Vegetable Biryani

Ingredients

Basmati rice

2 cups

Water

4 cups

Salt

to taste

Ghee

3 tablespoons

Cumin seeds

1 teaspoon

Bay leaf

1

Cinnamon stick

1 inch

Cloves

3-4

Cardamom pods

3-4

Red chili powder

1 teaspoon

Turmeric powder

1/2 teaspoon

Biryani masala powder

1 tablespoon

Yogurt

1/2 cup

Green chili

1, slit

Ginger

1 inch, grated

Tomato

1, chopped

Onion

1 large, sliced

Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, cauliflower, etc.)

2 cups, chopped

Fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup, chopped

Fresh cilantro

1/4 cup, chopped

Raisins

1/4 cup

Cashews

1/4 cup

Instructions

1. Wash the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large pot, heat ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the grated ginger and slit green chili, sautéing for an additional minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften, approximately 3-4 minutes.
6. Mix in the chopped mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
7. Sprinkle in the biryani masala powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
8. Gently fold in the soaked and drained basmati rice, ensuring it is coated with the spice mixture.
9. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
10. In a separate small pan, heat a tablespoon of ghee and add the cashews and raisins. Fry until the cashews turn golden brown and the raisins plump up, about 2-3 minutes.
11. Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
12. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with fried cashews, raisins, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves.
13. Serve hot alongside raita or a salad for a complete meal.