Authentic Dum Biryani: A Step-by-Step Guide to Making this Delicious Indian Rice Dish at Home

Dum biryani is a delicious and aromatic Indian rice dish that is made by layering rice, meat or vegetables, and spices, and then cooking it together in a sealed pot over low heat. Here is a step-by-step recipe for making dum biryani at home:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 lb meat (such as chicken, lamb, or beef) or vegetables
• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup fresh mint or cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter or ghee
• 2 tablespoons saffron milk (made by soaking saffron strands in milk)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice in cold water and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the rice and set it aside.
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3. In a large pot, heat the oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until they are translucent.
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5. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another minute.
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7. Add the meat or vegetables and cook until it is browned.
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9. Add the yogurt, chili powder, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and salt. Cook for a few more minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
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11. Add the drained rice and stir to coat it in the spice mixture.
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13. Add enough water to the pot to cover the rice by about an inch. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
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15. Let the biryani simmer over low heat for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water has been absorbed.
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17. Once the biryani is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
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19. In a small pan, melt the butter or ghee and add the chopped mint or cilantro. Pour this mixture over the biryani and gently stir it in.
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21. Serve the biryani hot, garnished with additional chopped mint or cilantro, if desired. Enjoy!