Vegetable Biryani
Ever since I went to Philadelphia for Oktoberfest and wound up eating at the Indian restaurant across the street from the hotel I've had a taste for some good Indian food. Since there's only one such restaurant in this area, and at a good distance, I decided to buckle down and make my own. I'm a big rice fan, so a biryani (a layered rice casserole - anyone who can describe it better please feel free) was a natural first choice.
The Recipe: The recipe itself is quite easy to do/follow even for a first attempt - all you really need to know how to do is dice the food and stir fry it. A dutch oven, a sharp knife, a cutting board, a range and oven are what you'll need to get the job done. As for the ingredients the only ones I would think might not be easily available would be the fresh ginger or the garam masala. (If at all possible try to get an idea of what the garam masala smells/tastes like beforehand - it will be one of the principle flavors in the dish and if you don't care for it, you might not like the finished product.)
The Results: Spicy but not hot, a distinctive Indian dish with well blended flavors. Green beans, carrots, onion and bell pepper play well with the spices as well as the basmati rice. (mmm basmati rice...) Whatever you do, DON'T forget the peanut/raisin garnish - it really makes the dish.
The Review: This biryani turned out really well, and I will definitely make it again. (Is it the weekend already?) A very flavorful dish without a lot of fat to bog you down - portion control will be your biggest problem here - least it was for me.
If your taste buds are looking for something unusual, give it a try. Highly Recommended.
Ever since I went to Philadelphia for Oktoberfest and wound up eating at the Indian restaurant across the street from the hotel I've had a taste for some good Indian food. Since there's only one such restaurant in this area, and at a good distance, I decided to buckle down and make my own. I'm a big rice fan, so a biryani (a layered rice casserole - anyone who can describe it better please feel free) was a natural first choice.
The Recipe: The recipe itself is quite easy to do/follow even for a first attempt - all you really need to know how to do is dice the food and stir fry it. A dutch oven, a sharp knife, a cutting board, a range and oven are what you'll need to get the job done. As for the ingredients the only ones I would think might not be easily available would be the fresh ginger or the garam masala. (If at all possible try to get an idea of what the garam masala smells/tastes like beforehand - it will be one of the principle flavors in the dish and if you don't care for it, you might not like the finished product.)
The Results: Spicy but not hot, a distinctive Indian dish with well blended flavors. Green beans, carrots, onion and bell pepper play well with the spices as well as the basmati rice. (mmm basmati rice...) Whatever you do, DON'T forget the peanut/raisin garnish - it really makes the dish.
The Review: This biryani turned out really well, and I will definitely make it again. (Is it the weekend already?) A very flavorful dish without a lot of fat to bog you down - portion control will be your biggest problem here - least it was for me.