Fish Biryani: A Spicy Twist on a Classic Indian Dish

Welcome to the delicious world of fish biryani! Biryani is a classic South Asian dish that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers around the world. While biryani is typically made with meat, the addition of fish adds a unique and flavourful twist to this beloved dish. In this recipe, we'll be combining delicious spices, tender fish, and fluffy basmati rice to create a mouth-watering biryani that's perfect for satisfying your cravings.

Ingredients:

• 500g basmati rice
• 500g fish fillets (any white fish like cod, haddock, or tilapia)
• 2 onions, finely sliced
• 3-4 green chillies, slit lengthwise (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chilli powder
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp ghee
• 1 cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1 cup chopped mint leaves
• 4 cups hot water
  

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice until water runs clear, then soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Mix fish fillets with yogurt, 1/2 tsp turmeric powder, and 1/2 tsp salt. Marinate for 15-20 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep-bottomed pan and fry sliced onions until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chillies, sauté for 1 minute.
4. Add the marinated fish pieces with the yogurt mixture to the pan. Add remaining 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and cook for 5-7 minutes or until fish is just cooked through. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.
5. In a separate pot, heat the ghee and add cumin powder, coriander powder, garam masala powder, and red chili powder. Fry the spices for 1 minute.
6. Add the soaked basmati rice to the pot and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add 4 cups hot water and salt to taste. Mix well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large baking dish, layer half the rice, followed by the fish mixture, then top with remaining rice. Sprinkle chopped coriander and mint leaves over the top.
8. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes.
9. Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
10. Serve hot with raita or salad.

And there you have it - a delicious fish biryani that's sure to impress your taste buds! With its delicate blend of spices and tender pieces of fish, this dish is a delightful treat for everyone. We hope you enjoy it! 

Tips:

• For best results, use fresh fish fillets rather than frozen
• The green chillies can be reduced or removed for a milder version
• Make sure to use long-grain basmati rice for authentic texture
• The yogurt marinade helps keep the fish moist and tender during cooking