Discover the ultimate Biryani recipe, a classic and flavorful rice dish that combines tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. This step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious, fragrant Biryani that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're a novice cook or a seasoned chef, you'll find this recipe easy to follow and sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients:

- 2 cups basmati rice

- 500g chicken or beef, cut into pieces

- 1 large onion, thinly sliced

- 2 tomatoes, chopped

- 1 cup plain yogurt

- 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

- 2 green chilies, slit

- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro (coriander)

- 1/2 cup chopped mint leaves

- 4 cups water

- 2 tablespoons Biryani masala

- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

- 1 teaspoon red chili powder

- 1 teaspoon garam masala

- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

- 4 cloves

- 2 cardamom pods

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 4 tablespoons cooking oil

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Rice:

  - Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

  - Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.

Cook the Meat:

  - Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat.

  - Add cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom pods, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.

  - Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.

  - Stir in ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 2 minutes.

  - Add the meat pieces and cook until browned on all sides.

  - Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, Biryani masala, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes.

  - Stir in the yogurt and cook for another 10 minutes until the meat is tender and the spices are well-blended.

Cook the Rice:

  - In a separate large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.

  - Add the soaked and drained rice, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of oil. Cook until the rice is 70% cooked (it should still have a bite to it).

  - Drain the rice and set aside.

Layer the Biryani:

  - In the same pan with the meat, spread a layer of partially cooked rice over the meat.

  - Sprinkle chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and garam masala over the rice.

  - Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil over the top.

Dum Cooking:

  - Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also seal the edges with dough to trap the steam.

Serve:

  - Gently fluff the Biryani with a fork before serving.

  - Serve hot with raita or a side salad.

Enjoy your flavorful and aromatic Biryani!

Nutritional Values

2 cups basmati rice

   - Calories: 680

   - Carbohydrates: 148 grams

   - Protein: 14 grams

   - Fat: 1 gram

Benefits:

   - Provides a good source of carbohydrates for energy.

   - Basmati rice has a lower glycemic index compared to other rice varieties.

500g Chicken or Beef (cut into pieces)

   - Chicken (per 100g):

    - Calories: 165

    - Protein: 31 grams

    - Fat: 3.6 grams

   - Beef (per 100g):

    - Calories: 250

    - Protein: 26 grams

    - Fat: 17 grams

Benefits:

   - Excellent source of high-quality protein and essential amino acids.

   - Rich in iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, supporting overall health.

1 large Onion (thinly sliced)

   - Calories: 90

   - Carbohydrates: 22 grams

   - Protein: 2 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and vitamin C.

   - Supports heart health and may help with blood sugar regulation.

2 medium Tomatoes (chopped)

   - Calories: 44

   - Carbohydrates: 10 grams

   - Protein: 2 grams

   -Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Rich in vitamins A and C, and lycopene, an antioxidant.

   - Supports skin health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers.

1 cup Plain Yogurt :

   - Calories: 150

   -Carbohydrates: 12 grams

   - Protein: 8 grams

   - Fat: 8 grams

Benefits:

   - Good source of calcium and probiotics.

   - Supports digestive health and bone strength.

2 tablespoons Ginger-Garlic Paste

   - Calories: 20

   - Carbohydrates: 5 grams

   - Protein: 0 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Provides anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

   - Adds depth of flavor to the dish.

2 Green Chilies (slit)

   - Calories: 10

   - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

   - Protein: 0 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Contains capsaicin, which boosts metabolism and adds heat to the dish.

   - Rich in vitamins A and C.

1/2 cup Chopped Cilantro (coriander)

   - Calories: 2

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Protein: 0 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

  - Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and supports digestive health.

   - Adds fresh flavor to the dish.

1/2 cup Chopped Mint Leaves

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 0 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Provides a refreshing flavor and supports digestion.

   - Contains antioxidants and essential oils.

4 cups Water

   - Calories: 0

Benefits:

   - Essential for hydration and cooking the rice.

2 tablespoons Biryani Masala

   - Varies by brand; typically contains spices like cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, etc.

Benefits:

   - Provides complex flavors and health benefits from various spices.

   - Adds depth to the dish.

1 tablespoon Turmeric Powder

   - Calories: 4

   -Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 0.2 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Contains curcumin with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

   - May support joint health and cognitive function.

1 tablespoon Red Chili Powder

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 0.5 grams

   - Fat: 0.3 grams

Benefits:

   - Contains capsaicin, which can boost metabolism and improve circulation.

   - Adds heat and flavor to the dish.

1 tablespoons Garam Masala

   - Varies depending on the blend; typically contains spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom.

Benefits:

   - Adds complex flavor and provides various health benefits from the spices used.

   - Supports digestion and adds aromatic flavors.

1/2 tablespoons Cumin Seeds

   - Calories: 8

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 0.5 grams

   - Fat: 0.5 grams

Benefits:

   - Rich in antioxidants and supports digestion.

   - Provides iron and may aid in metabolism.

4 Cloves

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 0.3 grams

   - Fat: 0.3 grams

Benefits:

   - Contains eugenol, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

   - Supports oral health and digestion.

2 Cardamom Pods

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 0.2 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Provides aromatic flavor and supports digestion.

   - Contains antioxidants and may help with appetite control.

1 Bay Leaf

   - Calories: 5

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 0.1 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Adds flavor and may aid in digestion.

   - Contains antioxidants and can support overall health.

1 Cinnamon Stick

   - Calories: 6

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protei : 0.1 grams

   - Fat: 0 grams

Benefits:

   - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

   - Supports blood sugar regulation.

4 tablespoons Cooking Oil

   - Calories: 480

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Protein: 0 grams

   - Fat: 56 grams

Benefits:

   - Provides necessary fats for cooking.

   - Choose a healthy oil like olive or canola for better nutritional benefits.

Salt (to taste)

   - Sodium: 1,150 mg per ½ teaspoon

Benefits:

   - Enhances flavor but should be used in moderation to manage sodium intake.

This breakdown covers the nutritional values and benefits of each ingredient, helping you understand their contributions to the dish.