Chilman Biryani
Grrrrrgh!
Course : Indian
From: HungryMonster.com
Serves: 4
 

Ingredients:

500 gram lamb -- cubed
2 1/2 cups Basmati rice
2 Cup water as required
1/2 teaspoon mace -- (javitri) powder
4 pieces green cardamom
4 pieces black cardamom
4 whole cloves
5 pieces bay leaves
1 cup oil
3 1/3 tablespoons onions -- sliced
5 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons chile powder
1 liter water
3 1/3 tablespoons brown onion paste
5 pieces strands of saffron
2 teaspoons vetiver -- (kewra) water
4 tablespoons onions -- sliced and fried until brown (60 g)
---FOR THE CHILMAN (PUFF) COVERING---
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup butter
5 tablespoons water
 

Preparation:

WASH and soak the rice in water for one hour. Drain and boil in sufficient water with the whole garam masala until three-fourths done. Remove from heat, drain and keep aside. Heat oil in a pan, add onions and fry until brown. Add ginger-garlic paste with lamb pieces and stir-fry for about 10 minutes. Add salt, chile powder and water and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes on medium heat. Stir in the brown onion paste and cook until the lamb pieces are tender and the curry thickens. Remove from heat. To prepare the chilman (puff) covering: Mix butter into the flour. Add enough water and knead to a smooth soft dough. In an oven proof handi (pot) place alternate layers of rice and lamb curry. Sprinkle saffron, vetiver and the browned onions. Seal the handi (pot) with the prepared puff covering and place in a moderately hot oven (150o C to 175o C) for 20 minutes or until the covering is cooked. Remove and serve hot with raita.