Makloubeh

1. Pour the oil into a wide frying pan and place over a high heat. When hot, fry the potato slices in batches for a few minutes a side, until nicely tanned. Transfer to paper towel.
2. Next fry the shallots in the frying pan until starting to brown. Then add the garlic, ginger, and chicken pieces. Fry until the chicken is nicely browned, then transfer it all to a bowl.
3. Add the cauliflower florets to your frying pan, and similar to the potato, fry in batches until it has a nice colour. If you need to add a bit more oil to the pan then do so. Transfer to a paper towel.
4. Stir in Shemin’s Biryani / Pilau Spice Blend with your stock in a jug. Add 1/2 tsp salt.
5. Soak your pinch of saffron in a small bowl with 2 tbsp of warm water.
6. In your large pot, layer the fried potatoes, cauliflower and then chicken. Drain your rice, then cover the vegetables and chicken with it. Pour in your stock mixture and finally spoon over your saffron.
7. Cover the pot with foil and then put on the lid. Place on a very low heat for 35 minutes, then turn the heat off and let it steam for a further 15 minutes. Your rice should be cooked and fluffy.
8. When ready to serve, remove the lid and foil, and place your large serving plate over the pan. Carefully turn over, so the plate is now on the bottom and the pan on top, then place on a stable surface and gently lift off the upturned pan. Ideally, you want the rice to keep the pan’s shape, though it’s not the end of the world if it falls apart! Serve hot with salad on the side and Shemin’s Indian Breads.

Tips:

1. You’ll need a heavy-based pot with a five-litre capacity (23-25cm in diameter, 12cm, or less, deep) and a plate or platter big enough to cover the pot – the plate will be used for unmoulding the rice, much as you do with a pudding.
2. If you’re vegetarian or vegan swap 500g chicken for more cauliflower florets or aubergine sliced 0.5cm thick, and fry these as you did with the potatoes and cauliflower.
3. You can use chicken on the bone, breast or thigh for this recipe and cut into whatever size is desired.