Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 3: Prepare Rice

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

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 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.

Step 7: Serve

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

• Rice results best when soaked in lukewarm water.

• Vinegar will help rice to retain their shape.

• Follow layering steps for best taste.

• Biryani is cooked completely when steaming is continuous.