
- Fried onion 2 tbsp
- Ginger garlic paste 2 tsp
- Green chillies 2
- Salt to taste
- Saffron few strands
- 1 tbsp slivered pistachios
- 1 tbsp slivered almonds
- 2 tsp raisins
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
RECIPE
- Add ghee to a hot pan
- Add cumin
- Add the whole spices and cook for a minute till fragrant
- Add ginger garlic paste and cook till light brown
- Add Hunter’s Gourmet Fried Onions
- Add tomato paste and stir till it thickens
- Add Hunter's Gourmet Organic White Quinoa, water and salt
- Add slit green chillies
- Add garam masala
- Cover and cook for about 25 minutes.
- Once ready, add saffron, pistachios, raisins and almonds.
- Serve with yogurt or any raita of your choice.
Chef Su is Hunter Foods’ Recipe Developer and Food Stylist. She focuses on creating healthy and delicious alternatives to everyday recipes. She believes we eat with our eyes therefore her plates are a visual delight. To know more about her visit: HTTPS://WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/SUPAINTSONPLATES
PRODUCTS FEATURED IN THIS RECIPE ARE AVAILABLE IN THE MAJOR RETAIL STORES IN UAE SUCH AS: CARREFOUR, SPINNEYS, ABELA, UNION COOP AND ZOOM.
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3 Responses
’ve always wanted to make Quinoa for a very long time but never got a chance. I just tried making your Quinoa Biryani yesterday and I must say the flavor and aroma tasted almost like basmati rice. You don’t see a bug difference in biryani. Thank you Chef Su for this great colorful recipe! My sons loved it!
Looks absolutely fabulous! I’m on a low carb diet so rice is a no-no, my doc won’t even allow brown rice. So I suddenly thought, how about a quinoa biryani and a google search led me to your space. Will try it out for sure!
I have just tried this recipe! Wow, it has really taken the biryani to the next level, at least a lighter level! The quinoa makes it light, gives it a great texture; at the same time, delivers the flavours even more intense than the rice. LOVE it! Thank you Hunter Foods and thank you Chef Su!