Introduction:
Chicken Pulao is a popular and beloved dish that graces
the tables of many households and restaurants worldwide. This delectable
one-pot wonder is a perfect blend of succulent chicken pieces, fragrant basmati
rice, and an array of aromatic spices. In this blog post, we will delve into
the world of Chicken Pulao, exploring its traditional recipe, nutritional
content, and even address some common queries about this delightful dish. So,
let's embark on a culinary journey and learn all about Chicken Pulao.
Chicken Pulao Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in or
boneless, as per preference)
- 2 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30
minutes
- 3 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- Whole spices: 1 bay leaf, 4-5 cloves, 4-5 green
cardamoms, 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups water
Instructions:
1.
In a
heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add
the whole spices and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2.
Add the
sliced onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
3.
Stir in the
ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
4.
Add the
chicken pieces to the pot and sauté them until they turn white and slightly browned.
5.
Now, add
the turmeric powder, red chili powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and
salt. Mix well to coat the chicken with the spices.
6.
Pour in the
yogurt and mix everything thoroughly. Let it cook for a few minutes until the
chicken is well coated with the yogurt and spices.
7.
Add the
soaked basmati rice to the pot and mix gently, making sure the rice is coated
with the flavors of the chicken and spices.
8.
Pour the
water into the pot, give it a good stir, and bring it to a boil.
9.
Reduce the
heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the Chicken Pulao
simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice and chicken are fully cooked
and tender.
10.
Once
cooked, garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Chicken Pulao Calories:
The number of calories in Chicken Pulao can vary based on
the ingredients used and the serving size. On average, a single serving of
Chicken Pulao contains approximately 350-400 calories.
FAQs: Answering Your Queries
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of basmati rice for Chicken Pulao?
A: While brown rice is a healthier option, the traditional
Chicken Pulao recipe uses fragrant basmati rice, which adds a unique aroma and
taste to the dish. However, you can experiment with brown rice if you prefer.
Q: Can I make Chicken Pulao without yogurt?
A: Yes, you
can skip the yogurt if you prefer. The yogurt adds a tangy flavor and
tenderizes the chicken, but you can substitute it with a splash of lemon juice.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken for Chicken Pulao?
A:
While it's best to use raw chicken for Chicken Pulao to allow the flavors to
meld together during cooking, you can use pre-cooked chicken if you have
leftovers. Simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion:
Chicken Pulao is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the goodness of succulent chicken and aromatic spices with fragrant basmati rice. Perfect for gatherings or a delicious weeknight meal, Chicken Pulao is sure to please everyone's palate. So, try out this delectable recipe at home and enjoy the enticing flavors of Chicken Pulao with your family and friends. Happy cooking!