Step 1: Soak Basmati Rice

Take 500 gms of basmati rice in a bowl and add water to soak it for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Heat Oil and Ghee

Heat 4 tbsp of oil and 1 tbsp of ghee in a large pot or heavy-bottomed vessel.

Step 3: Add Whole Spices

Add 3/4 tsp shahjeera (caraway seeds), 5 cloves, 3 cinnamon sticks, 5 cardamoms, 2 star anise, 1 javitri (mace), and 2 bay leaves to the hot oil and ghee. Give it a quick stir to release the aromas.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Add 2 medium (150 gms) sliced onions to the pot and fry for 10 minutes on medium heat until they turn light brown.

Step 5: Add Ginger Garlic Paste

Add 2 tsp ginger garlic paste to the fried onions and continue to fry for 2 minutes on low heat until the raw smell disappears.

Step 6: Add Biryani Masala and Mint

Stir in 1 tsp ready-made biryani masala and 3 tbsp fresh mint leaves. Give it a good mix.

Step 7: Add Liquids and Seasoning

Pour in 750 ml water and 150 ml milk. Add 2 tsp salt (or to taste). Give the mixture a thorough mix.

Step 8: Add Green Chillies and Bring to Boil

Add 3 half-slit green chillies to the liquid. Give it a mix and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

Step 9: Add Soaked Rice

Carefully add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the boiling liquid.

Step 10: Cook on High Heat

Cook the rice for 3 minutes on high heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice starts to absorb most of the liquid and small bubbles appear on the surface.

Step 11: Cover and Cook on Low Heat

Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook for 5 minutes on low heat to allow the rice to steam and cook through.

Step 12: Gently Turn Rice

After 5 minutes, gently turn over the rice using a spatula to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 13: Add Saffron Milk and Ghee

Drizzle 4 tbsp saffron milk (saffron infused in 4 tbsp milk) and 1 tsp ghee over the rice for added flavor and color.

Step 14: Garnish and Cover for Final Steam

Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh mint leaves and 10 fried cashews (optional). Cover the pot again and cook for another 5 minutes on low heat for the final steaming.

Step 15: Mix and Serve

Gently mix the rice to combine all the flavors and colors. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Biryani Rice!

• Use good quality basmati rice for best results.

• Do not overmix the rice to keep the grains intact.

• Adjust green chillies according to your spice preference.

• Add mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and beans for a vegetable biryani.

• Incorporate paneer cubes for a paneer biryani.

• For a richer flavor, use more ghee instead of oil.