Kuska/Plain Biriyani

Ive posted Tomato rice recipe long back. This is almost like it, but ofcourse this is Biriyani, so addition of mint, yoghurt makes it more Biriyani like- how we get in Chennai restaurants when we order Kuska.

Basmati Rice: 2 cups

Oil; as needed (I use 3 tbsp)

Cinnamon: 1

Cardamom:2

Cloves: 5

Onion: 2 medium sliced

Tomato: 1 large chopped

Green Chillies: 3 slit lengthwise

Ginger Garlic Paste: 1 heaped tbsp

Yoghurt: 2 tbsp

Mint leaves: a handful

Coriander leaves: a handful

Turmeric Powder: 1/4 tsp

Chilly Powder: 1/2 tsp

Salt: as required

Water; 3 cups

Soak the Basmati rice in water for 20 minutes

Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add cinnamon, cardamom and cloves and saute for a minute on low flame

Add the onion sliced and green chillies and saute till onions are light brown.

Now add the ginger garlic paste and saute till raw smell is gone and the onions are properly browned.

Add the tomatoes and saute till limp

Add the mint leaves, coriander leaves and curd, mix everything and immediately add the turmeric powder, chilly powder, required salt and saute for a minute on low flame.

Now add the 3 cups of water, the drained basmati rice and keep the lid.

When the steam starts coming out steadily, place the weight.

Wait for 20 seconds and turn off the stove and forget about it for another 20 to 30 minutes

Come back and open the lid and you will have perfectly cooked Kuska/Plain Biriyani.

Serve with raita, pickles and any non veg/veg dish of your choice.