Comfort Food

Authentic Indian Comfort Food Recipe with Rice, Lentils, and Spices

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Comfort food is a dish that brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth, often associated with feelings of home and security. This recipe for Sardine Biryani is a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.

History

Biryani is a popular dish in South Asian cuisine, known for its fragrant rice and flavorful spices. This version of Sardine Biryani adds a unique twist by incorporating canned sardines, making it a convenient and budget-friendly option for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

onions (2), potatoes (2), Tin of sardines (pilchards - tomato version), Basic set of spices

How to prepare

Place the nearly-full cup of basmati rice into a sieve and rinse it under a cold running tap for a few minutes. Then drain it over the measuring cup.
Peel the onions and potatoes while the rice is rinsing.
Wash the rice inside a sieve inside a bowl inside the sink.
Drain the rice over the measuring cup.
Open the sardine tin and empty it, along with the juices, into a deep dish. Take each piece of fish from the dish with a fork and a knife, place it onto a plate, and carefully slit it into two to remove the bone. Discard the bones in the original can.
Peel and wash the potatoes and onions.
Carefully remove the bones from the fish pieces.
Dice the potatoes and put them into a small pan for part-boiling. Boil some water in the kettle and pour it into the potato pan. Simmer for around 7 minutes. Also, coarsely chop the onions.
Half-boil the chopped potato chunks.
Coarsely chop the onions.
Fry the onions and defrost some chunks of frozen garlic, ginger, and chili from your freezer.
If you don't have garlic, ginger, and chili in your freezer, you can buy fresh ones from your local Asian grocer. Peel, wash, and process them in a food processor before freezing them in freezer bags.
Thaw the chunks of garlic, ginger, and green chili.
Fry the onions until they are translucent.
If you have cumin seeds, add them to the onions while frying.
Stir in the tomato sauce from the sardine tin after the garlic and ginger have cooked through.
Add 1 tsp each of turmeric, red chili, and ground coriander, along with two heaped teaspoons of garam masala and half a teaspoon of salt. Stir it all in and let it simmer for around 4 minutes.
Add the drained part-boiled potato chunks and stir well. Then add the drained rice.
Stir until everything is well coated. Add approximately 1.5 times the volume of rice of water (approximately 1.5 cups) and bring it to a boil.
Add the fish pieces and some fresh coriander leaf.
Just before the mixture starts to boil, add the fish pieces and stir slowly and carefully. Add more fresh chopped coriander leaf if desired.
Bring it back to a fierce boil and then reduce the flame to the lowest setting. Put the lid on with the vent fully open and let it simmer for around 25 minutes.
About halfway through, take off the lid and gently turn over the contents. Put the lid back on and let it simmer for another 15 minutes. Avoid constantly opening the lid to check on the progress.
After approximately 30 minutes, the rice should be fluffy. Put the lid on the pan slightly lopsided and let it rest with the flame turned off for around 15 minutes. It will be ready to serve!

Variations

Substitute the sardines with canned tuna or salmon for a different flavor.
Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.

- Half-boil the potatoes before adding them to the dish to ensure they are cooked through.

- Be careful when removing the bones from the sardines to avoid any small bones being left behind.

- Allow the dish to rest after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Sardine Biryani hot with a side of raita or salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Simmer the dish on low heat to allow the flavors to develop.

- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice instead of basmati for a healthier option.

- Replace the sardines with cooked chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the dish just before cooking for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Sardine Biryani with fresh cilantro leaves or sliced almonds for a pop of color and texture.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve the Sardine Biryani with a side of cucumber raita and mango chutney for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 15g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of Vitamin C, Iron, and Calcium.

Alergens

Contains fish and may contain traces of gluten.

Summary

This Sardine Biryani is a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Sardine Biryani is a comforting and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. With a mix of fragrant spices, tender rice, and flaky sardines, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a magnet. It was a cold and dreary day, the kind that makes you want to curl up with a warm blanket and a comforting meal. I was browsing through an old cookbook that had been passed down to me from my own grandmother, and there it was - the recipe for comfort food.

The ingredients were simple - potatoes, carrots, onions, and a hearty beef broth. But it was the way they were combined that made this dish so special. The potatoes were diced and simmered until they were soft and buttery, the carrots added a touch of sweetness, and the onions gave it a depth of flavor that was truly satisfying. And the broth, oh the broth, it was rich and savory and made the whole house smell like home.

I knew I had to make this dish, so I set to work in the kitchen. I chopped the vegetables with care, taking my time to make sure each piece was uniform in size. I browned some stew meat in a hot pan, then added the vegetables and let them simmer together until they were tender. As the aroma filled the air, I knew I had made the right choice.

When it was finally ready, I served myself a bowl and took a bite. The flavors danced on my tongue, bringing back memories of childhood and simpler times. This was comfort food at its finest - warm, nourishing, and full of love.

As I savored each spoonful, I thought about all the different recipes I had learned over the years. Some came from cookbooks, others from friends and family members. But this one felt special, like it had been waiting for me to discover it all along.

I made a mental note to write down the recipe so I could pass it on to my own grandchildren someday. I wanted them to experience the same joy and comfort that this dish brought me, to feel the warmth and love that went into every bite.

And as I sat at the table, surrounded by the familiar scents and sounds of my kitchen, I knew that this recipe would always hold a special place in my heart. It was more than just food - it was a reminder of the simple pleasures in life, of the power of a good meal to bring people together and make everything feel right in the world.

So here it is, my recipe for comfort food. May it warm your soul and fill your belly, just as it has done for me time and time again. And remember, the secret ingredient is always love. Bon appétit!