Prawns Biriyani(Dum Style)

Prawns biriyani is my kids favorite.They love this as prawns has no bones in it,so my work becomes easier too.I had prepared prawns biriyani long before,do check that simple version.This is a moderately spicy version,please do modify the spices according to your taste buds.And in this I used the dum style,so this retains the flavors more in the biriyani.Do try this out,if you love prawns :-)

INGREDIENTS
To cook rice
basmati rice 2 cups
water 3 cups
ghee 1 tbsp
cinnamon 1'' piece
cloves 3-4
cardamom 3-4
star anise 1
peppercorn 5-6
bay leaves 2
salt

To marinate
prawns 2 lb(20-25 large)
ginger garlic paste 1tsp
chilly powder 1tsp
pepper powder 1tsp
turmeric powder 1/2tsp
salt

To prepare masala
onion 1 1/2 large sliced
tomato 1 1/2 medium sliced
turmeric powder 1/2tsp
chilly powder 1 tsp
coriander powder 1 tsp
pepper powder 1 tsp
garam masala/ biriyani masala 1/2 tsp
green chillies 4 slit vertically
ginger garlic paste 1 tsp
curry leaves
mint leaves 4-5sprigs chopped
cilantro 4 -5sprigs chopped
salt
oil 4 tsp

To garnish
onion 1 large sliced
lemon 1/2
cashews
raisins
ghee 1-2 tbsp

METHOD
-Rub the prawns using salt and lemon.(I usually apply it all over the prawns and leave it for 15minutes.)Wash under running water 5-6 times until all bad odor disappears or else repeat the first step.
-Marinate the prawns using the ingredients listed above for 1/2 -1 hour.
-Wash the basmati rice and soak in water for 30 minutes.
-Heat ghee in another pan and fry the cashews,raisins.Keep aside.Fry the rice in the same ghee for 2-3minutes after draining the water.
-Place a cooker with 3cups water,add salt and the other spices listed under cooking rice .Bring to boil and add rice.Keep on medium flame.Cover and cook till the water evaporates and the rice is cooked.Put off flame.
-In the mean time,Place another pan on medium heat,add oil .Saute onion till translucent.Add the green chillies,curry leaves,coriander leaves/cilantro,mint leaves.Saute and add the ginger garlic paste.
-Add the chopped tomatoes and cook till mashed.
-Add all spices listed to prepare masala and saute for 2 minutes till the raw smell of spices vanishes.
-Add a cup of water and salt.Bring to boil.Add the marinated prawns to it.
-Cover and cook for 15minutes till gravy thickens.Keep this in low -medium flame.Add the cooked rice on top.Squeeze the lemon juice on top.
-Cover or seal it tightly using maida or atta or a tight lid and leave for another 15-20 minutes on low flame.
-Heat another pan with 3tsp of oil and saute the onion for garnish (I have skipped this)till brown and add to the cooked rice along with fried cashews,raisins and chopped cilantro .
-Serve it with raitha, papad & pickle!!


Servings ~ 3-4 adults

NOTES
*You can fry the prawns if you want it more tasty.
*You can also skip the fried onions for garnish too.I have skipped too.
* The spice level is on a higher side,if you wish a milder version- please reduce your spices esp pepper powder and green chillies according to your taste buds.
*This is a low fat version of prawns biriyani with very less oil and ghee.You can increase the ghee amount.

Sending this to Virtual Eid Potluck party,Spotlight-Rice/Roti/Pulao/Puri