Ground Turkey Biryani – Indian Style
For Marinating Ground Turkey
For Cooking Ground Turkey
For Cooking Rice
For Layering
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow each step to make the recipe successfully.
Marinate Ground Turkey
In a bowl, combine 1 lb lean ground turkey with a fistful of mint leaves, 4 TBS lemon juice, 1/2 TSP turmeric powder, 1 TBS red chilli powder, 1/2 TSP garam masala, 1 TBS ginger & garlic paste, 1 TBS salt, 3 green chillies, 1 TSP shajeera (black cumin), 1 TSP biryani masala (optional), and 1/2 cup yogurt (dahi). Mix well and for .
Prepare Aromatics and Spices
Heat 5 TBS of oil in a wide pan over medium flame. Add a few cashews, a few whole spices (pepper, star anise, cloves, cardamom, mace), and 2 bay leaves. Add a fistful of mint leaves and until aromatic. Then, add 1 thinly chopped onion and 4 green chilies. again until the onions turn translucent. Add 1/4 TSP turmeric powder, 1 TSP salt, and 1/4 TSP ginger & garlic paste. Continue to until well combined and fragrant.
Cook Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the pan. Cook at medium flame for , breaking up the turkey with a spoon. Add 2 TBS more oil, 1 TSP biryani masala powder, and 1 TSP red chilli powder. Continue to cook until all the water from the turkey evaporates. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for . Remove the lid; the ground turkey should be almost ready. Keep it aside.
Prepare Basmati Rice
Wash 3 cups of basmati rice thoroughly. In a separate pot, bring plenty of water to a boil over high flame. Add a fistful of mint, 1/2 TSP salt, and 1 TSP of oil to the boiling water. Give it a stir. Once the water is boiling, add the washed rice. Cook until the rice is 3/4th cooked. Drain the water and keep the rice ready.
Layer the Biryani
In a wide pan, spread a layer of the cooked ground turkey at low heat. On top of the turkey, add a layer of the fluffy basmati rice. In a small plate, mix 1 pinch of red food color with 2 TSPS of milk. Add 2 TSPS of cooked rice to this colored milk and mix. Sprinkle this colored rice over the white rice layer. Repeat the layering process with another layer of ground turkey, followed by white rice, and then sprinkle more colored rice. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for on low heat for the 'dum' process. Turn off the stove.
Serve Biryani
Carefully mix the layers of the biryani to combine the ground turkey and rice. Serve hot with raita.
Before You Cook
Helpful details before you startIngredient SubstitutionsMissing something? View suitable alternatives.View 7 swaps
No Lemon juice?
- Lime juice (1:1)
- 1/2 the amount white vinegar — In dressings, savory dishes.
No Garam masala?
- 1 tsp cumin + 1/2 tsp coriander + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom
No Garlic (fresh)?
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (per clove)
- 1/2 tsp garlic granules (per clove)
No Yogurt?
- Sour cream (1:1)
- Buttermilk (1:1, slightly thinner result)
No Bay leaf?
- 1/4 tsp dried thyme (per leaf)
- Pinch of dried oregano
No Onion?
- 1 tbsp onion powder (per medium onion)
- 3 tbsp dried minced onion
- Shallots or leeks (1:1)
No Milk?
- Unsweetened almond / soy / oat milk (1:1)
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk + 1/2 cup water (per 1 cup)
Variations
Simple ways to adapt this recipe.
- Substitute ground turkey with groundIngredient swap
Substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lamb for a different flavor profile.
- Add fried onions (birista) asCustomise
Add fried onions (birista) as a garnish for extra flavor and texture.
- Include boiled eggs or potatoes
Include boiled eggs or potatoes for a heartier biryani.
Helpful Tips
Small details that can improve the final result.
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