Chicken Pilau

What you’ll need

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 6 chicken drumsticks or thighs
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 3/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 black cardamom pods
• 2-3 cloves
• 2-3 black peppercorns
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds (optional)

Step by step

Method

1. Wash and soak the rice for 15-20 minutes.
2. Heat the oil and fry the sliced onion until dark brown, then leave to cool slightly.
3. Add the chicken to the onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until no longer pink.
4. Add all the spices and mix.
5. Pour in the water, bring to a boil, then simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Remove the onions at this stage if preferred.
7. Drain the rice, add it to the boiling liquid and cook over medium-high heat until most of the water has been absorbed and the rice is nearly cooked.
8. Cover tightly, reduce the heat to low-medium and cook for about 15 minutes without allowing steam to escape.
9. Serve with curry, salad and raita or yoghurt.