Maati Handi Chicken/mutton Biriyani is a popular dish not just in North India but also in the eastern Indian state of Odisha. The biriyani has its own unique twist in Odisha, with the addition of local spices and ingredients.
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In Odisha, the Maati Handi Chicken/mutton Biriyani is prepared using locally sourced Basmati rice, which is soaked for an hour before cooking. The rice is then boiled in salted water along with a few whole spices such as bay leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom until it is about 70% cooked.
Meanwhile, the chicken or mutton is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, red chili powder, and other spices, including the Odia spice mix called ‘panch phutana’, which comprises cumin seeds, mustard seeds, fenugreek seeds, fennel seeds, and nigella seeds. The marinated meat is then cooked in a pan until it is browned on all sides.
Next, a layer of sliced onions, tomatoes, and boiled eggs is added to the bottom of a clay pot or maati handi. The meat is then layered on top of the onions, followed by a layer of rice. This process is repeated until all the meat and rice have been used up.
In Odisha, a unique ingredient called ‘ghee khand’ is added to the biriyani. Ghee khand is made by heating ghee and then cooling it to form a solid block. The ghee khand is grated and added to the layers of the biriyani, which adds a rich, buttery flavor to the dish.
The maati handi is then covered with a lid and sealed with dough to trap the steam inside, which helps to cook the biriyani evenly. The biriyani is then cooked on a low flame for about 30-40 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the meat is tender.
Once the biriyani is cooked, the maati handi is opened, and the biriyani is garnished with fried onions, cashew nuts, raisins, and chopped coriander leaves. The biriyani is then served hot with raita and salad.
In conclusion, Maati Handi Chicken/mutton Biriyani in Odisha is a delicious and aromatic dish that is a must-try for all food lovers. The unique blend of spices and ingredients used in Odisha make it a one-of-a-kind biriyani that is sure to delight your taste buds. If you haven’t tried it yet, give it a try and experience the flavors of this amazing dish.
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