Biryani originated in Persia and might have taken couple of different routes to arrive in India. Biryani is derived from the Persian word 'Birian'. In Farsi, Birian means 'Fried before Cooking'. In the olden days, rice was fried in Ghee (Clarified butter). But much ghee is not preferred today as people are more health conscious now. Kerala Prawns Dum Biriyani is a complete meal and the taste is quite different from the usual chicken and mutton Biryani. The dish is mouthwatering and very tempting. Prawns are rich in protein and other vital nutrients required for body. You can explore a well detailed recipe for Kerala Prawns Dum Biriyani here that can be easily prepared at home.
Add the fried prawns along with little water and cook the curry in a medium flame until the gravy thickens and remove from fire.
Wash and soak basmati rice for 2 hours and then drain it.
Heat 4 tbsp of ghee in a heavy bottom pan and fry cashew and raisins and remove it from the ghee. Then fry the sliced onion till it is golden brown and crispy and keep it aside.
Cook rice in boiling water along with salt, cardamom, cinnamon and bay leaves. Drain and keep aside
In a large heavy bottomed vessel, spread the prawn masala first and layer the rice over it.
Sprinkle the remaining 2 tsp garam masala over the top of the rice layer, sprinkle Biriyani essence and saffron mixture. Put chopped mint and coriander leaves.
Make one more layer of prawns and rice in the same manner. Put chopped mint and coriander leaves, fried cashews, raisins and spread it over.
Cover the rice with a tight lid and put the pot on very low heat for 10 mins.