Ditch the rice and try this healthier Chicken Quinoa Biryani recipe

Biryani is a beloved dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent and is now enjoyed all over the world. This flavorful and aromatic dish is traditionally made with rice and a variety of spices, meats, and vegetables. However, with the increasing popularity of quinoa as a healthy and nutritious alternative to rice, chefs and home cooks alike have started experimenting with quinoa biryani recipes.

In this article, we will share a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for chicken quinoa biryani that is perfect for health conscious people. This recipe is a healthy twist on the traditional biryani dish, using quinoa instead of rice and lean chicken breast instead of fatty meats. The result is a flavorful and nutrient-rich dish that is both satisfying and healthy.

Follow these steps to make this healthy and delicious biryani:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons ghee
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup raisins

Instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and drain well.
2. In a medium-sized pot, bring the water to a boil, then add the quinoa. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 15-20 minutes.
3. In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the chicken to the pan and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the ginger-garlic paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and salt. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.
6. Add the yogurt, cilantro, and mint to the pan and stir well to combine.
7. Spread half of the cooked quinoa over the chicken mixture, then add another layer of chicken, followed by the remaining quinoa.
8. Drizzle the ghee over the top of the biryani, then sprinkle the almonds and raisins over the top.
9. Cover the pan and cook over low heat until the biryani is heated through and the flavors have melded together, about 10-15 minutes.
10. Serve hot and enjoy!

With the growing popularity of quinoa as a healthy alternative to rice, it’s a great option for those looking to enjoy biryani without compromising on their health goals. Give this recipe a try and savor the unique blend of spices, yogurt, and herbs that make this dish a favorite around the world.