Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To make biryani, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of Basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 500g chicken (or lamb, fish, or vegetables)
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• Spices: garam masala, cumin, turmeric, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, and cloves
• Fresh coriander and mint leaves
• Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (optional)

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Marinate the chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, garam masala, cumin, turmeric, and salt. Let it sit for at least 1 hour (or overnight) to absorb the flavors. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

Boil the soaked Basmati rice with cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaf, and salt until it is about 70% cooked. The rice should still have a firm bite. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Biryani Masala

In a large pan, heat oil and fry the sliced onions until golden brown. Set aside half for garnish. To the remaining onions, add ginger-garlic paste, chopped tomatoes, and the marinated chicken. Cook until the chicken is tender and the spices are well combined.

Step 5: Layer the Biryani

In a large pot, layer half of the cooked rice at the bottom. Add the cooked chicken and gravy on top, followed by the remaining rice. Sprinkle with fried onions, fresh coriander, mint, and saffron milk (optional).

Step 6: Dum Cooking

Cover the pot with a tight lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes (you can use a griddle under the pot to prevent burning). This slow cooking process will meld the flavors and give your biryani its signature aroma.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the biryani is ready, fluff the rice gently and serve hot with raita (yogurt sauce) and pickles. Enjoy the perfect homemade biryani with family and friends!