Moti Pulao: A Royal celebration of flavours, fragnance and finesse. Juicy chicken koftas and aromatic rice cooked to perfection in this.
Moti Pulao has its roots in History. It was one of those Royal dishes which the Bawarchis (Cooks) of the Shahi Bawarchi Khana (Royal Kitchen) used to prepare every day for the Nawab (King). This Royal Dish of Awadhi Cuisine was famous for the edible pearls (Moti) which were made of eggs, minced meat, gold, and silver foils by the skillful Bawarchis in the past. With time the avatar of the original dish has changed a lot and the popular versions we get to see these days are much easier to make in any kitchen.
Nowadays the Motis in this saffron flavoured, ghee laden pulao made with meat, chicken, soya granules, paneer, etc. In this recipe, I made the Motis with Chicken and it is a perfect dish to serve on any party. Pair this aromatic Pulao with any main course Curries of your choice and make your guests happy!
Moti Pulao has its roots in History. Moti means Pearls, edible Silver Vark coated cottage cheese balls served over a bed of saffron flavoured, ghee laden pulao.
Pearl Pulao or as it is popularly known as Moti Pulao is a delicacy from Awadhi Cuisine. The original version of the pulao is non-vegetarian.
Another piece of history says, that the Pulao was first dished out from the kitchens of Nawab of Awadh. The delicious platter from the kitchens of Nawab was one of the way to show their wealth and elegance. Pearl (Basra Ke Moti) trade flourished in that region during the Nawabs regin. Since then various version have come up and this Pulao is made on special occasions.
Many versions of this Pulao are there, but I like this simple and no fuss version. This Pulao can be enjoyed with any creamy gravy or curry!
The rich flavour in this pulao comes from the use of Indian whole spices and biryani masala. Nuts like cashew nuts and raisins are also added to enhance the richness of the pulao.
This dish that is both homely and pretty, this one pot moti pulao is ready in an hour and features mini koftay or meatballs, richly flavored rice, and a bright pop of peas! Great for weeknights and entertaining alike!
The word "moti" means pearl in Urdu/Hindi. This pulao is named moti pulao because it is petite koftas mimic pearls, albeit rather large ones in this case! You are absolutely welcome to make them smaller or bigger of your choice!
Ingredients for Moti Pulao
Steps for Moti Pulao
Moti Pulao
Ingredients
250 grams Chicken
1 small Onion
2 green Chillies
1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
Fresh Coriander
Mint Leaves
1 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
Half teaspoon Garam Masala Powder
1 teaspoon Chat Masala
1 teaspoon clarified Butter
1 slice of Bread
Half teaspoon Salt
1 to 2 tablespoon Oil
4 to 5 tablespoon Oil
2 Green Cardamoms
4 Cloves
1 black Cardamom
2 small piece Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Caraway Seeds
4 dried Red Chillies
1 teaspoon Ginger
1 teaspoon Garlic
4 green Chillies
2 medium Onions
1 teaspoon Ginger Garlic Paste
Half cup Curd
1 Chicken cube
3 Dried Plum
1 tablespoon Biryani Masala
700 ml Water
Fresh Coriander
Mint Leaves
1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
Salt
Fresh Coriander
Fried Onions
Steps
Take 250 grams boneless chicken, cut them into medium pieces, wash and dry add one small onion, 2 green chillies, one teaspoon ginger garlic paste, fresh chopped coriander and mint leaves, one teaspoon red chilli powder, half teaspoon garam masala powder, one teaspoon chat masala, one teaspoon clarified butter, 1 slice of bread, half teaspoon salt then grind them into a fine mixture.
Now make small balls like koftas out of this chicken mixture.
Heat 1 to 2 tablespoon oil in a pan to shallow fry these kofta balls.
Shallow fry these koftas on medium to low flame till little brown in color then remove and keep them aside.
Take a large pan or pot in which you can cook the rice.
Heat 3 to 4 tablespoon oil then add 2 Green cardamom, 4 cloves,1 black cardamom, 2 small piece cinnamon, one teaspoon caraway seeds(Shajeera), 4 dried red chillies, one teaspoon chopped ginger, one teaspoon chopped garlic, 4 chopped green chillies, 2 medium size chopped onions fry them till light Golden in colour.
Then add one teaspoon ginger garlic paste, sauté for a minute then add half cup curd, one chicken cube, 3 dried plum, 1tablespoon biryani masala cook all these ingredients on low flame for 5 to 6 minutes till oil separates. Then add the fried Kofta balls to this mixture, mix with light hands for 1 to 2 minutes.
Then add 700 ml water, fresh chopped coriander and mint leaves, one teaspoon lemon juice, salt, then add 350 grams basmati rice (soaked in water for half an hour). Mix the rice with light hands and cook on high flame for 5 to 6 minutes, then cover and cook on low flame for 10 to 15 minutes till a nice dum comes on the rice.
When done garnish with fresh coriander and fried onions.
Serve hot Moti Pulao with raita and other accompaniments of your choice.
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Tips * You can add nuts of your choice like almonds, pistachios and even cranberries to make this Moti Pulao more Special and Royal! *You can make this Moti Pulao with Mutton also instead of Chicken. *You can use ready-made biryani masala if you do not have home made one.
