How to Prepare Masaledar Chicken Dum Biryani - A Comprehensive Guide
Masaledar chicken dum biryani is a delightful and flavorsome dish that requires several steps to prepare. In this guide, we will walk you through the process, from marinating the chicken to cooking the biryani and layering it for dum cooking. Follow the detailed recipe below for a perfect meal every time!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
500g chicken, cut into pieces 1 cup plain yogurt 2 large onions, thinly sliced 2-3 green chilies, slit 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste 1 teaspoon red chili powder 1 teaspoon turmeric powder 1 tablespoon garam masala 1 tablespoon coriander powder Salt, to taste 3-4 tablespoons cooking oil or ghee Fresh coriander leaves, chopped Fresh mint leaves, chopped Juice of 1 lemonFor the Rice
2 cups basmati rice 4 cups water 2-3 green cardamom pods 4-5 cloves 1-2 bay leaves 1 cinnamon stick Salt, to tasteFor Layering
Fried onions (optional for garnish) Additional mint and coriander leavesInstructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Prepare the Rice
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes.
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add salt, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Add the soaked rice to the boiling water and cook until the rice is 70% cooked. The rice should still have a bite to it. Drain the rice and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken
In a heavy-bottomed pot or a deep pan, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown.
Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the oil starts to separate from the masala.
4. Layer the Biryani
Once the chicken is cooked, spread half of the partially cooked rice over the chicken. Sprinkle half of the remaining mint and coriander leaves, along with fried onions if using. Add the rest of the rice on top and finish with the remaining mint and coriander leaves. You can also add a few more fried onions for garnish.5. Dum Cooking
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. To seal it, you can use dough made from flour and water, or simply place a heavy lid on top. Cook on low heat for about 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
After the time is up, turn off the heat and let it rest for another 10 minutes before opening the lid.
6. Serve
Gently fluff the biryani with a fork, being careful not to break the rice grains. Serve hot with raita, yogurt sauce, salad, or your choice of side dish.