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**Dum Biryani Recipe**

 **Preparation Time**: 30 minutes 

**Cooking Time**: 1 hour 

**Total Time**: 1 hour 30 minutes 

**Servings**: 4-5

**Introduction**:

Dum Biryani is a cherished Indian dish renowned for its rich flavors and aromatic spices. Originating from the Mughal kitchens, this dish has evolved into various regional styles across the Indian subcontinent. The process of cooking Dum Biryani involves layering partially cooked rice and marinated meat or vegetables, sealing the pot with dough, and allowing it to cook over low heat. This method ensures that the flavors mingle perfectly, resulting in a dish that's both fragrant and flavorful.

 **Importance of Ingredients**:

- **Basmati Rice**: Known for its long grains and distinct aroma, basmati rice is essential for Dum Biryani as it absorbs flavors and remains fluffy yet separate after cooking.

- **Chicken**: The protein base of the dish, chicken adds a tender texture and absorbs the spices and marinade, enhancing its taste.

- **Spices (Cloves, Pepper Seeds, Cinnamon, etc.)**: These spices contribute to the rich aroma and flavor profile of the Biryani, creating a balance of warmth and depth.

- **Saffron**: Adds a subtle floral flavor and imparts a beautiful golden color to the rice, elevating the dish's visual appeal.

- **Ghee**: Clarified butter used for frying and layering, adding richness and a distinct flavor to the Biryani.

- **Fresh Herbs (Coriander, Mint)**: Adds freshness and brightness to the dish, balancing the rich flavors.

**Occasions and Who Can Enjoy It**:

Dum Biryani is often served during festive occasions, celebrations, and gatherings. It's a dish that brings people together, perfect for family dinners or special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and festivals. Anyone who enjoys aromatic and flavorful dishes can appreciate Dum Biryani, regardless of age or culinary preferences.

**Benefits and Uses of Having This Recipe**:

- **Celebratory Dish**: Dum Biryani is a centerpiece dish that impresses guests and family members alike during celebrations.

- **Versatility**: It can be made with various proteins such as chicken, lamb, or vegetables, catering to different dietary preferences.

- **Leftovers**: Leftover Dum Biryani can be reheated and enjoyed the next day, often tasting even better as the flavors have had more time to meld.

 **Ingredients**:

• 1 kg Basmati Rice
• 500 gm Chicken, cut into pieces
• 5 tablespoons Oil (divided)
• 2 Onions, thinly sliced
• 1 Tomato, sliced
• 5 Cloves
• 5 Pepper Seeds
• 2 Green Chillies, slit
• 2 Cardamom Pods
• 2 Cinnamon Sticks
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 1 Anasa Flower (Star Flower)
• 1 Mace (Jaapathri)
• 1 Nut Meg (Jaajikaya)
• 1 Kapok Buds (Marathi Moggu)
• 1 tablespoon Shahjeera (Caraway Seeds)
• A pinch of Saffron threads
• 2 Black Cardamoms
• 1 Jaaji Flower
• Salt, to taste
• 2-3 tablespoons Chilli Powder
• 1 tablespoon Turmeric Powder
• 2 tablespoons Ginger Garlic Paste
• 1 tablespoon Garam Masala Powder
• 2 tablespoons Curd (Yoghurt)
• Few Curry Leaves
• Few Coriander Leaves
• 3 tablespoons Ghee
• Cashews (for garnish)

**Detailed Cooking Instructions**:

1. **Preparation**:

• Rinse Basmati Rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 2 hours.
• Clean the chicken pieces and marinate them with salt, pepper, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, garam masala powder, and curd. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. **Frying Ingredients**:

• Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or biryani kadai over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of ghee and fry cashews until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
• In the same pan, fry thinly sliced onions until dark brown and crisp. Remove and set aside for garnish.

3. **Preparing the Biryani Base**:

• In the same pan, add the remaining oil and heat it. Add cloves, pepper seeds, green chillies, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, bay leaf, anasa flower, mace, nutmeg, kapok buds, black cardamoms, and jaaji flower. Fry for a minute until aromatic.
• Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until translucent. Add sliced tomatoes and cook until soft and mushy.
• Add marinated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir well and cook until chicken starts to release its juices and turns slightly brown.

4. **Cooking the Rice**:

• While chicken is cooking, prepare rice. In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil. Add shahjeera, cloves, cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, mint leaves, coriander leaves, and salt.
• Drain soaked rice and add to boiling water. Cook rice until it is 50-60% done (partially cooked). Drain rice in a colander and set aside.

5. **Layering and Dum Cooking**:

• In the same biryani kadai with chicken, layer half of partially cooked rice evenly over chicken.
• Sprinkle some water, half of fried onions, half of fried cashews, half of chopped coriander leaves, half of chopped mint leaves, and half of saffron soaked in milk.
• Layer remaining rice over first layer and repeat with remaining fried onions, cashews, coriander leaves, mint leaves, and saffron milk.
• Drizzle 1 tablespoon of ghee over top layer.

6. **Sealing and Dum Cooking**:

• To seal biryani for dum cooking, cover biryani kadai with tight-fitting lid. Use dough made of wheat flour to seal edges of lid completely. This helps trap steam inside, allowing biryani to cook in its own juices and flavors.
• Cook biryani on low heat (simmer) for about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, place tava (griddle) under biryani pot and cook on low heat for even distribution.
• After 15-20 minutes, turn off heat and let biryani rest for another 10 minutes without opening lid. This resting period allows flavors to meld together perfectly.

7. **Final Assembly**:

• After resting, gently fluff up biryani using fork, taking care not to break rice grains.
• Serve hot Dum Biryani garnished with fresh coriander leaves, mint leaves, and fried onions. Accompany with raita (yoghurt dip) and salad for complete meal experience.

Enjoy this aromatic and flavorful Dum Biryani with your family and friends. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress with its rich taste and delightful aroma!

**Storage**:

Leftover Dum Biryani can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in microwave or on stovetop with a splash of water to retain moisture and flavors.

**Health Benefits and Uses**:

- **Protein**: Chicken provides essential protein for muscle growth and repair.

- **Spices**: Many spices used in Dum Biryani, like turmeric and black cardamom, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

- **Rice**: Basmati rice is a good source of carbohydrates and provides energy.

- **Moderation**: Enjoy Dum Biryani in moderation as part of a balanced diet for its nutritional benefits.

**Cooking Tips and Variations**:

- **Vegetarian Option**: Replace chicken with mixed vegetables or paneer for a vegetarian version.

- **Spice Level**: Adjust chili powder and green chilies according to personal preference for heat.

- **Marination**: Marinate chicken for longer (up to 2 hours) for deeper flavors.

**Nutritional Information**:

*Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

 - Calories: 600 per serving

- Protein: 35g

- Carbohydrates: 65g

- Fat: 20g

- Fiber: 5g

**Presentation and Serving**:

Serve Dum Biryani on a large platter, garnished with fried onions, cashews, and fresh herbs for an impressive presentation. Accompany with cucumber raita, lemon wedges, and a side salad for a complete meal experience.

**Conclusion**:

Dum Biryani is not just a dish; it's an experience that brings together the richness of Indian spices, the delicate fragrance of basmati rice, and the tender juiciness of marinated chicken. Whether for a festive gathering or a cozy family meal, Dum Biryani never fails to delight with its complex flavors and satisfying textures. Try this recipe to create a memorable culinary experience that will be cherished by all who enjoy it!