I’m afraid, you’re just going to have to test this one out and make your own judgement. But if you ask me, i would definitely say Swahili Biriyani is the best biriyani. Why? The sauce, it’s just waiting to be soaked up by the rice. I’m not into dry Biriyani as much but that’s just me -Mombasa spoiled me haha.
PrintEasy to make Swahili style Biriyani
1 whole Chicken (Skin off and cut into 8 pieces)
5 whole tomatoes (chopped)
6 onions Sliced (Deep fried until golden and crispy)
1 chilli (Chopped)
3 tbsp tomato paste
1–2 tbsp Cumin (ground)
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp cinnamon (ground)
1/4 tsp cloves (ground)
1 tsp cardamom (ground)
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp ginger (crushed)
1 tsp garlic (crushed)
1 1/2 cup water
3 potatoes (peeled; halved & deep fried)
3 tbsp Coriander (roughly chopped)
1 chilli (chopped)
1/2 cup Mala (or natural yoghurt)
Ghee to cook
In a thick bottomed pan, add 1 tbsp ghee followed by the tomato paste and fry it for 1 min on medium heat.
Add 1 tbsp cumin, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cardamom, 1/2 tsp black pepper and a few cloves (4-5).
Cook the spices for 2 min then add the chopped tomatoes and cover the pan.
After 13 min, add the chicken, garlic, ginger, fresh chilly and, salt.
Cover and cook until chicken soften (about 15min)
Add 1/2 cup of mala or natural yoghurt cover and reduce the heat.
Deep fry your sliced onions if you haven’t and also fry the potatoes until a skin forms.
Add the deep friend and onions and potatoes to the biriyani. Cook until the potatoes are soft.
Serve with rice
Keywords: Swahili, Biriyani,
Hi Vanessa,
I tried this recipe today and am in love. It’s quick and easy and the taste is authentic! I just had a second plate as a snack! I know, shame on me!
I feel like this is goin to be my go to biriani recipe from now on..thanks!
Ohhhhh so happy to hear that 🙂 Don’t worry, i snack on it too hehehehe
Hello, I live in Kilifi, and have been looking for the perfect recipe that resembles the ones I get locally! This one is exactly like it, cant wait to try it for my family this weekend. But I cant seem to find the extended version, only the express version? Would love to see your marinade ingredients.
Hi Vanessa, just made your Biriani and it tasted so authentic, my husband who is Kenyan from Mombasa says it tasts so good, wants me to try all your receipes, he said you had very good teachers and we wondered which part of Mombasa you grew up in, basically it was delicious.
Thank you for the receipe.
Tina
Hi Tina, so happy to hear that. I grew up in old Nyali near a place called shauri moyo 🙂
Our biryani is the best!!! #teamswahili
Hi Vanessa, I’m Swahili all the way. That biryani looks mouthwatering delicious. I’m definitely trying it today.
Hey Andrey, hope you had success with the recipe 🙂
Hi Vanessa, I have been looking for a good pilau recipe and the chutney that goes with it. Kindly teach me how to make that.
Best regards Arti from Nairobi