We honour the holy month of Ramadan with this spicy chicken biryani Cape Malay dish. Dominated by fruity, mild spices and full-bodied flavours, Cape Malay cuisine is food for the soul.

Spicy chicken biryani 

Serves 4-6 • Total Time 2 Hrs Plus Marinating  

Ingredients

1 kg chicken drumsticks and thighs  
6 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered 
2 cups buttermilk 
2 salad tomatoes, grated 
1 tsp salt 
1 tsp chilli powder  
1 tbsp biryani masala 
1 tbsp garam masala  
1 tbsp medium curry powder  
1 cup brown lentils  
3 cups basmati rice  
¼ cup canola oil 
2 large onions, chopped 
1/3 cup water
Pinch saffron (optional)   

Method

1. Combine chicken, potatoes, buttermilk, tomatoes and spices in a large bowl to marinate for about 45-60 minutes.  
2. Par-cook lentils (10-12 minutes) and rice (8-10 minutes) separately. 
3. Drain and set aside. 
4. Preheat oven to 180°C. 
5. Heat one tablespoon oil in a pan and fry onions for 4-6 minutes. Set aside. 
6. Cover the base of a large oven dish with water and remaining oil. Use a dish that has a tight-fitting lid. 
7. Mix rice and lentils and add half to the dish. 
8. Cover with chicken and potato mixture, and top with half the fried onions. 
9. Add another layer of lentils and rice, and then the remaining chicken and potato mixture, finishing with the fried onions. 
10. Sprinkle with saffron, if using. 
11. Cover and bake for 1 ½  hours or until cooked. 
12. Serve with fresh coriander, tomato sambal and yoghurt. 

Foodie Fact: Dhai is made with buttermilk, grated garlic, ground cumin and fresh coriander. 

Words by Sjaan Van Der Ploeg 
Photography: Fresh Living Magazine

The post Spicy Chicken Biryani The Cape Malay Way appeared first on MyKitchen.

Muslims around the world will soon welcome the holy month of Ramadaan. This time of the year is particularly harder for kids and new fasters who’ve embraced Islam recently. Although young kids are not obliged to fast, many parents encourage their children to go without food and drink for a few hours of the day, and to partake in other religious practices during the month. If you’re one of them, then consider these four ways to make this month more enjoyable for kids.  

1. Involve them in prepping ‘koekies’

Kids often want to share what Ramadaan is all about with their non-Muslim friends, teachers, or family members, but don’t know how. Involving them in making and sharing ‘koekies’ (small finger foods and sweet treats) will teach them the value of giving and sharing selflessly. Pack the treats into clear bags and attach a note about Ramadaan with a ribbon.  

The kitchen is the perfect environment to stimulate their interest in cooking. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to teach your kids about food traditions and make some happy Ramadaan memories together. This might lead to some chaos and mess, but the experience will benefit them in the long run.  

2. Invite their friends over for an iftaar dinner party

Iftaar is a special experience, so consider inviting over non-Muslim friends and family to share in the joy and traditions. Hosting a dinner party can be stressful, but the kids will be none the wiser and will just enjoy the excitement and sharing. So, stick to simple dishes that everyone will love and get the kids involved! 

Make cooking feel a bit like playtime. Simple appetisers like meatballs in pita bread are a win. The kids can roll the meat-mix into balls while you chop the veggies. A juice or smoothie made with their favourite fruits (that they pre-chopped) is the perfect way to hydrate and re-energise after fasting! 

3. Charity begins at home

Giving to those in need is a fundamental principle in Islam, and an essential part of Ramadaan. Use the month as a chance to explore meaningful discussions with your kids. Centre the talk around what it means to help others, as well as give back. Create a charity jar to get the kids excited about making donations and help them to understand where the money will go and why. Every time your kids do a little good deed – like setting the table for Iftaar, making up their beds in the morning or even fasting all day – share some rands with them to add to the jar. It can feel rewarding to them to see the jar slowly fill up and be part of giving back to those in need.   

4. Do Ramadaan-themed activities

This is the chance to teach Islamic lessons, while spending some quality time together – a real Ramadaan bonus! Take the time to use play to communicate important lessons. Use colouring books and games to tell stories and give your kids a deeper understanding of the meaning and reasoning behind Ramadaan. And read them Islamic children’s books before bed every day to give them sweet Ramadaan dreams.  

The post How To Make Ramadaan Easy For Kids appeared first on MyKitchen.