Chicken Biryani

Makes 10 Servings

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 50 mins

It’s 4 p.m. on a February evening in Latham, and the temperature is falling.

Mahbub Rahman, his wife Irin Naher, and their three children, Masrur, Haniam, and Surah, hurry to cover flowers growing in their hoop house.

They carefully lay tarps over ranunculus, snapdragons, tulips, and other flower varieties. They will bring these flowers to farmers’ markets beginning in May.

The family works together to support their farm and holistic wellness business, Perfect Plant Farm, a NY State Grown and Certified farm. The farm participates in Agricultural Environmental Management and is free of chemicals and pesticides. Their products include microgreens, seasonal flowers, potted succulents, and ready-to-eat foods like microgreen smoothies, salads, soups, and rice dishes.

“Our goal is to make and grow real food for good health because everyone should have the right to be healthy,” explained Rahman.

Microgreens are a crucial part of what is produced at Perfect Plant Farm as they contain 4-40% more nutrients than mature vegetables and herbs typically consumed. The tiny greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Vibrant flats of microgreens are available from the farm at weekend farmers’ markets in Saratoga.

“It is very important to understand what foods support our health needs because we are all different,” said Rahman. “What makes your body happy is different from mine.”

The family also promotes their holistic business, Irin Wellness. Naher, a licensed holistic health professional, offers personal nutrition consultation.

“The goal is to help people to make the right food choices,” explained Rahman.

Perfect Plant Farm supports the understanding that food should be delicious and healing. They bring lentil soup with vegetables, herbs, and lemon, chicken and rice take-home meals, spring rolls, rice pudding, vegetarian pakora (fritters), and more.

“We really enjoy offering our food at farmers’ markets,” said Rahman. “It is where real people come to shop, the food is the best, and it helps the community,” he added.

You can also find Perfect Plant Farm at the Spa City and Colonie Farmers’ Market. This summer, they will also attend the Clifton Park Farmers’ Market. Their products are available for pick-up in Latham by preordering by email at perfectplantfarm@gmail.com and by phone at 646-591-6046. Ask about their CSA shares to save on prepared food, flowers, and microgreens.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.

INGREDIENTS:

*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market

• 1 cup plain yogurt*

• 2 tablespoon lemon juice

• 4 cloves garlic*, minced

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced

• 1 teaspoon coriander powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin powder

• 1 teaspoon red chili powder

• 2 teaspoon garam masala

• 1 ½ teaspoon salt

• 3 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in*

• 2 ½ cups Basmati rice

• 7 Tbs Ghee, coconut oil, olive oil, or oil of your choice

INSTRUCTIONS :

1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl. Add the chicken to the marinade and mix, ensuring each piece is coated thoroughly. If time permits, cover the bowl and put in the fridge to marinate for at least a half hour. For optimal results, allow the chicken to marinate overnight.

2. Soak and cook the rice: Place rice in a large bowl, fill with water, and swish with your hand for 10 seconds. Drain water and repeat 3 times. Drain well in a colander. Place rice and 3 ½ cups of water in a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Once simmering, cover and cook for 12 minutes. Remove from heat.

3. Heat oil in the dutch oven or skillet on medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and use a spatula to scrape any excess marinade into the pot. Mix well. Simmer, stirring occasionally for about 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the oil separates. Taste and adjust for seasoning.

4. Add the rice to the cooked chicken and continue to cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes.

5. Serve with fresh lemon and cilantro.

WILTON MALL | FOOD COURT Recipe shared by Irin Wellness

by John Reardon for Saratoga TODAY

March is here. As we are in the final stretch of the colder weather, our appetites may still yearn for heartier meals. Recently, I went through my kitchen looking at the basics of what I use often. I found that I use a handful of reliable pots and pans. However, I also found that I reach for a rimmed baking sheet often. A rimmed baking sheet can be used for baking, roasting, toasting, and broiling. You can also use it with a wire rack to hold foods