Have to admit, this is a very pretty looking dish. Isn't it?
The chicken can be replaced with Tofu or Panner. Even Cauliflower will be a good substitute.
This recipe is an adaptation from the Chicken Kebobs and Saffron Rice that is so popular in any Mediterranean/Lebanese restaurants.
I used Indian style seasoning to marinate the Chicken, but feel free to use anything you like.
Ingredients:
Marinade for Chicken:
Yogurt/Curd - 1 cup
Tandoori/Chicken Masala/Chicken Tikka Seasoning - 2 Tbsp
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 tbsp
Chili Powder - 1 tsp
Turmeric - 1 tsp
Salt - To taste
Oil - 1 Tbsp
Chicken thigh meat - Boneless and Skinless - 2 Lbs
Basmati Rice - 2 Cups
Saffron - 1 pinch
Potatoes - 2 big ones
Oil - 1 Tbsp
Salt to season the boiling water
Cilantro - For garnish
Mix all the ingredients for the marinade. Clean and cut the chicken into slightly bigger pieces.
Add the chicken to the marinade and let it hang in there for a long as you can in the refrigerator.
A minimum of 6 hours is advisable. (Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning).
Pre-heat the over to 450F and place on a grill rack on top of a baking dish, so the juices can drip down and the chicken will not get soggy. This is a good tip to have crispy chicken and keep it moist at the same time. Bake the chicken, turning it once half way through. 25 to 30 min.
Check for doneness and remove.
Wash and soak the rice for a half hour. Peel and slice the Potatoes into thin round disks. Heat a large pan with water and when the water starts to boil, add salt to the water. The water should be salty like the ocean. Add the rice and cook till it is almost done. (85%).
Add the saffron to some water and let is soak.
In a large pan, season with some oil and lay the potato slices in a single layer. Top with the rice. Remove 1/2 cup of rice and mix with the saffron water. Top this over the rice in the pan. Cover and cook on medium high flame for 5 min and then reduce and cook for 5 more.
Open the lid and layer the outside edges with the grilled chicken and top with cilantro.
Serve with a simple salad of Cucumbers and Tomatoes.
