Authentic Hyderabadi Biryani (Dum Style)

A traditional biryani layered with marinated meat, long-grain basmati rice, and aromatic spices — cooked on dum (slow steam).

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken Marinade:
500g chicken, bone-in pieces

1 cup curd (yogurt)

2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

1 tsp turmeric powder

1.5 tsp red chilli powder

2 tbsp lime juice

1/2 tsp garam masala or biryani masala

1/2 cup fried onions (birista)

Salt to taste

2 tbsp chopped mint leaves

2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

2 tbsp oil

For the Rice:
2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes

6 cups water

1 bay leaf

2–3 green cardamoms

1 black cardamom

4–5 cloves

1-inch cinnamon stick

Salt to taste

For Layering:
1/2 cup fried onions

A few strands of saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk

2 tbsp ghee

Extra mint and coriander leaves

👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients with chicken.

Mix well and marinate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Parboil the Rice
Boil water with salt and whole spices.

Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done (grains should break with a slight bite).

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Layering the Biryani
In a heavy-bottomed pan or biryani handi, add the marinated chicken (no need to cook beforehand).

Spread half of the parboiled rice over the chicken.

Add some fried onions, mint, coriander, saffron milk, and ghee.

Repeat with remaining rice and toppings.

Cover tightly with a lid. Seal edges with chapati dough or foil to trap steam.

Step 4: Dum Cooking
Option 1 – Stove Top:
11. Heat a griddle (tava) and place the biryani pot over it.
12. Cook on medium flame for 10 minutes, then low flame for 30 minutes.

Option 2 – Oven:
13. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
14. Bake biryani (in an oven-safe pot with tight lid) for 35–40 minutes.

Step 5: Rest and Serve
Let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Gently fluff from the sides to mix layers slightly.

Serve hot with raita, mirchi ka salan, or boiled egg.

💡 Welza Tips:
Use Welza Biryani Masala for an authentic Hyderabadi flavor.

Add a splash of kewra or rose water for a traditional aromatic finish.

For vegetarian version, use paneer or veggies instead of meat.