Chicken Pulao

Ingredients:

300 gm. boneless chicken - cut into small cubes
3-4 cloves of garlic
1/2 inch piece of ginger
Small bunch of fresh coriander
2-3 green chilies (as per taste)
2 tbsp fresh coconut
2 large tomatoes blanched and chopped
2 medium onions finely sliced
2 tbsp of ghee
1 tbsp. oil
2-3 cloves, black pepper and pieces of cinnamon
1 bay leaf (optional)
1 tsp each of turmeric powder and My garam masala
1 tbsp of chili powder (optional)
1 cup long grain washed and drained for 30 mins
Salt to taste

Method:

1. Grind together garlic, ginger, coriander, green chilies and coconut using little water. Marinate the chicken pieces with this masala, turmeric powder, chili powder and oil. Set aside for 30 minutes.
2. Keep 3 cups of water to boil in a vessel.
3. Heat ghee in a non-stick sauce pan. Add cloves, black pepper, pieces of cinnamon and bay leaf.
4. Add onions and sauté till light brown. Add tomatoes and cook for another 2 mins.
5. Now add marinated chicken and garam masala. Mix well and sauté for 2-3 mins.
6. Let chicken pieces cook in masala till they start changing to opaque. This will take around 5 minutes.
7. Add rice and mix well till coated with masala.
8. Add hot water and let the mixture come to a boil. Add salt and continue cooking.
9. When most of the water is absorbed by rice, cook covered on a low flame for 10 mins. Make sure the chicken pieces are cooked through.
10. Ready to serve with raita and papad.