Emperor Fish Biryani - South Indian Style
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Recipe type: Main
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 5 People
Ingredients
For marinating fish
  • Emperor fish pieces- 12 pieces
  • Chili powder- 2 tsp
  • Turmeric powder- ⅛ tsp
  • Ground black pepper- ½ tsp
  • Garam masala- 1 tsp
  • Salt- 1½ tsp
For making biryani masala
  • Oil, used for frying fish- 3 tbsp
  • Onions, sliced thin- 3
  • Ginger-garlic paste- 1 tbsp
  • Green chilies, chopped- 3
  • Curry leaves- 1 sprig
  • Tomatoes, chopped- 2
  • Chili powder- 2 tsp
  • Turmeric powder- ⅛ tsp
  • Coriander powder- 2 tsp
  • Garam masala- 1 tsp
  • Fennel powder- 1 tsp
  • Salt- 1 tsp
  • Fried Fish, chopped- 1 fish
  • Lemon juice- ½ tbsp
  • Cilantro, chopped- 3 tbsp
  • Mint leaves, chopped- 10 leaves
For cooking rice
  • Whole cardamom- 3
  • Whole cloves- 2
  • Whole cinnamon- 2 inch slice
  • Dried bay leaves- 2
  • Water- 4 cups
  • Salt- 1½ tsp
  • White Basmati rice- 2 cups
For Topping
  • Ghee- 1 tbsp
  • Saffron- 10 strands soaked in 1 tbsp water
  • Cilantro, chopped- 3 tbsp
  • Mint leaves, chopped- 2 tbsp
Instructions
  1. I've used Emperor fish for making this biryani. You could use king fish as well.
  2. To the fish, add chili powder, turmeric powder, ground black pepper, garam masala & salt, combine well. Let marinate for 30 minutes.
  3. Fry the marinated fish in coconut oil, while frying also add a few curry leaves.
  4. Transfer the fried fish to a kitchen paper towel & keep aside.
Making Masala
  1. Place a wide saucepan over medium heat, add the oil that's left after frying fish.
  2. Add onions, season with salt, combine well.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies & curry leaves.
  4. Saute till onions turn light golden in color.
  5. Add chopped tomatoes, cook till tomatoes have mashed up.
  6. Add the spices, combine well & cook for a few minutes.
  7. Take one fried fish, roughly mash the fish & add to the masala, combine well.
  8. Add lemon juice, combine well.
  9. Garnish with chopped cilantro & mint leaves.
  10. Place the fried fish over the masala & cook covered for a few minutes.
  11. Take the pan off the heat & keep it covered.
Cooking Rice
  1. Rinse the basmati rice in water.
  2. Place a wide saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Add water along with whole aromatic spices & salt.
  4. For 2 cups rice, 4 cups water is required.
  5. Let the water come to a boil.
  6. Add the rinsed basmati rice & cook covered for 12 to 15 minutes till the rice turns fluffy & soft.
Assembling the biryani
  1. Take the fish from the masala.
  2. Over the masala, spread the cooked rice.
  3. Drizzle ghee over the rice.
  4. Add the saffron water.
  5. Place the fried fish over the rice.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro & mint leaves.
  7. Close with a lid.
  8. Dum cook over low heat for 10 minutes.
  9. After 10 minutes, take the pan off the heat & keep it aside for a few minutes.
  10. While serving, gently combine the rice.
  11. Serve the rice on a plate, top with fried fish.
  12. Enjoy with pappad, raita & pickle.
Recipe by Cooking with Thas - Smart Cooking, Smart Living at https://thasneen.com/cooking/emperor-fish-biryani-south-indian-style-my-moms-recipe/