Biryani is a popular dish from the Indian subcontinent that is made with rice, meat or vegetables, and a variety of spices.

Biryani is a popular dish from the Indian subcontinent that is made with rice, meat or vegetables, and a variety of spices. Here is a basic recipe for chicken biryani that you can try, along with some tips for preparation and cooking.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless chicken, cut into small pieces

1 cup basmati rice

1 onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 inch ginger, minced

2 tomatoes, finely chopped

1 cup yogurt

1 tsp red chili powder

1 tsp garam masala powder

1 tsp turmeric powder

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp coriander powder

Salt, to taste

1 tbsp oil

Water, as needed

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Preparation time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 40 minutes

Instructions:

Soak the basmati rice in water for 20 minutes.

In a large pot or pan, heat the oil and add the chopped onions. Cook until they are golden brown.

Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for a few minutes.

Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.

Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are soft and mushy.

Add the yogurt, red chili powder, garam masala powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.

Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Mix well.

Add enough water to cover the rice and chicken mixture. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.

Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let the biryani sit for 5 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tips:

Make sure to use good quality basmati rice for best results.

You can use any meat or vegetables of your choice, such as lamb, beef, shrimp, or mixed vegetables.

You can add whole spices like bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, and cardamom pods to the oil before adding onions, to enhance the flavor of the biryani.

You can also add saffron strands to the water before adding to the pot, to give a nice golden color to the biryani.

You can add some fried onions, cashews and raisins on top of biryani before serving for extra flavor and texture.

You can also add some lemon juice or mint chutney on top of biryani before serving for added flavor.

Biryani can be a bit time-consuming to make, but it's worth the effort as the result is delicious and comforting dish. It's great for a special occasion or when you want to make something special for your loved ones.