Kuska Briyani

Kuska is nothing but Briyani without veggie. In all it takes around 15 minutes to prepare, so this could be a possible lunch menu for those working women to save morning busy hours. In a month at least twice I pack this food for lunch. I, especially, like this to cook often as it is easy and also the aroma of Mint and Coriander, filling my kitchen, which would tempt anyone to try and taste.

Ingredients :

Basmati rice – 1 cup
Green chillies – 2
Sliced onion - 1 (thinly sliced)
Tomato - 2 tbsp (finely chopped)
Cumin seeds - 1/4 tsp
Star anise - 1
Cloves - 1
Cinnamon - 1" piece
Cardamom - 1
Cashew - few
Bay leaf - 1 no
Coconut milk – 1 cup
water - 1/4 cup
Ginger& Garlic paste – 1tsp
Butter/ghee – 3 tsp
Oil – 2 tsp
Mint leaves - 2 springs
Coriander leaves – 2 springs

Method :

Wash and soak basmati rice in coconut milk for 15 minutes. In a pressure pan heat ghee & oil, add cumin seeds, cinnamon, bay leaf, cardamom, star anise, cloves and allow them to splutter. Now add chopped onion, tomato and green chillies fry until golden brown. Add ginger & garlic paste until the raw smell is gone. After a few seconds, add chopped coriander and mint leaves and sauté it for while. At this stage add soaked basmati rice in coconut milk with 1/4 cup of water. Add salt for taste & mix well.

Close the lid and pressure cook for 1 whistle & then leave it for 5 minutes in low flame until any excess water remain. Switch it off .Take care not to overcook.

Awesome kuska briyani is ready. Serve hot with your choice of kurma or onion / cucumber raita.