Soak rice for 20 minutes. Boil it along with the whole masalas and half of the chopped coriander and mint leaves just until the first bubbles appear. Cook it a little more before draining it. It should be nearly 80% cooked and must be firm. The rice should always be cooked Al dente.
Deep fry the onions and keep aside. This same oil in which we fried the onions is used even for marination after it is cooled.
Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight with all the masalas along with the fried onions and the oil which has been brought to the room temperature. It is an optional step but I always do it for juicy succulent meat. The taste is heavenly. Follow this method of mine for a scrumptiously delicious Biryani every time you make it.
Before keeping it on dum, pour 2 tbsp of ghee on the top along with the colour. You can even sprinkle some coriander and mint leaves finely chopped along with the fried onions. Keep it on a high heat for the first 10 minutes rotating the vessel every 2 minutes so that it doesn't get burnt at the bottom.
After 10 to 12 minutes. Bring the flame to low and let it simmer for at least 40-45 minutes. Do not open the lid at all. If possible seal it with a thick cotton cloth or the aluminum foil. I personally prefer the aluminum foil. Cover the mouth of the vessel with the foil and place the lid on top.
Just before serving add the last essential magic smoky flavour effect by heating about a tbsp of oil. Place the coal in the aluminum foil and keep this in the center of the biryani in the vessel. Pour the hot oil or ghee on top and immediately cover it up.
You can see the smoke coming out. Leave it undisturbed until the fumes stop. This will take 10 minutes at least. Serve this delicious biryani with raita alongside.
