Here’s a simple recipe to make delicious Veg Biryani:
Ingredients:
Basmati rice – 1 ½ cups
Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, #trending #cooking #food potatoes, etc.) – 2 cups
Onion – 1 large, thinly sliced
Tomato – 1, chopped
Ginger-garlic paste – 1 tbsp
Green chilies – 2, slit
Biryani masala powder – 2 tbsp
Red chili powder – 1 tsp
Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Coriander powder – 1 tsp
Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Bay leaves – 2
Cinnamon stick – 1-inch piece
Cloves – 2-3
Cardamom pods – 2
Mint leaves – ½ cup
Coriander leaves – ½ cup
Yogurt – 2 tbsp
Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
Ghee or oil – 2 tbsp
Salt – to taste
Water – 3 cups
Cashews and raisins (optional) – for garnish
Instructions:
Preparation:
Wash and soak the rice for about 30 minutes.
Chop the vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, etc.) and set them aside.
Slice the onions and chop the tomatoes.
Prepare the mint and coriander leaves.
Cooking the Rice:
In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, a bay leaf, a cinnamon stick, and a few cloves.
Add the soaked rice and cook until 70-80% done (don’t overcook it). Drain the rice and set it aside.
Making the Vegetable Mixture:
In a large pan or pressure cooker, heat oil or ghee.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. Sauté for a minute.
Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for another minute.
Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and biryani masala. Cook until the oil starts separating from the masala.
Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Add yogurt, mint, and coriander leaves. Stir well.
Layering:
In a large pot (or use the pressure cooker if making biryani in it), layer the cooked rice on top of the vegetable mixture.
Sprinkle some more mint leaves, coriander leaves, and a little lemon juice on top.
If desired, add cashews and raisins for a rich taste.
Cover the pot with a lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes (or use a dum method where you place a heavy object on the lid to trap the steam).
Serving:
Once done, fluff the biryani gently and serve hot with raita or a side salad.
Enjoy your flavorful Veg Biryani!