Pakistani Freeze-Dried Corn Biryani

This recipe for corn biryani with freeze-dried corn is distinctly Pakistanie. Corn shines in a biryani because the sweetness and crunch of it is such a good contrast to the excellent spices and aromatics that are the hallmarks of much of Pakistani cooking.

Ingredients:

1 cup freeze-dried corn

2 cups basmati rice, soaked in water for 30 minutes then drained

500g chicken, cut into pieces

1 large onion, thinly sliced

2 tomatoes, chopped

1/4 cup yogurt

2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

1/2 cup cooking oil

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

4 green cardamom pods

4 cloves

2 bay leaves

1 cinnamon stick

Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Fresh mint, chopped for garnish

2 green chilies, sliced

Juice of one lemon

Preparation:

Step 1: Rehydrate the Corn

Cover the corn with warm water and let it rehydrate for around 5 minutes. Drain and reserve.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the oil, then sauté the onions until golden. Next add the ginger-garlic paste and sautée for a few minutes.

Add the chicken pieces, salt, chilli powder, turmeric and garam masala. Brown the chicken over a low heat.

Stir in the tomatoes and yogurt and cook until the oil rises to the top.

Step 3: Layering the Biryani

Layer half of the soaked and drained rice on top of the chicken, then layer half of the rehydrated corn on top of the rice.

Layer it with another rice and top it with the remaining corn, green cardamom, cloves, bay leaves and cinnamon stick.

Step 4: Cook the Biryani

Add enough water to reach about one inch above the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 20 minutes.

Drizzle lemon juice over the cooked biryani before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish the biryani with chopped cilantro, mint, and sliced green chilies.

Serve hot with raita or salad on the side.

This Pakistani freeze-dried corn biryani is not only eye candy for me with the bright colours of the vegetables used but also the taste of this dishes makes it a perfect dish for special occasions or a family dinner.