Kuska Rice Recipe (Plain Biryani)

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice (Note 1)
• 2 tablespoons Ghee (clarified butter) (Note 2)
• ½ teaspoon Shahi jeera (kala jeera or black cumin seeds) (Note 3)
• 5 Cloves
• 2 Green cardamoms
• 1 Star anise
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• ½ cup Red onion (sliced)
• 2 teaspoon Ginger garlic paste
• ½ cup Tomato (chopped)
• 4 tablespoons Plain yogurt ((dahi or curd))
• ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
• Salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Biryani masala (Note 4)
• 3 tablespoons Mint leaves (chopped)
• 3 tablespoons Cilantro or coriander leaves (chopped)
• 1 ¾ cups Water

Instructions

1. 1

   First, wash the rice under running cold water until water runs clear. Washing/rinsing the rice step is very important. This way it removes the starch and helps to make separated rice grains. Then soak them in enough water for about 15-20 minutes.

2. 2

   Then discard the soaking water and drain it completely in the colander.

3. 3

   Heat the ghee in a pan on medium heat. Once hot add shahi jeera and let them sizzle a bit. Then add whole spices (cloves, cardamom, star anise, bay leaf, cinnamon stick), saute for 30-40 seconds.

4. 4

   Then add sliced onions and cook till they become soft and light pink or translucent in color.

5. 5

   Then add ginger garlic paste, mix and saute for a minute or till the raw smell of ginger garlic goes away.

6. 6

   Now add chopped tomatoes, mix and cook for 2 minutes or till the tomatoes become soft.

7. 7

   Now lower the heat and add yogurt and mix immediately to avoid curdling.

8. 8

   Add turmeric powder, biryani masala and salt.

9. 9

   Mix well and cook for a minute.

10. 10

    Then mix in chopped mint and cilantro leaves.

11. 11

    Add soaked, drained rice, mix and cook for a minute.

12. 12

    Then add water, crank the heat to high and bring it to a rolling boil.

13. 13

    Then cover with a lid, lower the heat to lowest possible. Cook for 17-18 minutes. Then turn off the stove and let it stand for 10 minutes without opening the lid.

14. 14

    Then uncover and fluff up the rice.