Malabar Chicken Biryani

Ingredients:
Marinade 
1/2 kg chicken 
1/2 cup yoghurt 
25 gm coriander leaves 
25 gm mint leaves 
10 gm curry leaves 
1/2 tsp cumin seeds 
1 tsp coriander seeds 
1/2 tsp aniseed powder 
25 gm chopped green chillies 
20 gm garlic 
2 tsp chopped ginger 
1/2 tsp turmeric powder 
1 tsp lime juice 
1 tsp poppy seed paste 

Main preparation 
1 tbsp clarified butter 
5-6 pieces of cinnamon  
1 bay leaf 
4-5 cardamom seeds 
4-5 curry leaves 
4-5 cloves 
1 chopped onion 
250 gm broken basmati rice
1/2 litre water 

Biryani masala 
2 tbsp clarified butter 
5-6 cinnamon pieces 
1 bay leaf 
4-5 cloves 
4-5 cardamom seeds 
1 nutmeg 
100 gm onions 
1 medium tomato cut in 4

Method:
For Marinade
Mix yoghurt, coriander leaves, mint leaves, curry leaves, 
cumin seeds, coriander seeds, aniseed powder, green chillies, 
garlic, ginger, turmeric powder, lime juice and poppy seed paste
and marinate the chicken in it.
Keep aside for 1/2 an hour. 

For the Rice
heat clarified butter in pan. Add cinnamon, 1 bay leaf,
cardamom seeds, curry leaves and cloves. 
Add onions and saute till they turn translucent.
Add cleaned and washed rice. Cook till rice turns translucent.
Add water. When water comes to a boil, turn flame to low and cover pan.
Cook on low flame for at least 15 minutes. The rice is done. 

For the Biryani Masala
Heat clarified butter in pan and add cinnamon, 
1 bay leaf, cardamom seeds, nutmeg and cloves.
Add onions and saute till brown. Add tomatoes. 
Add marinated chicken.

Cover pan and cook for at least 5 minutes on a medium flame. 
Remove cover and cook on low flame for another 10 minutes to allow gravy to thicken.
Layer the serving bowl with alternating layers of rice and the chicken masala.
Garnish the top with a boiled egg cut in four pieces, roasted cashews and raisins.
Serve with freshly made salad or raita.

Courtesy: Chef Pramod