Description
A flavorful Pakistani spiced rice dish cooked with mixed meat and a creamy yogurt sauce, infused with aromatic spices and herbs, perfect as a comforting main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Meat
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 500 grams mixed meat (beef or chicken)
- 2 onions, sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, slit
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Salt to taste
Liquids
- 1 cup yogurt
- 4 cups water
Instructions
- Soak the rice: Wash the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes to improve texture and reduce cooking time.
- Sauté onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot over medium heat, add sliced onions, and cook until they turn golden brown, which enhances their sweetness and flavor.
- Add aromatics: Toss in minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies into the pot, stirring frequently and cooking until fragrant to build the dish’s base aroma.
- Cook tomatoes: Add chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook until they soften, breaking down to form a thick sauce that coats the other ingredients.
- Brown the meat: Add the mixed meat to the pot along with cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned thoroughly and spices are well incorporated.
- Add yogurt: Stir in 1 cup of yogurt and continue cooking, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld together with the meat.
- Add rice and water: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot along with 4 cups of water. Stir gently and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the rice: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it cook undisturbed for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the water is absorbed.
- Finish with garam masala: Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garam masala over the cooked rice, cover again for a couple of minutes, then fluff the rice gently before serving to distribute the aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Soaking the rice improves its texture and helps cook it evenly.
- You can use either beef or chicken depending on your preference.
- Adjust the number of green chilies for spice level.
- For a richer flavor, you may add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk before step 7.
- Serve with additional yogurt or salad for a complete meal.
