Moti biryani also called moti pulao is an aromatic and one of those dishes that got royal touch. Biryani is one of the favorite food in my family, so I always try new recipes of biryani. I heard about this Shahi Chicken Moti Biryani recently and could not resist trying it. This chicken moti biryani worked really well for me. If you want to try a new biryani recipe, you must try this one.
This moti (pearl) biryani is ideal for a wholesome lunch or dinner meal. Moti Biryani was considered a part of the Shahi Cuisine for the longest time, because of its appearance and taste. Moti refers to pearls in Urdu/Hindi, and of course the pearls are edible and also the highlight of the entire meal. Minced chicken balls shape like moti are cooked in spicy gravy for this biryani. If you are a biryani lover like me di give this recipe a try and I am sure you will love it.
______________ For Boiling Rice ______________
In a bowl add rice, wash and soak in enough water for 30minutes. If you are using sella rice soak for at least 2 hours before boiling.
In a big pot add enough water and let it come to the boil.
Add salt, cumin seeds, black cardamom and chopped green chilies, mix well.
Strain the soaked rice and add in this boiling water, mix well. Boil till 90% done (for almost 5-6 minutes).
Strain and set the rice aside.
_________________ For chicken meatballs (moti) ____________
In a chopper add boneless chicken, fried onion, green chilies, salt, coriander powder, cumin powder, black pepper powder, ginger garlic paste, fresh coriander and chop everything well.
Grease your hands with oil, take small quantity of this minced chicken (10 grams) and make small meatballs of equal size.
In a frying pan add cooking oil and heat over medium flame.
Fry the meat balls till they are golden from all sides and keep aside.
______________ For Biryani Masala and Layering Biryani _____________
In another pot add ghee and heat it over medium flame.
Add sliced onion and fry on medium flame until light golden.
Add chopped tomatoes, ginger garlic paste and chopped green chilies, mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes or till the tomatoes fully cooked. You may add 2-3 tablespoon water if required for cooking tomatoes.
Add whisked yogurt along with biryani masala, mix well. Cook on medium flame for about 2-3 minutes or till the oil separates.
Now add fried meat balls, mix well, cook for 1-2 minutes.
Add lemon juice, chopped mint and fresh coriander leaves, green chilies and a layer of boiled rice over this.
Pour kewra or biryani essence, sprinkle orange food color and then add ghee (clarified butter) over this color.
Cover the lid with a kitchen towel, turn the flame to low and steam cook the rice for 12-15 minutes.
Tasty and royal Shahi chicken moti biryani is ready to enjoy.
