Wash the basmati rice gently until the water runs clear and soak it for 15 - 20 minutes, drain and keep aside.
Wash the chicken (if you prefer, in India we always do! 😉 ) and marinate with ingredients mentioned under “ To Marinate” and marinate for 20-30 mins - if you have no time you can skip this step.
On a thick bottom pressure pan, add oil, bay leaf, cardamon, cloves, cinnamon stick and sauté for a few minutes until the aroma is infused in the oil
Next add the chopped onions, a little salt sauté until the onions are slightly browned.
Next add in the remaining ginger garlic paste and the green chillies and sauté well, until the raw smell is gone.
Next add the red chilli powder, turmeric powder, half of the garam masala mentioned in the ingredients, biriyani masala powder and cook until the masalas and cooked well.
Add in half mint and coriander leaves and continue to cook covered with a lid for 2-3 mins
Next add in the beaten yoghurt and mix in well. Cook until you see oil separating from the masalas
Add in the marinated chicken pieces, Required salt for cooking the chicken and mix well, until the masala is well coated in the chicken pieces, cover and cook for 5 minutes.
Next add half of the water mentioned in the ingredients and pressure cook unto 3-4 whistles until chicken is cooked and tender. (note I)
Once the pressure is released, check if the chicken is cooked well.
Drain the soaked basmati rice completely and add to the pot, add the remaining mint and coriander leaves, on top, Don't mix it too much other wise the rice will break
Add the remaining water, add a dollop of ghee and sprinkle the remaining garam masala on top. Check for salt at this stage. The water should be slightly salty so the rice can absorb the salt.
Cover the pressure cooker and cook for 1 whistle exactly and turn off the flame. (note II)
Once the pressure is released, open the lid and gently fluff the biriyani with a fork and cover and let it sit in its own steam while its hot for 15 minutes.
After 15 mins it will be ready to serve. Gently fluff it using a fork and let it rest for 5 minutes covered before you serve.
Enjoy your hot biriyani with Raita or brinjal chutney
