Biryani is a layered mixed rice dish from South Asia, made with fragrant basmati rice, spices, and a main ingredient like marinated meat (chicken, mutton), seafood, or vegetables. It is slow-cooked using the dum method to blend the flavors, resulting in a rich, aromatic, and flavorful meal. 

 Key characteristics of biryani:

Origin: Biryani is believed to have been introduced to the Indian subcontinent by the Mughals, and the name originates from the Persian word “birian,” meaning “fried before cooking”. 

Layered dish: Unlike one-pot dishes like pulao, biryani is made by layering partially cooked rice with marinated meat or vegetables and spices. 

Flavorful and aromatic: It features a complex blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin, along with other ingredients like saffron, fried onions, and ghee. 

Slow-cooked: The dish is traditionally cooked on “dum” (steam), a slow-cooking method that allows the flavors to meld together perfectly. 

Varied ingredients: Common additions include eggs, nuts, and dried fruits. Different regions have developed unique variations, such as the Hyderabadi or Kolkata styles. 

This Chicken Biryani is a classic Hyderabadi-style recipe. Layered with tender marinated chicken, fragrant basmati rice, crispy onions, herbs and saffron milk. It’s cooked low and slow using the traditional dum method to lock in all the flavour. A proper crowd-pleaser and perfect for a weekend cook-up.

Ingredients

• 3 large red onions, sliced thin
• peanut oil for shallow frying
• 1 kg chicken thighs, bone in, skin off
• 4 tbsp yoghurt
• 1 tsp kashmiri chilli powder
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 3 tsp ginger paste
• 1 tsp garlic paste
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 green chillies
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 14 green cardamom pod
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 6 cloves
• salt to taste
• 1 bunch mint
• 1 bunch coriander
• 500g aged basmati rice
• ¼ cup of milk, warmed
• 1 large pinch of saffron threads

Dough seal (optional)

• 1 cup plain flour
• ⅓ cup of water (adjust as needed)

Directions

Fry the onions

1.Start by making the crispy onions by heating up enough oil in a saucepan over a medium high heat to shallow fry the sliced onions in batches until golden brown. Keep your eyes on them as it doesn’t take long for them to crisp up.

Marinate chicken

1.Next, marinate your chicken in a large pot (dutch oven) by adding the chicken, yoghurt, chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, ginger paste, garlic, lemon juice, 1 green chilli sliced thin, 1 cinnamon stick, 8 green cardamom pods (lightly crushed), 1 tsp cumin seeds, 4 cloves, a tsp of salt, ½ of your chopped mint and ½ of the coriander, and ⅓ of the fried onions you just made.

2.Mix well so the spices are blended and the chicken is completely covered. Marinate for 4-24 hours in the fridge.

Prep the rice

1. Start this process about an hour before the chicken is ready to pull out of the fridge. So, if you’re marinating for four hours, start the rice at the 3 hour mark.
2. With the rice, rinse it twice then soak it in water for 40 minutes.

Make saffron milk

1. Add the warmed milk to a small bowl or jug and add in the saffron. Mix gently and set aside to steep. Optional – once your saffron milk is steeping, make the dough seal (recipe further down) and set it aside. You’ll use it later when assembling the biryani.
   

Cook the rice

1. Bring a large pot with a lid to boil (about half full with water) and season with 1 tbsp salt, 6 green cardamom, 1 green chilli sliced lengthways in half, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cloves and 1 tsp cumin seeds and bring to a simmer.
2. Drain your soaking rice and add to the simmering water. Turn the heat on your pot to high, stir once, put the lid on and cook for 4-6 minutes or until it’s just cooked. You still want a bit of bite in the rice.
3. Remove the rice from the water and set aside.

Cook chicken and layer your biryani

1. Place the marinated chicken that’s in the pot onto a high heat and cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring every 1-2 minutes.
2. Turn the heat off and remove half of the chicken with some of the sauce. This helps create two even layers when you add the rice and herbs. Spread the remaining chicken in the pot out evenly.
3. Then, sprinkle half of the rice on the chicken in the pot and make sure it’s nice and even.
4. Add the remaining chicken on top of the rice and add a layer of the crispy onions and half of the remaining chopped mint and coriander.
5. Repeat with the rice, crispy onions and the rest of the mint and coriander.
6. Drizzle the saffron milk all over the top.
7. Cover the pot with the lid and seal it either with a tea towel with it sitting slightly under the lid or the dough seal (steps below).
8. Turn your cooktop to medium high and cook for 10 minutes, then turn it down to very low and cook for 30 minutes.
9. Take from the heat and let it rest for 20 minutes before taking the lid off and serving. If you have any remaining herbs, you can sprinkle these over the top of the rice to serve.

As we mark India’s 79th Independence Day, it is a moment of pride, reflection, and anticipation for what lies ahead.

August 15, 1947, was not just the dawn of a new era for India; it was the birth of a vision—a vision of self-reliance, resilience, and the pursuit of a better future for every citizen. The spirit of independence that our freedom fighters embodied continues to inspire us today, urging us to build a nation that stands tall on the pillars of integrity, innovation, and inclusivity.

For Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs), this day holds particular significance. The journey of an IFA mirrors the journey of our nation in many ways—both are driven by the desire to chart their own course, to break free from conventional norms, and to create lasting impact through informed decisions and unwavering commitment.

Embracing the Spirit of Independence in Financial Advisory

The financial landscape in India is rapidly evolving. With the rise of digital platforms, the increasing importance of personalized financial planning, and the growing awareness among investors, the role of IFAs has never been more crucial. Just as India’s independence marked the beginning of a journey towards self-reliance, IFAs play a pivotal role in guiding individuals and families towards financial independence.

However, independence comes with its own set of challenges. It requires continuous learning, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the ever-changing market dynamics. As IFAs, you are the torchbearers of financial literacy, helping your clients navigate through uncertainties, make informed decisions, and achieve their financial goals.

A Message to IFAs: Your Role in Building a Stronger India

On this Independence Day, I encourage all IFAs to take a moment to reflect on the impact you have on your clients and the larger society. Your role goes beyond just providing financial advice; you are empowering individuals to take control of their financial futures. In doing so, you are contributing to the nation’s economic strength and resilience.

Here are a few ways to align your mission with the spirit of independence:

1. Educate and Empower: Just as our leaders of independence fought to educate and uplift the masses, strive to increase financial literacy among your clients. An informed client is an empowered client, capable of making decisions that align with their long-term goals.
2. Innovate and Adapt: The world of finance is ever-changing. Embrace new technologies, stay updated with market trends, and be open to new ways of engaging with your clients. Innovation is key to staying relevant and providing the best possible advice.
3. Ethical Integrity: The values that led to our independence were deeply rooted in integrity and honesty. As an IFA, maintain the highest ethical standards in your practice. Trust is the foundation of all financial relationships.
4. Community Engagement: Just as our freedom was won through collective effort, consider how you can give back to the community. Whether through pro-bono advisory sessions, financial literacy workshops, or supporting local causes, your contributions can make a significant difference.

Conclusion

As we celebrate another year of India’s independence, let us remember that true independence is not just about freedom from external control; it is about the freedom to make informed, empowered choices in every aspect of life. As IFAs, you have the unique opportunity to guide individuals on their path to financial independence, thereby contributing to a stronger, more resilient India.

May this Independence Day inspire you to continue your journey with renewed passion, purpose, and pride.

Jai Hind!

This blog post serves as a reminder that the values and spirit that define our nation’s independence can also guide our professional lives. For IFAs, it’s a call to continue playing a vital role in shaping the financial futures of countless Indians, thereby contributing to the prosperity and growth of the nation.

Select a lining material like cotton, satin, crepe, or polyester depending on comfort, breathability, and the type of outfit.
Lining fabric is a second layer of fabric sewn into a garment to provide a smooth, finished interior. It serves multiple functions, including concealing raw seams and construction details, improving comfort by creating a barrier between the skin and the outer fabric, adding structure and durability, and making it easier to put on and take off the garment. 

Pusalu materials are traditional decorative beads used to enhance sarees with a rich and elegant finish. These tiny golden or pearl-like beads are hand-stitched along borders, pallus, and motifs to create intricate patterns. Pusalu detailing adds a classic, luxurious look, making the saree perfect for weddings, festive wear, and ethnic styling.

• Tailoring threads are essential materials used to stitch garments with strength, precision, and smooth finishing.
• They come in various types like cotton, polyester, silk, and nylon, each offering unique durability and texture for different fabrics
• Good-quality threads ensure neat seams, long-lasting stitching, and a professional look in every tailoring project.