In a world where identity politics has found itself as a deep-seated theme across all major sectors — be it media, cinema, fashion or food — there is a lot to appreciate when 2 narratives, cultures or flavour profiles for that matter, can beautifully amalgamate into one another to create something that is a bit of both, and a celebration in whole. Food writer Nigella Lawson's Indonesian spin on India's sacred Chicken Biryani, achieves just this. In a recent chat with Indian Express, the ‘domestic goddess’ opened up on the deep reverence her heart and taste buds house for Indian cuisine: "Indian food taught me a lot about (this) sensory awareness in cooking", she articulates.
Coming to her love affair with the delectable biryani, most would think twice before adding more to a recipe which already stands packed with ingredients to the brim. Not Nigella though. "Biryani is deeply rooted in Indian cooking but has influenced cuisines like Indonesian.
I’ve adapted it for a London kitchen, so while it isn’t strictly Indian or Indonesian, it has familiar elements", she explains. So let's get to the recipe! Nigella Lawson's Indonesian-inspired Chicken Biryani Ingredients: For the marinade — Plain yoghurt - 150gms, sambal oelek - 4tbsps, kecap manis - 2tbsps, tamarind paste - 1tbsp, freshly grated ginger - 1tbsp, fat garlic cloves (peeled and grated) - 2, ground cinnamon - 2tsps, ground cardamom - 1ts, ground turmeric - 1tsp, fine sea salt - 1/2tsp, vegetable oil - 1tbsp;.