Arabian Full Chicken Mandhi Biryani | Village Babys

Mandhi Biryani is an iconic Arabian dish, celebrated for its fragrant rice, slow-cooked meat, and unique spice blend. The Village Babys team has recreated this traditional Emirati-style Full Chicken Mandhi Biryani, prepared using time-honoured methods that enhance its authentic flavours. Follow along to bring this delightful dish to your kitchen!

Mandhi Masala – The Heart of the Dish

To achieve the perfect Arabian Mandhi flavour, a special homemade spice mix is prepared:

Ingredients for Mandhi Masala:

• Coriander leaves (Kothamalli) – A handful
• Black pepper (Mizhagu) – 2 tsp
• Cumin seeds (Seerakam) – 1 tbsp
• Cloves (Krambu) – 4-5
• Cardamom pods (Ezhakkai) – 3-4
• Star anise (Star Annachi Poo) – 1
• Mace (Jaathi Pathiri) – 1 small piece
• Cinnamon stick (Patti) – 1 small piece
• Nutmeg (Jaathika) – ½ tsp (grated)
• Bay leaf (Biriyani leaf) – 2

Preparing the Masala:

1. Dry roast all the ingredients until aromatic.
2. Allow them to cool slightly and grind into a fine powder.
3. This freshly ground Mandhi Masala is the key to an authentic taste.

Preparing the Base for Mandhi Biryani

Additional Ingredients:

• Ginger-Garlic Paste – 3 tbsp (freshly ground)
• Turmeric Paste – 2 tbsp (ground from fresh turmeric)
• Pure Groundnut Oil – ½ cup
• Ghee – 3 tbsp
• Whole Spices (Cloves, Bay leaf, Cardamom, Star Anise, Kasa Kasa) – For tempering
• Green Chillies (chopped) – 3-4
• Mint Leaves (Pudhina, torn) – A handful
• Onions (thinly sliced) – 2 large
• Tomatoes (blended into a smooth paste) – 2 medium
• Salt – As per taste

Cooking Process:

1. Heat groundnut oil and add ghee for enhanced richness.
2. Add the whole spices (cloves, bay leaf, cardamom, star anise, kasa kasa) and let them sizzle.
3. Stir in chopped green chillies and mint leaves, frying until fragrant.
4. Add thinly sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
5. Stir in the freshly ground ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears.
6. Pour in the blended tomato paste and allow it to thicken.
7. Mix in the roasted Mandhi Masala and turmeric paste, stirring well.

Cooking the Whole Chicken

• Take one whole chicken, cleaned and washed.
• Place it directly into the prepared spice base.
• Add salt and enough water to submerge the chicken.
• Cover and cook on medium heat until the chicken becomes tender and fully cooked.

Preparing the Masala for Roasting the Chicken

• Ginger paste – 1 tbsp
• Garlic paste – 1 tbsp
• Turmeric paste – 1 tbsp
• Roasted Mandhi Masala – 2 tsp
• Curd – ½ cup
• Oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt – As required

Marinating and Roasting the Chicken:

1. Remove the cooked chicken and coat it with the prepared masala mix.
2. Heat oil in a pan and roast the chicken until golden brown.
3. Keep it aside for final assembly.

Cooking the Biryani Rice

• Basmati rice – 2.5 cups (soaked for 30 minutes)
• Chicken broth (from cooking the chicken) – 5 cups
• Ghee – 2 tbsp

Steps:

1. Strain the broth and use it to cook the soaked basmati rice.
2. When the rice is 75% cooked, place the roasted whole chicken on top.
3. Sprinkle roasted ghee, fried onions, and more Mandhi Masala over the top.
4. Cover and dum cook for 10 minutes, allowing all the flavours to infuse.

Final Touch – Dhum for the Perfect Aroma

1. Place hot charcoal in a small bowl and drizzle ghee over it.
2. Seal the pot and allow the smoke to infuse for 10 minutes.
3. Open the lid and experience the incredible aroma of your homemade Arabian Full Chicken Mandhi Biryani!

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with raita, pickled onions, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
• Pair it with spicy salan for an extra burst of flavour.

This Emirati-style Full Chicken Mandhi Biryani brings out the best of slow-cooked spices and tender meat. The Village Babys team has recreated a dish that pays homage to traditional Emirati cuisine while keeping the process simple for home cooks.

Watch the Full Video Below:

A Special Tribute to Village Babys

A big shoutout to Village Babys for their dedication to showcasing traditional recipes with authenticity. Their passion for preserving and sharing village-style cooking techniques is truly commendable.

Try this Arabian Full Chicken Mandhi Biryani and bring the essence of UAE’s culinary heritage to your table!