Introduction:
Indulge in the regal flavors of Vegetarian Maharaja Biryani, a dish that promises to elevate your dining experience to a royal feast. This aromatic and flavorful biryani is a vegetarian delight, showcasing a harmonious blend of spices, fragrant basmati rice, and an assortment of vegetables. Follow this step-by-step recipe to recreate the magic of Maharaja Biryani in your own kitchen.
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Ingredients:
Basmati Rice - 2 cups
Mixed Vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes) - 1 cup
Paneer (cottage cheese) - 1 cup, cubed
Ghee (clarified butter) - 3 tablespoons
Onion - 2, thinly sliced
Tomatoes - 2, finely chopped
Ginger-Garlic Paste - 1 tablespoon
Biryani Masala - 2 tablespoons
Red Chili Powder - 1 teaspoon
Turmeric Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
Saffron Strands - a pinch, soaked in warm milk
Cashews - 10-12, fried
Raisins - 2 tablespoons, fried
Fresh Coriander - a handful, chopped
Fresh Mint Leaves - a handful, chopped
Salt - to taste
Water - 4 cups
For the Biryani Masala:
Cumin Seeds - 1 teaspoon
Coriander Seeds - 1 teaspoon
Green Cardamom - 3 pods
Black Cardamom - 2 pods
Cloves - 4-5
Cinnamon Stick - 1-inch piece
Bay Leaves - 2
Nutmeg - a pinch
Mace - a pinch
Instructions:
Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Drain the water and set aside.
In a pan, dry roast the ingredients for the biryani masala until they release their aroma. Grind them to a fine powder and set aside.
In a large pot, heat ghee and sauté the thinly sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions for later use.
Add ginger-garlic paste to the remaining onions and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
Add the mixed vegetables and paneer cubes. Cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are partially cooked.
Mix in the biryani masala powder, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook the masala until the vegetables are well-coated and aromatic.
In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice along with salt. Cook the rice until it's 70% done.
Layer the partially cooked rice over the vegetable masala in the large pot.
Sprinkle saffron-soaked milk, fried cashews, raisins, chopped coriander, and mint leaves over the rice.
Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and aromatic.
Garnish the biryani with the reserved fried onions before serving.
Conclusion:
The Maharaja Biryani is a celebration of rich Indian flavors, combining tradition and innovation on a single plate. Invite your friends and family to savor this royal feast, and you'll find yourself transported to the grandeur of a bygone era with every delectable bite. Prepare to be crowned the culinary monarch of your home with this majestic dish that truly lives up to its regal name.
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