Chintan Pandya's Biryani

Step 1: Prep Onions for Frying

Slice red onions very thinly.

Step 2: Fry Onions

Fry thinly sliced red onions in hot oil at 325°F (163°C) until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oil and set aside.

Step 3: Dice Vegetables

Dice plum tomatoes and red onions for the curry base. Slice green chilies lengthwise for garnish.

Step 4: Wash and Soak Rice

Wash basmati rice thoroughly to remove starch until water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Start Chicken Curry Base

Heat ghee in a large pot. Add whole spices: dried bay leaves, black cardamom pods, green cardamom pods, mace, and whole cloves. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

Step 6: Cook Onions for Curry

Add diced red onions to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, until they turn golden brown and soft.

Step 7: Add Ginger Garlic Paste

Add ginger garlic paste to the onions. Cook until the raw aroma disappears.

Step 8: Add Spices and Tomatoes

Add ground turmeric and red chile powder. Stir well. Add diced plum tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften and the oil separates from the mixture, creating a deep red color.

Step 9: Add Chicken

Add chicken pieces (on the bone) to the pot. Stir to coat the chicken with the spice mixture.

Step 10: Add Yogurt and Salt

Add whisked full-fat Greek yogurt and kosher salt. Stir to combine. Cook on slow heat until the chicken is fully cooked and the curry thickens.

Step 11: Prepare Rice Water

In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add kosher salt, ghee, cumin seeds, mace, cinnamon sticks, dried bay leaves, whole cloves, and green cardamom pods to create a flavorful stock.

Step 12: Cook Basmati Rice

Drain the soaked basmati rice and add it to the boiling spiced water. Cook until the rice is 70-80% done (it should still have a slight bite).

Step 13: Drain Rice

Drain the partially cooked rice, reserving the spiced water if desired.

Step 14: Prepare Jhol (Saffron Butter Cream)

In a small pan, melt unsalted butter. Add saffron threads and heavy cream. Stir until combined and heated through.

Step 15: Assemble Biryani - First Layer

In a clay pot (or Dutch oven), pour a layer of the jhol at the bottom to prevent sticking and add moisture.

Step 16: Add Rice and Garnish (First Layer)

Add a layer of partially cooked basmati rice. Top with fried onions, ginger juliennes, sliced green chilies, cilantro, and mint.

Step 17: Add Chicken Curry (First Layer)

Place cooked chicken pieces over the rice and garnish. Spoon some of the chicken curry gravy over it.

Step 18: Add Rice and Garnish (Second Layer)

Add another layer of partially cooked basmati rice. Top with more fried onions, ginger juliennes, sliced green chilies, cilantro, and mint.

Step 19: Add Remaining Gravy

Spoon the remaining chicken curry gravy over the second layer of rice and garnish.

Step 20: Top with Jhol

Drizzle the remaining jhol over the top layer of rice.

Step 21: Seal the Pot

Take the prepared dough (flour, water, oil, salt) and roll it into a long rope. Place it around the rim of the clay pot. Place the lid on top and press firmly to seal the pot completely, ensuring no steam can escape.

Step 22: Dum Cooking

Place the sealed pot in a preheated oven (temperature not specified, but typically low-medium heat for dum cooking, e.g., 350°F/175°C). Cook for 20-25 minutes.

Step 23: Serve

Carefully remove the pot from the oven. Use a knife to cut through the dough seal. Open the lid, mix the biryani gently to combine all layers and flavors, and serve hot.

• Slice red onions thinly for even frying.

• Fry onions until golden brown, not too dark, not too light.

• Wash and soak basmati rice thoroughly to remove starch and aid cooking.

• Use old basmati rice for better flavor and texture.

• Cook meat on the bone for better flavor.

• Stir onions constantly to prevent burning.

• Use a medium (fat, dairy, or water) to extract saffron flavor.

• Use a clay pot or Dutch oven for dum cooking to retain moisture and infuse flavors.

• Seal the pot with dough to prevent steam from escaping during dum cooking.

• Protein can be chicken, goat, lamb, or beef.