Vegetable biryani

Ingredients:

– 2 cups basmati rice,
– Assorted vegetables (such as carrots, peas, potato, cauliflower, bell peppers), chopped – about 3 cups
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 3-4 tomatoes, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1-inch ginger, grated
– 2-3 green chilies, slit lengthwise (adjust to your spice preference)
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 teaspoon garam masala
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon biryani masala (optional)
– A handful of chopped cilantro (coriander) leaves
– A few mint leaves
– 3 tablespoons cooking oil
– Salt to taste
– Soak saffron strands in 10ml of warm milk, but feel free to skip this step if you prefer.
Instructions:

1. Heat some oil in a big, sturdy pot. or pressure cooker. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

2. Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate.

4. Add all the spice powders – garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, biryani masala (if using), and salt. Mix well and cook for a few minutes.

5. Add assorted vegetables and mix until they are coated with the spice mixture. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they are slightly tender.

6. Stir in the yogurt and let it cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Meanwhile, in another pot, boil water and cook the soaked and drained basmati rice until it’s about 70-80% done. Drain the rice and keep it aside.

8. Layer the partially cooked rice over the vegetable mixture in the pot. Sprinkle chopped cilantro and mint leaves on top.

9. If using saffron, drizzle the saffron-infused milk over the rice.

10. Place a tight-fitting lid on the pot, then let it simmer over low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the rice is thoroughly cooked.

11. Once done, gently mix the rice and vegetable layers together.

12. Serve the aromatic vegetable biryani hot with raita (yogurt-based side dish) or any preferred accompaniments.

Enjoy your vegetable biryani!