Wash and soak the basmati rice for 30 minutes, then cook until it is about 70% done and drain.
In a bowl, marinate the chicken or mutton with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, biryani masala, and salt for at least 2 hours.
In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread the marinated meat evenly.
Add a layer of partially cooked rice over the meat, followed by fried onions. Optionally, sprinkle saffron milk, chopped mint, coriander leaves, and a little ghee for extra flavor.
Cover the pot tightly with a lid or seal the edges with dough.
Cook on low heat (Dum) for 35–45 minutes until the meat becomes tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Gently fluff the biryani without breaking the rice grains.
Serve hot with raita, Mirchi Ka Salan, boiled eggs (optional), and fresh salad.