Fish Biryani by Zarnak Sidhwa

Ingredients:

• Fish fillets 1/2 kg
• Turmeric powder 1 tsp
• Lemon juice1 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Flour 3 tbsp
• Oil 2 tbsp + for deep-frying
• Bay leaf 1
• Cinnamon 1-inch stick
• Black cardamom 3
• Star anise 3–4
• Chopped tomatoes 4
• Garlic paste 2 tsp
• Rice (parboiled) 3 cups
• Onion paste 1-1/2 tbsp
• Cumin powder 1 tsp
• Red chilli powder 1 tsp
• Chopped tomatoes 2
• Sugar 1/2 tsp
• Chopped coriander leaves 2 tbsp

Method:

1. Marinate fish pieces with salt, turmeric powder, lemon juice and flour and refrigerate it for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil, deep fry fish pieces till golden brown.
3. Heat 2 tbsp oil and add bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamoms and star anise and saute till fragrant.
4. Add garlic paste, onion paste, cumin powder and red chilli powder and saute for 5 minutes.
5. Add tomatoes and saute till oil surfaces.
6. Add rice, fried fish, salt, sugar and 1 cup water.
7. Cover with lid and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot garnish with chopped coriander.