Delicious Vegetable Biryani Recipe: A Flavorful Delight

Introduction: 

Vegetable Biryani is a beloved Indian dish that combines aromatic basmati rice, a medley of vegetables, and a blend of spices to create a flavorful one-pot meal. This vegetarian version of the classic biryani is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Follow this easy recipe to create a mouthwatering Vegetable Biryani that will impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients:

2 cups basmati rice

2 onions, thinly sliced

1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower)

1 cup plain yogurt

2 tomatoes, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

2 green chilies, slit lengthwise

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

1 cinnamon stick

4 cardamom pods

4 cloves

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Salt, to taste

3 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil

Instructions:

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.

In a large pan or Dutch oven, heat the ghee or vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until the spices become fragrant.

Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook until they turn golden brown.

Stir in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chilies. Sauté for another couple of minutes until the raw aroma disappears.

Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and cook until they become soft and pulpy.

Once the tomatoes are cooked, add the mixed vegetables to the pan. Mix well and cook for 3-4 minutes.

In a small bowl, whisk the plain yogurt until smooth. Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt to the yogurt. Mix well.

Pour the yogurt mixture into the pan and stir until all the vegetables are coated with the spices.

Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pan. Gently mix everything together, making sure the rice is evenly distributed.

Carefully pour enough water into the pan to cover the rice and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.

Fluff the Vegetable Biryani with a fork and garnish with chopped coriander leaves before serving.

Serve hot with raita (yogurt sauce) or your favorite chutney.

Enjoy your delicious Vegetable Biryani, packed with the flavors of aromatic spices and wholesome vegetables!