A one-pot, perfectly layered biryani where the rice cooks in its own measured water, no boiling and draining required. Fragrant basmati rice, whole spices, herbs, and masala come together in a dum-style method to lock in flavors and aroma. Each grain turns long, fluffy, and beautifully coated with rich spices making it a hassle-free yet authentic biryani experience at home. It is perfect for busy days when you want full biryani flavor with minimal effort....
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Heat ghee and oil in a pan, then add the whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and shahi jeera).
Fry the sliced onions until golden brown, keep some fried onions for garnishing, then add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté on low flame for few seconds.
Stir in the curd, biryani masala, and salt, mixing well to combine.
Add the drained basmati rice and mix gently to coat the rice with the spices.
Pour in the hot water with 1 tsp salt and cook until the water is absorbed.
Cover the pan and cook on low heat (dum) for 8–10 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. Fluff gently before serving. Garnish with coriander leaves and barista.
Ensure the rice is soaked for at least 30 minutes before cooking for the best texture.
Use hot water to maintain the cooking temperature and ensure even cooking.
Do not stir the rice too much after adding water to avoid breaking the grains.
Don't forget curd, since it keeps the rice moist and gives a creamy texture to every grain of rice.
Allow the rice to rest for 15-20 min if possible for upto one hour after cooking to let the flavors settle and the grains firm up. Then use it to layer biryanis.
Can I use regular rice instead of basmati?
Basmati rice is recommended for its long grains and aroma, but you can use other types of rice. Adjust the water ratio accordingly.
What is dum cooking?
Dum cooking is a slow-cooking method where the pot is sealed and cooked on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can recreate dum at home by simply keeping the vessel over a heating pan and cook the rice or biryani.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, replace ghee with oil and curd with a plant-based yogurt to make it vegan.
How do I prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom?
Use a heavy-bottomed pan and ensure the heat is low during the dum cooking process.
Can I add vegetables or meat to this recipe?
This recipe is the base for the whole biryani recipe. Just marinate the vegetables with biryani spice versions , saute in oil and later with rice for authentic experience.
Cooking has always been my way of spreading love and warmth. Through this channel, I share recipes close to my heart—some from childhood memories, some from daily life, and some festive treats. It’s my little space to celebrate the joy of homemade food and connect with fellow food lovers.
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