Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Prepare the Rice

   Wash 500g Basmati rice and soak it for 30 minutes. In a large pot, boil 8 cups of water. Add salt to taste, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 star anise, 1 inch cinnamon stick, 2-3 green cardamoms, 4-5 cloves, 1/2 tsp black peppercorns, and 2 bay leaves to the boiling water. Add the soaked rice and boil until it is 80% done. Add 1 tbsp lemon juice while boiling. Once 80% cooked, drain the rice and keep it aside.

2. 2.Prepare Essence Mixture

   In a small bowl, mix 1/8 tsp biryani essence, 1/8 tsp saffron essence, 1/8 tsp kewra essence with 1 tsp water. Keep this mixture aside.

3. 3.Cook the Prawn Masala Base

   In a deep pan, add 1/2 cup oil. Add 1 chopped onion and fry until golden brown. Add 1 tsp cumin seeds and fry for a minute. Then add 1 tbsp ginger & garlic paste and fry for a few minutes until fragrant. Add 2 chopped tomatoes and mix well. Add 1 tbsp red chilli powder, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1 tbsp coriander powder, 1 tbsp Sindhi Biryani masala, salt to taste, and 1 tbsp coconut milk powder. Mix well and bhuno (sauté) the masala until oil separates. Then add 1/2 cup yogurt, mix well, cover, and cook the masala for 10 to 15 minutes on medium heat.

4. 4.Cook the Prawns

   Once the masala is cooked, add 400g clean prawns. Mix well and cook on high flame for 5 to 6 minutes until prawns are almost cooked. Add green chillies to taste and 1/2 tsp all spice mix. Add 1/2 cup water, 1/4 cup chopped coriander, and 1 tbsp mint leaves. Mix everything well.

5. 5.Layer and Dum Cook the Biryani

   Spread the boiled rice evenly over the prawn masala in the pan. Drizzle food color (dissolved in water) over the rice. Drizzle the prepared essence mixture and 1 tbsp lemon juice over the rice. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, 1 tbsp chopped mint, and 1 big fried onion over the rice. Make a few holes in the rice with a spoon. Drizzle 2 to 3 tbsp oil over the top. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and then with a lid. Cook on high flame for 5 minutes, then reduce the flame to very low and cook for another 15 minutes (dum).

6. 6.Serve the Biryani

   Once dum cooking is complete, open the lid and foil. Gently mix the masala and rice before serving. Serve hot with raita. Enjoy!