How One of NYC’s Best Indian Chefs Makes Biryani | Made to Order | Bon Appétit

Cooking Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Onions [00:55]

• Slice red onions thinly and fry them at 325°F until golden brown and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice [02:17]

• Wash and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes to remove starch and impurities.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Curry [03:20]

• In a pot, add ghee and heat it. Then add spices: bay leaf, black cardamom, green cardamom, mace, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Add finely diced onions and cook until they change color.
• Stir in ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, and chili powder.
• Add diced tomatoes and cook until they are mushy.
• Add whole chicken pieces and Greek yogurt, mixing well.
• Season with salt and let it cook on low heat.

Step 4: Boil the Rice [05:50]

• In a separate pot, boil water with salt, ghee, and spices (cumin, bay leaf, cloves, green cardamom, cinnamon sticks).
• Add soaked rice to the boiling water and cook until it's 70-80% done.

Step 5: Prepare the Joel [07:10]

• Mix equal parts of butter and cream, and add saffron to create a flavorful liquid for layering.

Step 6: Assemble the Biryani [08:30]

• In a clay pot, start layering: add the Joel to the bottom, followed by a layer of rice, fried onions, ginger juliennes, green chilies, cilantro, and mint.
• Add the cooked chicken on top, followed by more layers of rice and Joel.
• Seal the pot with a dough made from flour, water, oil, and salt.

Step 7: Cook the Biryani [11:57]

• Place the sealed pot in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy [12:16]

• Once cooked, mix the Biryani gently and serve hot, enjoying the blend of flavors and textures.