Here's a step-by-step recipe to prepare Prawn Biryani:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:500g prawns, cleaned and deveined1/2 cup yogurt1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste1/2 tsp turmeric powder1 tsp red chili powder1 tsp garam masala1 tsp coriander powderSalt to tasteJuice of half a lemonFor the Rice:2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes1 bay leaf3-4 cloves1 cinnamon stick2-3 cardamom pods1 tsp saltWater for boilingFor the Biryani:2 tbsp ghee or oil2 onions, thinly sliced2 tomatoes, chopped2 green chilies, slit1 tsp cumin seeds1/2 tsp turmeric powder1 tsp red chili powder1 tsp garam masalaFresh coriander and mint leaves (a handful)A pinch of saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)Fried onions for garnishLemon slices and boiled eggs (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the PrawnsIn a bowl, mix the prawns with yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, coriander powder, salt, and lemon juice.Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 hour for best results.

Step 2: Prepare the RiceIn a large pot, boil water and add bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and salt.Add the soaked rice and cook until it's 70-80% done (al dente). The grains should still have a bite. Drain and set aside

Step 3: Cook the Prawn MasalaHeat ghee or oil in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them crackle.Add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown.Add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.Add the marinated prawns to the pan and cook on medium heat for 5-7 minutes until the prawns are cooked through. Turn off the heat and set aside.

Step 4: Layering the BiryaniIn a large pot, start with a layer of cooked prawns and masala at the bottom.Add a layer of rice on top of the prawns.Sprinkle fresh coriander, mint leaves, and some fried onions.Repeat the layering until all the prawns and rice are used up.Drizzle the saffron milk on top (optional).

Step 5: Dum Cooking (Sealing and Steaming)Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. You can seal the edges with dough for an authentic "dum" cooking method.Cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6: ServeOpen the pot and fluff the rice gently.Garnish with more fried onions, boiled eggs, and lemon slices.Serve hot with raita or a side of your choice.Enjoy your delicious prawn biryani!