NIGELLA LAWSON INDIAN RECIPES RECIPES

Put the ginger, onion and garlic into the container of an electric blender along with 3 tablespoons water and blend until smooth. Wipe the mushrooms with a damp cloth and cut them into halves or quarters, depending upon size.

Put 3 tablespoons of the oil in a non-stick frying pan and set over high heat.When hot, put in the mushrooms. Stir and fry for 2–3 minutes or until the mushrooms have lost their raw look. Empty the contents of the pan into a bowl.Wipe the pan.

Put the remaining oil into the pan and set over high heat. When hot, add the paste from the blender. Stir and fry for 3–4 minutes until it starts turning brown. Add 1 tablespoon of the yoghurt and fry for 30 seconds. Add another tablespoon of the yoghurt and fry for 30 seconds. Do this a third time. Now add the tomato purée and fry for 30 seconds. Add the ground coriander and stir once or twice. Now put in 300ml (10fl oz) water, the mushrooms and their juices, salt and chilli powder. Stir and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the green coriander over the top before serving.

Put the rice into a large saucepan with the water, saffron, cinnamon and salt. Place on a high heat and boil for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to stop the rice sticking to the base. Drain through a sieve and set aside.

To make the sauce, put the same saucepan back on the hob and turn the heat up to high. Add the butter, then, as soon as the butter is hot, add the garlic and let it brown for about 4–5 minutes. Add the onions and salt and cook until the onions are soft – this can take 15 minutes.

Squeeze in the juice of the half lemon, then cut the lemon rind into thin slices and add to the pan.

Add the chillies, turmeric and five-spice, and stir for 5 minutes to cook the spices. Take off the heat and add the parsley and prawns. Stir well, so the prawns are coated. The prawns don’t need cooking in the sauce – they will steam and cook in the biryani (otherwise they run the risk of becoming dry and rubbery).

Take a large pan, something you would be happy to serve up in, and pour the oil into the base. Swirl it around so some of the oil goes up the sides.

Pop in half the rice and spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Put all the prawn mixture on top of the rice.

Put the rest of the rice on top of the prawns. Put the lid on firmly and place on a high heat for 5 minutes, then turn the heat down completely.

Leave to cook for 20 minutes, then serve.