Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani

About this recipe

Hyderabadi Chicken Dum Biryani is a quintessential Indian dish renowned for its layered cooking technique and the fragrant aroma of spices. Marinated chicken is buried under a bed of basmati rice, herbs, and golden fried onions, creating a delightful interplay of flavors. Each bite reveals the meticulous care that goes into its preparation, offering a culinary exploration of Hyderabad's rich gastronomic heritage.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup yogurt
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 4 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup ghee
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 4 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• Saffron strands soaked in 1/4 cup warm milk

Directions

1. 1

   Soak basmati rice for 30 minutes and set aside.

2. 2

   Marinate chicken with yogurt, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt for 1 hour.

3. 3

   Fry sliced onions in oil until golden brown; set aside half for garnish.

4. 4

   In a large pot, heat ghee and add cumin, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaf; sauté briefly.

5. 5

   Add chopped tomatoes, mint, and cilantro; cook until tomatoes are soft.

6. 6

   Layer the marinated chicken over the tomato mixture.

7. 7

   Partially cook soaked rice in boiling water with salt, then layer over chicken.

8. 8

   Sprinkle garam masala, saffron milk, and remaining fried onions over rice.

9. 9

   Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 30-35 minutes until rice is fully cooked.