Mussel Biryani
 
 
Ingredients
For Marinating mussel
  • Mussels, cleaned- 2 pounds or 1 bag
  • Chili powder- 1 tsp
  • Turmeric powder- ¼ tsp
  • Garam masala- ½ tsp
  • Fennel powder- 1 tsp
  • Salt- to taste
For frying
  • Oil- enough to shallow fry mussels
For making the masala
To grind
  • Garlic, cloves- 5
  • Ginger- 2 inch slice
  • Green chilies- 3
  • Cardamom whole- 3
  • Cloves- 2
  • Cinnamon- 2 inch slice
Sauteing
  • Onion, cut thin lengthwise- 4
  • Curry leaves- 1 sprig
  • Tomatoes, chopped-2
  • Chili powder- ½ tsp
  • Fennel powder- 1 tsp
  • Yogurt- 3 tbsp
  • Salt- to taste
  • Cilantro, chopped- 2 handfuls
For making Rice
  • Basmati Rice- 1½ cups
  • Water- 2½ cups
  • Garam masala- 1 tsp
  • Salt- to taste
Instructions
  1. Clean the mussels under running water.
  2. Combine the mussels with the above mentioned "for marinating mussel" ingredients.
  3. Shallow fry the mussels in oil till golden in color, keep aside on a paper towel.
  4. Don't over fry the mussels as it will turn crispy.
  5. Rinse the basmati rice under running water.
  6. In a rice cooker: combine rice, water, garam masala and salt, cook till the rice is well done, keep aside.
  7. In a large wide pan, add 4-5 tbsp of oil used for frying mussels.
  8. Add onions, curry leaves and little salt, saute till onions turn tender.
  9. Grind garlic, ginger, green chilies and whole garam masala into a coarse paste.
  10. Add the ground mixture to the onions, saute for sometime and let onions turn light brown in color.
  11. Add tomatoes, cook till it gets mashed.
  12. Add the fried mussels along with chili powder, fennel powder and yogurt to it.
  13. Combine everything well.
  14. Let the masala with mussels cook for sometime, the masala shouldn't be too watery.
  15. Now, add the cooked rice combining well after each addition.
  16. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
  17. Remove from the heat and keep it covered for 10 minutes.
  18. Serve warm along with raita, pickle or papad.
Notes
•Adjust the spice level according to your needs.
Recipe by Cooking with Thas - Smart Cooking, Smart Living at https://thasneen.com/cooking/mussel-biryani/