chicken dum biryani

Chicken Dum Biryani Recipe 

Ingredients:

2 lbs. chicken, cut into small pieces

3 cups basmati rice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

2 onions, sliced

2 tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

1 tablespoon biryani masala

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

2 bay leaves

2 cinnamon sticks

4 green cardamom pods

4 cloves

1/4 cup ghee

Salt, to taste

4 cups water

Fresh cilantro and mint leaves, for garnish

Instructions:

Wash the rice thoroughly in cold water and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Heat the ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté until golden brown.

Add the chicken and fry until it turns white on the outside.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute.

Add the tomatoes,   biryani masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the tomatoes are softened.

Add the yogurt and mix well. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add 2 cups of water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

In a separate pot, boil 4 cups of water with bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, green cardamom pods, and cloves. Add the soaked rice and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until the rice is about 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.

Layer the rice on top of the chicken in the pot. Pour 1-2 cups of water over the rice.

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes. This is known as the "dum" cooking process.

Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10-15 minutes before opening the lid.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and mint leaves and serve hot with raita or salad.

Enjoy your delicious traditional chicken dum biryani!