Vegetable Biryani Recipes

Vegetable Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish made with basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and a blend of spices. It is a popular vegetarian option in Indian cuisine and is often served as a main course. Here is a recipe for Vegetable Biryani:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ready Time: 1 hour

Ingredients:

For Rice:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste

For Vegetable Curry:

• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower, etc.), chopped
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

For Layering:

• Saffron strands, soaked in 2 tablespoons of warm milk
• Fried onions (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions:

1. Rinse the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and salt. Cook the rice until it is 70-80% cooked, about 5-7 minutes. The rice grains should still have a slight bite to them. Drain the rice and set it aside.
3. Heat ghee or oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and green chilies. Sauté until the onions turn golden brown.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
5. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and cook for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Pour this mixture into the pan with the vegetables and mix well. Cook for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.
7. Layer the partially cooked rice over the vegetable curry in the pan. Drizzle the saffron-infused milk over the rice. If desired, sprinkle fried onions and fresh cilantro leaves on top.
8. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook completely.
9. Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. This will allow the biryani to steam and become fragrant.
10. Gently fluff the rice with a fork, mixing the vegetables and rice together.
11. Serve the Vegetable Biryani hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. It can be enjoyed on its own or with raita (yogurt-based side dish) or a salad.

Note: You can customize the vegetable selection based on your preference. Add spices and seasonings according to your taste.

This recipe serves approximately 4 servings. Adjust the quantity of ingredients based on your requirements. Enjoy the aromatic and delicious Vegetable Biryani!