thokku biryani

           Thokku biryani is a popular South Indian dish that combines the flavors of thokku, a spicy tomato-based curry, and biryani, a fragrant rice dish made with aromatic spices and vegetables or meat.

To make thokku biryani, you will need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cardamom pods
• 2 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
• 1 cup water
• Coriander leaves, chopped

For the thokku:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Salt to taste
• Instructions:

1. To make the thokku, heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. When they start to splutter, add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent.

2. Add the chopped tomatoes and ginger garlic paste, and cook until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.

3. Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste, and mix well.

4. Cook the thokku for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the mixture. Keep it aside.

5. To make the biryani, heat oil in a pan and add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a few seconds until fragrant.

6. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

7. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.

8. Add ginger garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt to taste. Mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes.

9. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes until they are tender.

10. Add the soaked rice and mix well.

11. Add water and bring the mixture to a boil.

12. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Cook the rice for 10-15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water has evaporated.

13. Remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork.

14. Add the thokku to the rice and mix well.

15. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve hot.

Your thokku biryani is now ready to be served. Enjoy!