Wash and soak basmati rice in enough water for 20-30 minutes. Cook adding a tablespoon of oil, bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorn and 3 cups of water in an saucepan or big pot Cook the rice covered on medium heat for about 12-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
Remove thr rice from heat, transfer them in a big plate or baking trya, spread even,y with for and let them cool. This process will ensure that the rice won;t cook more in their own heat.
Make brown lentil/masoor dal
Make a paste of ingredients under “to grind ” with the help of a little water in a blender or food processor.
Wash and soak brown lentils in enough water. Heat 4 tablespoon oil in a pressure cooker or big pot, add onions. Fry the onions till golden in color. (Remove some fried onions and save for using later while layering the biryani).Now add the ground paste and sauté well.
Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies and mix well. Add turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, and salt and cook till oil comes out from edges of the pan.
Add soaked masoor lentil and 1 cup water, cook for 4 whistles.( If you are using the pot or pan then cook the lentils on low medium heat for about 30 minutes. In that case add 2 cups or more water to let the lentils cook properly).
Heat remaining oil in a pan and fry the potatoes in cubes. Remove from oil and set aside.
Add saffron in warm milk and set aside.
Assembling
In a cooking heavy bottom pot, pour 1 tablespoon of milk, tomato slices, and a pinch of garam masala with a tablespoon of oil over it.
Put a portion of the rice and spread it evenly, sprinkle fried potatoes, the fried onions which we saved, coriander leaves, garam masala.
Put the masoor/lentil mixture on it and spread it evenly.Finally, add the remaining rice on it and spread it evenly.
Pour the remaining milk , potatoes and coriander leaves over it.
Cover and cook on simmer(verly low heat) for10-15 minutes.
Serve hot garnished with coriander leaves. Enjoy!!
Notes
Adjust the spices as per your taste.
You may also cook the lentils in a pot but it may take a little bit more time.
You can also arrange the layers of biryani in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 200 degrees C for 15-20 minutes.