Ajowan Flavored Rice with Chicken

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A plate of Ajwain Flavored Rice with tender chicken pieces, garnished with fresh coriander and fried onions, served on a rustic wooden table.
Ajwain Flavored Rice with Chicken – a fragrant and healthy dish highlighting the unique flavor of carom seeds.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • For the Chicken Marinade:
    • 500g boneless chicken, cut into pieces
    • 1 tsp Ajowan seeds (carom seeds)
    • 1 tsp garlic paste
    • 1 tsp ginger paste
    • 1 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • 1 cup yogurt
    • 1 tbsp lemon juice
    • Salt, to taste
  • For the Rice:
    • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
    • 1 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
    • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 tsp cumin seeds
    • 1 tsp Ajowan seeds
    • 2 cloves
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 cinnamon stick
    • 4 cups water
    • Salt, to taste
  • Optional Garnishes:
    • Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
    • Fried onions
    • Lemon wedges

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with Ajowan seeds, garlic paste, ginger paste, turmeric, chili powder, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt.
    • Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    • Add the marinated chicken and cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (about 10-12 minutes). Set aside.
  3. Prepare the Rice:
    • Heat ghee or oil in a large pot.
    • Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
    • Add cumin seeds, Ajowan seeds, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick, stirring for about 1 minute until aromatic.
    • Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Stir gently to coat the rice with the spices.
    • Add 4 cups of water and salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
  4. Combine and Serve:
    • Gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork.
    • Layer the cooked chicken over the rice and cover the pot. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.
    • Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, fried onions, and lemon wedges if desired.

Tips:

  • Adjust the level of spices to suit your taste.
  • For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of saffron water to the rice before cooking.

This aromatic and flavorful dish perfectly highlights the unique taste and health benefits of Ajowan. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments to the recipe!

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