Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare Biryani Masala

   Crush 1/2 tsp kalonji, 1/2 tsp cumin seeds, and 1 tbsp whole coriander in a mortar. Transfer to a bowl and add 1/2 tbsp salt, 1 tsp chili flakes, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric, and 1/2 tsp hot spices. Mix well.

2. 2.Cook Chicken and Potatoes

   Heat 1/2 cup oil in a large pot. Add 1/2 tbsp cumin, 5-6 cloves, 10-12 black peppercorns, 1 big bay leaf, 2-inch cinnamon stick, 4-5 small cardamoms, 2-3 big cardamoms, and 1 star anise. Sauté the whole spices until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon garlic paste and 750 gms chicken pieces. Cook the chicken until it turns white. Add 2 big potatoes cut into large pieces and 1/2 tbsp salt. Mix well. Add 1/2 cup water, cover the pot, and simmer for 5 minutes. Keep some stock for rice.

3. 3.Prepare Rice

   While the chicken is simmering, soak 2 cups of basmati rice in lukewarm water for 30-40 minutes.

4. 4.Boil Rice

   In a separate large pot, add 6 cups of water, 1 tsp cumin, 3-4 cloves, 5-6 black peppercorns, 1 small bay leaf, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 2 small cardamoms, 2-3 green chilies, and 1 star anise. Add 2 tbsp oil, 1 tbsp salt, and 1 tsp vinegar. Bring the water to a boil, then add the soaked rice. Boil the rice until it is 50% cooked.

5. 5.Layer the Biryani

   Spread the prepared biryani masala over the chicken and potatoes. In a separate mug, mix 3/4 cup yogurt with 1 tsp orange food color. Pour the colored yogurt over the chicken. Add 2 tbsp green chili paste and mix it gently with the yogurt layer. Arrange 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced, over the chicken and yogurt. Drizzle 2 tbsp lemon juice, then sprinkle 1 cup of fried onions. Top with chopped mint and coriander leaves, and 4-5 green chilies.

6. 6.Dum Cooking

   Carefully layer the half-cooked rice over the ingredients in the pot. Pour the reserved chicken stock over the rice. Add a few fresh mint leaves. Cover the pot tightly and cook on high heat for 5 minutes. Once steam starts to escape, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for another 15 minutes. The biryani is cooked completely when continuous steam is visible.

7. 7.Serve

   Gently mix the biryani to combine the layers. Serve hot with mint yogurt and salad.