Squid Biriyani/Koonthal Biriyani

Ingredients:
Basmati rice-2 cup
Pure ghee-3 table spoon
Chopped onion- 1 cup
Cloves-5
Cardamom-3
Cinnamon-3
Curry leaves-a handful
Salt

for masala
Squid cleaned and cut into rings – 500 gms
Chilly powder - 2 tsp
Ginger-garlic paste –1 table spoon
Green chilli – 8
Onion – 5 chopped
Tomato – 2 chopped
Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
Pepper powder - 1 tsp
Jeera powder - 1 tsp
Garam masala - 1/2 tsp
Coconut paste - 1 cup (optional)
Curd - 1 tbsp
Oil - as required
Curry leaves
Coriander leaves
Salt to taste

Method:

Preparation of rice
        Heat ghee in a biriyani maker.once the ghee get hot add chopped onions and fry it.Then add the spices and curry leaves into it.fry it and add 4 cups of water for 2 cups of rice.when the water get bolied add the rice which is cleaned.close it with a lid and leave it for 10 minutes in a medium flame.

Preparatiion of masala

          Firstly marinate the squid with chilly powder and salt and keep aside for sometime.Then fry it.Now heat oil in a pan. Add ginger-garlic paste & stir. Add green chilli,curry leaves & stir. Add chopped onions & saute. Once the onion becomes golden brown in colour,add chopped tomatoes. When tomato is cooked add all the masala powder,turmeric,jeera powder,pepper powder and salt.. Saute it well.Then add fried squid,coriander leaves,coconut paste,curd & cook for 10-15 minutes.

Layering
        On a biriyani maker put the masala as first layer.then put rice on the top of it as second layer.make the layers till the masala and rice is fully filled.on the top of it, spread corianer leaves, fried onion,cashew and kismis(optional).close the lid tightly and put it on a low flame.dhum it for 20 minnutes.

                    I think squid biriyani tastes the best when compared to chicken,mutton and prawns.Just give a try and experience the taste...Thanx Shaina (my friend) for the idea of squid biriyani.

Love,
Roshu