This recipe is my own creation.It’s a layered

fish biriyani, without mint or coriander but

only dry methi leaves.Any seafood mixed with

methi produces a lovely flavour,and I thought

to try with biriyani .I made the biriyani masala

also,with dried methi leaves ( kasuri methi ).

Methi is fenugreek for those who do not know

the translation.So let’s get into the recipe now

For the biriyani masala powder

7-8 dry chillies

1.5 tbsp coriander seeds

7-8 cardamons

2 black cardamoms

2-3 marati moggu ( Kapok buds)

1 tbsp dried methi leaves ( kasuri methi )

2 inch piece cinnamon

1/2 nutmeg

1 tsp white poppy seeds

2 star anise

1 tsp sea moss

5 cloves

2 tsp cumin seeds

2 tsp saunf ( sombu)

Dry roast lightly and powder. Use 1 tbsp for

300-400 rice .

For the fish marinade

250-300 gm boneless fish ( I used Mahi Mahi)

2 tsp chilli powder

1/2 tsp turmeric powder

1 tbsp biriyani masala powder

Juice of 1 lime

Salt to taste

Wash the fish,and marinade till rice is done

To cook the rice

300-350 gm basmati rice ( soaked )

1 black cardamon

1 tsp cummin seeds

1 tsp saunf

A small piece cinnamon

1 star anise

1 bay leaf

2-3 cloves

1 tsp coconut oil

Salt to taste

Pound the spices with a pestle lightly ( for

enhanced flavour).

Boil 3 cups water ,add all the spices,oil and salt

Once the water reaches boiling point ,add

soaked rice,and cook till done .

Strain the water,and set aside the cooked rice .

To cook the fish

3 big onions sliced

4-5 green chillies slit

2 tbsp ginger garlic paste

1/2 cup curd

1 tsp peppercorns

3 tomatoes

1 tbsp kasuri methi leaves

Salt to taste

3-4 tbsp ghee+ oil

•Heat oil,and fry the onions till golden colour.

•Reserve half of the fried onions for layering.

•Now add tomatoes with salt,and cook till

tomatoes are soft.

•Add ginger garlic paste ,and the marinated fish

pieces .

•Lightly beat curd and add to the fish with the

rest of the ingredients.

•Do not add water.

•Take care not to break the fish ,so gently

shake the pan .

•The fish takes only few minutes to cook,so do

not overcook.5-7 minutes is just enough.

•Remove from fire .

Final assembly

A little colouring mixed in water

2-3 tsp ghee

Method

•Take a thick bottomed pot,and add half of

the rice .

•Add fried onions,and spread half of the

curry,and fish slices.Sprinkle colouring.

•Cover with the remaining rice , fried onions

curry and a sprinkle of colour.

•Add a handful of rice to finish off .

•Sprinkle ghee .Cover tight and place on a

slow fire ( dum) for just 10 minutes.

•It’s best to keep a thick dosa pan,and then

cook on dum.

•Transfer to a serving plate,to get the layers

and the fish pieces right . ( To avoid the fish

breaking ).

•Serve with raita, and accompaniments of

your choice.