Prawns Biriyani (Shrimp/ Chemmeen/Konju)

               Finally !!! This was something I wanted to post long back...since this is a common dish which I prepare for most occasions, right from the time I started learning to cook...Yes..!! It's with biriyanis that I really came into this wonderful world of cooking...But never got time to click pics & write it out...I prepared this with loads of love for my hubby as he is really crazy of prawns..

             Right from my childhood, have helped my mom in layering the biriyani & to garnish it as well.. & start licking my fingers soon after that...Sweet memories...Though there are many steps involved in the preparation of a biriyani...each mouthful is totally worth ..You'll enjoy enjoy each & every step too... As the crazy aroma would be breezing your whole house...This is my mom's recipe which I still follow..Never felt like searching for a new one...The same procedure can be used for any biriyanis..
         
           Apart from any other biriyanis...I personally feel prawns as the tastiest & easiest one...Make any occasion even more special by serving this delicious one-dish meal.... Biriyani goes really well with a green salad(onion as the main ingredient), any special pickle and raita of your choice...

So let's start the journey into the making of a biriyani..!!

Hoping your feedback & some special biriyani memories too.. 

 

Ingredients  (for masala)

1.Prawns-1 kg
2.Onion-5 (large..sliced)
3.Green chilly-6-7
4.Garlic-15 pods
5.Ginger
6.Tomato-2 (large)
7.Coriander powder-1 tbsp
8.Pepper-1/2 to 1 tsp
9.Turmeric powder-1/4 tsp
10.Yoghurt-1 tbsp
11.Lemon juice- 2 tsp
12.Garam masala-1 tsp
13.Coriander leaves-1 tbsp or little more
14.Mint leaves-1 tbsp or little more
15.Ghee + Oil
16.Salt- as required

Ingredients (of prawns fry)

17.Chilly powder-1 tsp
18.Pepper-1/2 tsp
19.Salt-1/2 tsp
20.Garam masala-1/2 tsp

Preparation (of prawns)

~Clean the prawns as shown in the below image.(I have googled this image since i couldn't take pics while doing this..)

~Wash the de-veined prawns thoroughly & wash with little vinegar & salt too..& drain properly.
~Mix the ingredients for the prawn fry with little water & make a thick paste.
~Spread the paste over the prawns.
~Heat oil in a fry pan.
~Shallow fry both the sides of the prawns in batches & shift them to paper tissues & keep aside.

Preparation (of masala)

~Heat 1 tsp ghee with 1 tbsp oil in a non-stick cookware.
~Saute the sliced onions with 1/2 tsp salt.

~Meanwhile grind green chillies, garlic & ginger & keep aside.
~Once the onions become transparent add the chopped tomatoes & saute till mushy.

~Now add the grinded items & mix well & cook for 2 mins.
~Add the powders...Coriander powder, pepper & turmeric powder & mix & cook for 1 min.

~Now its time to add the fried prawns & mix safely.

~Cook for 3 mins.
~Add yoghurt, lime juice, garam masala, chopped mint leaves & coriander leaves..Mix well & close the lid & cook for sometime.(5-10 mins in low flame)
~Check the taste & adjust salt & pepper accordingly.
~Remove from flame & keep aside.

Ingredients (for rice)

1.Basmati rice-2 1/2 cup
2.Water-3 1/4 cup (depends on the type of rice used)
3.Lemon juice-1 tsp
4.Salt- accordingly
5.Clove-2
6.Cardamom-2
7.Cinnamon-2 piece
8.Ghee-2 tsp
9.Onion-1 (medium)

Preparation (of rice)

~Wash the rice thoroughly & drain.
~Heat 1 tsp ghee & 1 tsp oil in pressure cooker.(or in which you do cook your rice)
~Roast cardamom, cinnamon, cloves & bay leaf for 1 min.
~Saute the sliced onion till transparent.
~Now add the washed rice & stir fry for 2 mins in low flame.
~Add the required water with salt & lemon juice & mix well.
~Pressure cook till 2 whistles .
~Off the flame & let the steam release by itself. 

Ingredients (for packing/layering)

1.Onion-2 (small)(finely sliced)
2.Cashew Nuts- 10 (slit into 2 pieces each)
3.Raisins-1-2 tbsp
4.Pineapple essence-1 tsp or more
5.Rose water- 2 tbsp
6.Mint & Coriander leaves- 1 tbsp

Packing(Layering) of Biriyani

~Fry nuts & raisins & finely sliced onion in ghee/oil & keep aside.

~Take 5 tbsps of prepared rice in a small bowl & mix pineapple essence in it.
~Take a large, deep, heavy bottomed, non-stick dish in which to prepare the biriyani.
~Heat 1/2 tsp of ghee & spread inside the dish & remove from flame.

~Start layering the dish with rice as first layer.
~Then layer with the prepared masala.
~Then again layer with rice.
~Above that sprinkle little of the pineapple essenced rice..Also little roasted onion, nuts & raisins.
~Now reapeat by layering the masala & then again the rice.
~Now final garnishing.
~Sprinkle the whole of essenced rice along with roasted onions, nuts & cashews.
~Sprinkle rose water on the sides of the dish.
~Press the top of the layered biriyani with a spoon evenly.
~Garnish with mint & coriander leaves.
~Close the lid & simmer till little steam comes from inside the biriyani.. (almost 10 mins.)
~Off the flame & serve...

Really craving for another biriyani soon...!!

Don't forget to share your biriyani memories below..:)

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