Jeera Biryani with Basmati Rice

Ingredients

• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)
• Fresh coriander leaves (1/4 cup, chopped)
• Water (2 cups)
• Ghee (2 tablespoons)
• Salt (1 teaspoon or to taste)
• Bay leaf (1)
• Cardamom pods (3)
• Cloves (3)
• Cinnamon stick (1 inch piece)
• Green chili (1, slit)
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
• Ginger (1 inch piece, grated)
• Onion (1 large, sliced)
• Cumin seeds (2 teaspoons)
• Basmati rice (1 cup, soaked and drained)

Instructions

1. Begin by washing the basmati rice under running water until the water is clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain thoroughly to ensure fluffy rice.
2. In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Sauté these ingredients for about a minute or until the spices release their distinctive aromas.
3. Next, add the sliced onions to the pot. Cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown, ensuring a rich base for your biryani.
4. Introduce the grated ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chili to the pot. Sauté this mixture for a minute to blend the flavors.
5. Now, add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot. Stir well to ensure every grain of rice is coated with the aromatic spice mixture.
6. Pour in the water and add salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb any remaining moisture and enhances the flavors.
8. Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains and garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
9. Just before serving, drizzle the biryani with lemon juice for a tangy twist. Serve hot and enjoy the royal flavors of your homemade Jeera Biryani!