20 minute Pilau Biryani
Easy 20 minute Pilau Biryani is not only quick and easy to make but so delicious. The secret is none other than the Shan Masala Pilau Biryani mix. You can also follow the recipe on the back of the box. But for a quick and easy recipe, follow my technique that is posted below. Feel free to to use your own spices as well but why go through the hassle. Especially if all spices are perfectly measured in the box, ready to use. And its delicious!
I am not the one to cook all my Pakistani food with Shaan Masalas but there are some days when I will reach for them without hesitation. The days that I am not in the mood to cook or for take out and still want Ghar ka khana (home cooked food) or I am having a dawat (get together) and I need one quick and easy dish for the spread.
Speaking of dawats, this rice dish is just AMAZING for a dawat spread. If you’re Pakistani, you’ll agree that no dawat is complete without Biryani. This 20 minute Pilau Biryani in particular has that aromatic biryani flavor but subtle enough to pair well with other dishes like Qorma or Achar Gosht.
Substitute the chicken with shrimp and you have a delicious entree with your favorite BBQ dishes. This rice dish is simple, aromatic and full of flavor.
How my recipe differs from the one on the box.
The recipe you’ll see below can be made for a small portion. I usually make this for my family of 3 and it lasts me for two meals. I want to take a moment to also mention that the spice level in this biryani is kid friendly. My daughter Ayesha, is in love with this biryani.
I also use boneless chicken instead of whole chicken. I cut the chicken breast in small cubes to make this a jhat phat (quick and easy) meal. You can also use thigh meat for more flavor.
You’ll also notice that I use onions twice in this recipe. First, I’ll use sliced onion that I saute in oil until golden brown. This gives the the Pilau Biryani more masala while adding more flavor. Lastly, I’ll add the onions again just before covering the Biryani pot for Dum. Also, I use store bought fried onions at this time. The recipe instructs to fry onion until golden brown and add it on top of the rice. We are doing just that but just using store bought fried onions, the kind you use to garnish Haleem with.
Let me know what you think about this easy 20 minute Pilau Biryani recipe in the comments below. You can also tag me on Instagram @cherish.the.flavor
20 minute Pilau Biryani
Ingredients
Rice
- 1½ cups Basmati rice rinsed and drained
- 5 cups Water
- 1 tbsp Salt
Pilau Biryani Masala
- 1/4 cup Neutral oil
- 1½ Chicken breast cut in cubes
- 1 medium Onion sliced
- 1½ tsp Ginger Garlic paste
- ¾ packet Shan Pilau Biryani mix
- ¾ tsp Tomato paste (optional)
- ¾ Yogurt
Layering
- 1 Serrano slit
- 2 tbsp Cilantro chopped
- 3 tbsp Fried Onions packaged
- ⅛ tsp Yellow food coloring optional
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Rice
- In a saucepan, pour 5 cups of water and bring to boil.
- Add rice and salt. Mix and cook uncovered for 5-7 minutes until rice are 75% done.
- Drain and set aside.
Pilau Biryani Masala
- Heat a medium sized, heavy bottomed pot with a tight lid on medium high heat.
- Pour oil and wait for it to heat.
- After 2-3 minutes, add onions and saute until golden brown.
- Add cubed chicken, salt and then ginger garlic paste when translucent.
- Now add Pilau Biryani Masala, tomato paste if using and yogurt. Mix
- Once heated through. Cover with lid and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until chicken is tender.
- Remove lid and cook until oil separates and masala is not watery.
- Turn heat off.
Layering
- Add parboiled rice, spread evenly.
- Top with serrano pepper, cilantro, food coloring, fried onions and lemon juice.
- Cover with a tight lid and turn heat on low.
- Steam biryani for 7 to 9 minutes until rice softens.
- Gently fluff and fold rice with the chicken curry.
- Serve with raita and salad.
This recipe is so perfect for busy moms like myself!