Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Rice

   Soak 5 kg Basmati rice in water for 30-60 minutes. Drain the water completely before cooking.

2. 2.Boil Water

   In a very large pot, bring about 10-12 liters of water to a rolling boil over high heat.

3. 3.Add Salt

   Once the water is boiling, add salt to taste (approximately 100-150g).

4. 4.Add Rice

   Carefully add the soaked and drained Basmati rice to the boiling salted water.

5. 5.Add Whole Spices

   Add bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, green cardamom, black cardamom, cloves, star anise, and black cumin (shahi jeera) to the boiling rice. Stir gently.

6. 6.Prepare Tempering

   While the rice is boiling, heat 150-200 ml of oil in a separate wok or small pan. Add cumin seeds and fennel seeds and let them splutter. Set aside.

7. 7.Cook Rice

   Boil the rice until it is 70-80% cooked (al dente). This usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Check a grain to ensure it's slightly firm but cooked through.

8. 8.Drain Rice

   Once the rice is 70-80% cooked, carefully drain it using a large colander or strainer, ensuring all excess water is removed.

9. 9.Layer Rice in Pot

   Place a small layer of the drained rice at the bottom of the large cooking pot.

10. 10.Add Remaining Rice

    Pour the rest of the drained rice over the base layer in the pot.

11. 11.Add Food Colors

    Drizzle yellow food color and red/orange food color over the rice in a criss-cross or desired pattern.

12. 12.Add Tempering

    Pour the prepared oil tempering (with cumin and fennel seeds) evenly over the colored rice.

13. 13.Top with Plain Rice

    Add another layer of plain cooked rice on top to cover the colors and tempering.

14. 14.Dum Cook

    Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Place a heavy object (like the colander used for draining) on top of the lid to create a seal for "dum" cooking. Cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.

15. 15.Mix and Serve

    After dum cooking, gently mix the rice with a large spoon or spatula to distribute the colors and flavors evenly.

16. 16.Transfer to Serving Trays

    Transfer the prepared Biryani rice to large serving trays for serving.