A fragrant journey to the heart of India
⏱ Prep Time: 30 minutes | 👨🍳 Cook Time: 45 minutes | 🍽 Serves: 6
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken thighs, bone-in
- 1 cup plain yoghurt
- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon red chilli powder
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
- 4 cups water
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For the Biryani:
- 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- A pinch of saffron soaked in 1/4 cup warm milk
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
For Serving:
- Raita (yoghurt sauce with cucumber and mint)
- Fried onions for garnish
Instructions:
- Marinate chicken: Mix chicken with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, spices, and lemon juice. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight).
- Fry onions: Heat ghee in a large pot. Fry sliced onions until golden brown and crispy. Remove half for garnish.
- Cook chicken: In the same pot with remaining onions, add marinated chicken. Cook on medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes until partially cooked.
- Parboil rice: In another pot, boil water with whole spices. Add drained rice and cook until 70% done (about 7 minutes). Drain.
- Layer biryani: Over the chicken, layer the parboiled rice. Drizzle saffron milk on top. Sprinkle cilantro, mint, and fried onions.
- Dum cooking: Cover the pot with a tight lid (seal edges with dough if possible). Cook on low heat for 25-30 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes. Gently mix and serve with raita and extra fried onions.
Chef’s Tips:
- Soaking rice removes excess starch for fluffier results
- The “dum” (steaming) process is crucial—don’t lift the lid!
- Use bone-in chicken for authentic flavour and juiciness
Cultural Story:
Biryani is more than food in India—it’s a celebration dish served at weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. Each region has its own version, making it a truly diverse dish that unites the country through flavour.
Nutritional Highlights: Aromatic spices aid digestion, are high in protein, and rich in antioxidants