Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Chop Onions

   Chop the onions finely using a food processor.

2. 2.Brown Onions

   Heat cooking oil in a pot. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.

3. 3.Chop Tomatoes and Garlic

   Chop the tomatoes and garlic cloves finely using a food processor.

4. 4.Sear Chicken

   Add the chicken pieces to the pot with the browned onions and sear until lightly colored.

5. 5.Add Yogurt

   Stir in the yogurt with the chicken and continue to sauté.

6. 6.Add Tomato-Garlic Mixture

   Incorporate the chopped tomato and garlic mixture into the chicken. Mix well.

7. 7.Season with Spices

   Add salt, red chili powder, and turmeric powder to the chicken curry. Mix thoroughly and continue to cook until the spices are well combined and the oil begins to separate.

8. 8.Add Milk (Secret Ingredient)

   Pour milk into the chicken curry. This secret ingredient helps create a rich, smooth gravy and enhances the color.

9. 9.Pressure Cook Chicken

   Transfer the chicken curry to an electric pressure cooker. Set the cooker to the 'Chicken' setting and cook for 12 minutes to tenderize the chicken.

10. 10.Prepare Rice

    While the chicken is cooking, wash the basmati rice. Add water, cumin seeds, star anise, and cinnamon stick to the rice and par-boil until about 70-80% cooked. Drain the water.

11. 11.Layer Biryani

    Once the chicken curry is cooked and slightly reduced, transfer it to a large pot suitable for layering. Spread a layer of the chicken curry at the bottom. Then, add a layer of the par-boiled rice over the curry.

12. 12.Add Food Colors

    Drizzle orange and yellow food colors (dissolved in a little water) over different sections of the rice layer for vibrant color.

13. 13.Dum Cook Biryani

    Cover the pot tightly and place it on a low flame for 'dum' cooking. Allow it to steam for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and aromatic.

14. 14.Serve Biryani

    Gently mix the biryani to combine the rice and curry. Serve hot with shami kebabs and a fresh salad.