Ingredients
- 300g (1 1/2 cups) basmati rice
- 500ml (2 cups) water
- 200g (7 oz) mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans), diced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 100g (1/2 cup) plain yogurt
- 5g (1 tsp) ginger paste
- 5g (1 tsp) garlic paste
- 5g (1 tsp) red chili powder
- 5g (1 tsp) turmeric powder
- 10g (2 tsp) garam masala
- 10g (2 tsp) cumin seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 5g (1 tsp) saffron strands
- 60ml (1/4 cup) warm milk
- 3 tbsp (45ml) ghee
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
- Fried onions for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preparation and Marinade
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, ginger paste, garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and half of the garam masala. Add the mixed vegetables and let them marinate for about 15 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the Rice
In a large pot, bring 500ml (2 cups) of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 7-8 minutes or until the rice is 70% cooked. Drain the rice using a colander and set aside.
Step 3: Sautéing the Aromatics
In the same pot, melt 3 tbsp of ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and bay leaves, and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Keep half of the onions aside for garnishing.
Step 4: Layering the Biryani
Spread the marinated vegetables over the sautéed onions in the pot. Layer the parboiled rice on top of the vegetables. Gently mix saffron strands in warm milk. Drizzle this mixture over the rice layer. Sprinkle remaining garam masala on top.
Step 5: Steaming
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Reduce heat to low, and let the biryani steam for about 25-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to cook fully without burning the bottom.
Step 6: Garnishing and Serving
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the Biryani sit for 5 minutes. Uncover the pot, garnish with the reserved fried onions and fresh coriander leaves. Carefully fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Conclusion
Congratulations on creating a delightful bowl of Vegetable Biryani! This recipe not only fills the kitchen with tantalizing aromas but also offers a hearty and wholesome meal enjoyed by many around the world. Relish every spoonful and savor the symphony of spices and textures. The joy of culinary exploration is in encoding your personal touch in such traditional recipes and sharing it with loved ones.
