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Chicken Biryani

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil, divided
• 3 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 1/2 tablespoons mustard seeds
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons fenugreek
• 1 1/2 cups finely chopped yellow onion
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh garlic
• 1 tablespoon grated, peeled fresh ginger
• 2 whole cardamom pods
• 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional)
• 6 dried curry leaves, finely crumbled
• 2 cups uncooked long-grain rice
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon saffron threads
• 3 cups unsalted chicken stock
• chopped fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
• 3 tablespoons coarsely chopped toasted cashews

Method:

1. preheat oven to 400°
2. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper evenly over both sides of chicken. Add chicken to pan; saute 3 - 5 minutes or until browned. Remove chicken from pan, set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add mustard seeds, cumin, and fenugreek to pan; toast 1 minute of until fragrant, stirring often. Stir in onion; cook 4-5 minutes or until onion is translucent, stirring constantly. 
4. Add rice, raisins and saffron to the pan; stir to combine. Stir in stock. Nestle chicken, browned side up into rice mixture, spacing them evenly around the pan; bring to a boil. Remove pan from heat and bake at 400° for about 25 minutes or until chicken and rice are done. Sprinkle with cilantro, if using; top with nuts. Yield: 4 servings.

Also sometimes known as methi, fenugreek seeds are a common ingredient in Indian cooking. They have a tangy flavor - reminiscent of anise or fennel seeds - that's balanced by a bittersweet note similar to maple syrup. If you can't find fenugreek locally, you can definitely order it on Amazon. Same goes for dried curry leaves. If you're not a fan of fiery flavors, remove the jalapeno seeds or omit the pepper all together for a milder version of the dish.