Vegetable Biryani

 

Hello, friends today we will make Vegetable Biryani ….

 

The word "biryani" in English refers to a spiced mixed rice dish that is typically layered with meat, fish, or vegetables and cooked with aromatic spices. It originates from South Asia and is known for its rich flavors, fragrant aroma, and the unique method of slow cooking (dum). The word "biryani" itself is derived from the Persian word "birian", which means "fried before cooking" or "roasted."

 

So, in simple terms, biryani is a flavorful, layered rice dish made with spices and either meat, seafood, or vegetables.

 So let’s get start to make our delicious recipe of Vegetable Biryani!!!

Ingredients:

 For Rice:

- 2 cups basmati rice

- 4 cups water

- 1 bay leaf

- 3-4 cloves

- 2 green cardamoms

- 1 small cinnamon stick

- 1 tsp salt

 

For Vegetables:

- 2 tbsp oil or ghee

- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, cauliflower), chopped

- 1 large onion, thinly sliced

- 1 large tomato, chopped

- 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)

- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste

- 1 tsp red chili powder

- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder

- 1 tsp garam masala

- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds

- Salt to taste

- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves

- 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves

 

For Layering and Garnish:

- 1/4 cup fried onions

- A pinch of saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)

- 2 tbsp melted ghee or butter

- 1 tbsp cashews and raisins (optional)

  Step-by-Step Instructions

 

Step 1: Cook the Rice

 1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes.

2. Boil 4 cups of water in a large pot. Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamoms, cinnamon stick, and 1 tsp salt.

3. Add the soaked rice and cook until it is 90% cooked (grains should be firm and not fully soft). Drain the water and set the rice aside.

 

 

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

 

4. Heat 2 tbsp oil or ghee in a large pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.

5. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

6. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell goes away.

7. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft.

8. Add red chili powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.

9. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

10. Add yogurt, coriander leaves, and mint leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender and coated in the spices.

 

Step 3: Layer the Biryani

 

11. In a large pot or oven-safe dish, add a layer of cooked rice at the bottom.

12. Add a layer of the cooked vegetable mixture over the rice.

13. Repeat the layering process, ending with a layer of rice on top.

14. Drizzle the saffron milk, melted ghee, and sprinkle fried onions, cashews, and raisins on top.

 

Step 4: Dum Cooking

15. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal it with aluminum foil.

16. Cook on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend (you can also bake in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F for 20 minutes).

 

Step 5: Serve

 17. Gently mix the layers before serving, ensuring the rice and vegetables remain intact.

18. Serve hot with raita, pickle, or papad.

 

Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Veg Biryani!!

But today we will see only Vegetable Biryani if all of you want me to post meat, seafood, Biryani please let me know in comments; I will post that recipe also.