Biryani

Fragrant layered rice and marinated meat, sealed and slow-steamed so saffron, mint and fried onion perfume every grain. Ingredients: basmati rice, chicken or lamb, yogurt, biryani masala, saffron, mint, cilantro, fried onions, ghee, ginger, garlic, green chiles, lemon. Recipe: 1) Marinate meat in yogurt and spices. 2) Parboil rice with whole spices. 3) Layer meat and rice with saffron milk, mint, cilantro and fried onions. 4) Seal the pot and dum-cook on low 40 minutes. Serve: with raita and salad, the layers revealed at the table. History: from Persian pilaf traditions via the Mughal courts; Hyderabad and Lucknow guard rival, beloved versions.