Spice and Splendor: Mastering the Art of Hyderabadi Biryani

Ingredients

• Salt to taste
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 500g chicken, cut into pieces (or substitute with
• 2 onions, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 4 cloves
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cardamom pods
• Fresh mint leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 2 tablespoons gingergarlic paste
• 4 green chilies, slit
• 1 tablespoon biryani masala powder