Dairy-Free Chicken Biryani

Instructions

1. 1In a small bowl, combine the pinch of saffron strands with 1 tablespoon of warm water and set aside to soak.
2. 2Wash the 3 cups of Basmati rice thoroughly. Place the washed rice in a bowl and cover it with water, letting it soak for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, drain the rice completely and set it aside.
3. 3Heat 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat (204.4°C / 200°C). Add the 2 medium onions, sliced, and sauté until they are golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. This browning adds depth of flavor.
4. 4Add the 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste and 4 green chilies to the pot. Cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. 5Add the about 910 g of chicken pieces to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
6. 6Stir in the 2 medium tomatoes, chopped, along with 2 tablespoons of biryani masala, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, and 1 teaspoon of red chili powder. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring, until the tomatoes begin to soften and break down.
7. 7Pour in the 1 cup of coconut milk. Add the 0.5 cup of mint leaves and 0.5 cup of cilantro. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. 8While the chicken mixture simmers, in a separate pot, bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil over high heat (100°C / 100°C). Add the drained 3 cups of Basmati rice and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the rice is 70% cooked (it should still have a slight bite). Drain the rice immediately in a colander.
9. 9Carefully layer the cooked rice over the chicken mixture in the large pot. Drizzle the soaked saffron water evenly over the top layer of rice. Cover the pot tightly with a lid, ensuring a good seal to trap the steam. Cook on very low heat (low setting on your stove) for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender. The steam will finish cooking the rice and infuse it with the chicken flavors.
10. 10Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the grains to firm up. Serve the Dairy-Free Chicken Biryani hot.

Substitutions

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