Shrimp/ Prawn Biryani

Yet another one of my quick-fix meals. Though I call it a biryani (coz I'm always thinking of eating some), this recipe involves none of the hassles of actually making one. It is really simple and yet delicious...

Ingredients:

1/2lb raw shrimp

1tbs lemon juice

2tbs oil

2-3cardamoms

4cloves

8-10 peppercorns

1small stick cinnamon

1star anise

1bay leaf

1medium onion, finely chopped

1medium tomato,finely chopped

2tbs ginger-garlic paste

5 green chillies or to taste, finely chopped

1/4tsp turmeric powder

1 1/2tsp garam masala powder

1/2tsp pepper powder

1cup rice

2cups water

salt to taste

coriander leaves for garnish

Method:

Clean the shrimp and marinate adding the lemon juice and some salt. Keep aside.

Heat 2tbs oil in a pan and add the cardamoms, cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon stick, star anise and bay leaf and fry for 30secs till fragrant.

Add the onion and green chillies and fry till brown. Add tomato and ginger-garlic paste and cook till the oil separates.

Add the turmeric, garam masala and pepper powders and fry for another minute.

Add the shrimp and mix well to coat. Mix in the rice, salt and water and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover and cook for 15mins. 

Switch off the flame, but do not open the lid. Let it sit covered for another 10mins.

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with coriander leaves.

Serve hot with a raita.