Seekh Kabab Biryani
Prep: 30 mins
Cook: 40 Mins
Total Time: 1 hours 10 mins
Yield: 4-6 Servings
INGREDIENTS:
For the Chatpata Spice Blend
- 2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garam masalaac
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: ½ tsp chaat masala
For the Seekh Kababs
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- Half of the prepared spice blend
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 green chili, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp oil (for frying)
For the Rice
- 2½ cups Daawat Basmati Rice
- Water, for boiling
- Salt, for seasoning
For the Masala
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- Remaining spice blend
- ½ cup yogurt
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Yellow food coloring (optional)
For the Smoke (Optional Koyla Method)
- 1 small piece charcoal
- 1 tsp oil
Cook:
- Prepare the Spice Blend
- In a small bowl, mix red chili flakes, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, turmeric, salt, and chaat masala (if using). Set aside.
- Make the Seekh Kababs
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, half of the spice blend, ginger-garlic paste, and chopped green chili. Mix well.
- Shape the mixture into long kababs or small logs.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the kababs until browned and about 90% cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Daawat Basmati Rice
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear and soak for 30 minutes.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rice for 6–7 minutes, until about 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Masala
- In the same pan used for the kababs, sauté sliced onions until golden.
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until softened.
- Stir in the remaining spice blend and yogurt. Cook until the mixture thickens and the oil begins to separate.
- Add the fried seekh kababs and gently coat them in the masala.
- Add the Smoke (Optional Koyla Step)
- Heat a small piece of charcoal until red hot.
- Place a small bowl or foil in the center of the kabab masala and set the hot coal inside. Drizzle 1 teaspoon oil over the coal and immediately cover the pan for about 3 minutes to infuse the smoky aroma. Remove the coal.
- Dum the Biryani
- Spread the partially cooked Daawat basmati rice evenly over the kabab masala.
- Top with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of yellow food coloring if desired.
- Cover tightly and cook on the lowest heat for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve
- Gently fluff the biryani and serve hot, ensuring each portion includes both the fragrant rice and smoky seekh kababs.