Go Back

Swahili Biriani Recipe

Here’s a full recipe for Swahili Biriani that can be prepared in 45 minutes. Swahili Biriani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish popular along the East African coast, especially in Kenya and Tanzania. It’s a one-pot meal with layers of spiced meat and fragrant rice.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings4

Ingredients
  

For the Meat

  • 500 g chicken beef, or goat meat (cut into pieces)
  • 2 medium onions thinly sliced
  • 3 tomatoes chopped
  • 2 tablespoons biriani masala or garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup water

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups basmati rice washed and soaked for 15 minutes
  • 4 cups water for boiling rice
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 cardamom pods
  • 3 cloves
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For Layering:

  • 1 large potato peeled and sliced into thin rounds, optional
  • 1/4 cup fried onions for garnish
  • Fresh coriander or parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or butter optional

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

  • Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
  • Add the ginger-garlic paste and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the meat pieces and cook until they are lightly browned.
  • Stir in the chopped tomatoes, biriani masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
  • Add the yogurt and mix well. Cook for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  • Pour in 1 cup of water, cover the pot, and let the meat simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes until tender. Set aside

Step 2: Cook the Rice

  • In a separate pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked basmati rice, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and salt.
  • Cook the rice until it is 70% done (slightly undercooked). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Layer the Biriani

  • In a large pot, layer the cooked meat at the bottom.
  • Add a layer of sliced potatoes (optional) over the meat.
  • Spread the partially cooked rice evenly over the meat and potatoes.
  • Sprinkle fried onions and fresh coriander or parsley on top.
  • Drizzle ghee or butter over the rice for extra flavor (optional).

Step 4: Steam the Biriani

  • Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or aluminum foil to trap the steam.
  • Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to fully cook.

Step 5: Serve

  • Gently fluff the biriani with a fork to mix the layers slightly.
  • Serve hot with a side of kachumbari (fresh tomato and onion salad) or a cooling raita.

Tips

  • For a richer flavor, marinate the meat in yogurt and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Adjust the spice levels to suit your taste.
  • You can add vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition.
  • Enjoy your delicious Swahili Biriani in just 45 minutes! 🍛