Introduction:
Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani is a sumptuous and aromatic Indian dish that hails from the culturally rich city of Hyderabad. This flavorful biryani is renowned for its unique preparation method, combining marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a medley of aromatic spices. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed recipe to prepare this delectable Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani at home, ensuring that every bite is a taste of Hyderabad's culinary heritage.
Ingredients:
Chicken: Typically, bone-in chicken pieces are used in this recipe for maximum flavor. You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces or boneless chicken if you prefer.
Basmati Rice: Long-grain Basmati rice is a must for biryani. It's known for its fragrance and ability to absorb flavors.
Spices: Key spices include cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, Royal Cumin, Turmeric, Chilli powder, Garam Masala, Salt & Ginger Garlic Paste. These spices provide the Biryani with its signature aroma and taste.
Lemon & Yogurt: Lemon &Thick yogurt is used to marinate the chicken and make it tender.
Fried Onions: Sliced and deep fried onions add sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Ghee or Clarified Butter: Ghee is used for cooking the rice and imparting a rich, buttery flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh mint and cilantro leaves are added to enhance the aroma and freshness of the biryani.
Saffron: Saffron strands are soaked in warm milk and used to give the Biryani a vibrant yellow color and a subtle, earthy flavor.
Quick List of Ingredients for Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani:
Chicken - 1 Kg with bone/boneless. (Your preference)
Basmati rice - 1 Kg
Ghee - 6 Tsp
Onions - 400 Gm
Yogurt (curd) - 300 Ml
Ginger-garlic paste - 4-6 Tsp
Green chilies - 2
Fresh coriander leaves & Mint leaves - 1/2 Cup
Garam Masala - 3-4 Tsp
Red chili powder - 4 Tsp
Turmeric powder - 1/4 Tea spoon
Saffron strands - 0.25 Mg
Milk - 100 Ml
Lemon Juice - 3-4 Medium Sized
Cooking oil - 1/2 Ltr
Crystal Salt or Sea Salt - 3 Tsp
Green Cardamom Pods - 8,
Cinnamon Sticks - 4-6 sticks 4 inch.
Cloves - 8
Royal Cumin - 2 Tsp
Water - 2-3 Liter
Preparation:
Soaking Rice: The Basmati rice should be washed and soaked in water for 1 hour before cooking.
Marination: The chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of Turmeric powder, Garam Masala, Chili powered, 4 Cloves, 4 Cinnamon, 4 Cardamom, 1 Tsp Royal Cumin, Ginger-garlic paste, Crystal Salt & Lemon. This marinade can range from a few hours to overnight, ensuring the chicken absorbs all the flavors. After marination add the crisp fried onions, Ghee, along with yogurt Fresh Coriander, Mint leave & green chili (These 3 ingredients can be made into a paste or can be directly added). Make sure the taste is correct and keep it aside.
Parboiling Rice: Add 2-3 liter of water in a deep vessel, add Crystal salt, 2 Cinnamon sticks, 4 -Cardamom, 4 - Cloves, 1 Tsp Royal Cumin, Coriander leaves, Mint leaves & Green chili. When water comes to boil add soaked rice for about 8 - 10 minutes. The basmati rice should be partially cooked or 50-60% Cooked. This ensures that the rice grains remain separate and don't get mushy when the biryani is assembled.
Layering: The marinated chicken is placed at the bottom of a heavy-bottomed pot, followed by a layer of partially cooked rice. Add the remaining onions, fresh mint, Coriander leaves. Saffron-infused milk is also added in between the layers.
Dum Cooking: The pot is sealed with dough to trap the steam, and the biryani is cooked on a low flame. This slow cooking method is called "dum" and allows the flavors to meld together while the chicken and rice cook to perfection.
Video instruction for the Biryani can be found on our YouTube channel or in the video below:
Serving:
Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani is typically served hot, straight from the pot. It's often accompanied by Dahi ki Chutney (Raita, yogurt dip), Mirchi ka salan (a spicy chili gravy), and salad. The biryani is enjoyed for its fragrant and spicy flavors, with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice creating a delightful combination.
In Hyderabad, this Biryani is not just a dish it's a cultural icon and a testament to the city's rich culinary heritage. Whether prepared in homes or enjoyed in restaurants, Hyderabad Chicken Dum Biryani is a beloved and celebrated dish that continues to captivate the taste buds of people all over the world.