Easy Vegetable Biryani Recipe | Flavorful Veg Dum Biryani at Home

Here’s a simple recipe for a flavorful Vegetable Biryani:

Ingredients:

For Rice:

1.5 cups basmati rice

4 cups water

2-3 green cardamoms

4-5 cloves

1-inch cinnamon stick

1 bay leaf

Salt (to taste)

For Vegetables:

2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, cauliflower)

1 large onion (thinly sliced)

1 large tomato (chopped)

2-3 green chilies (slit)

1/2 cup yogurt (curd)

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic past.

Spices:

1 teaspoon turmeric powder

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon biryani masala

1 teaspoon cumin seeds

2-3 tablespoons oil or ghee

Garnish:

10-12 cashews (optional)

2 tablespoons raisins (optional)

Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)

Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Optional:

Saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk (for aroma and color)

Steps:

1. Cook the Rice:

1. Rinse basmati rice and soak for 30 minutes. Drain.

2. Boil water with whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf) and a pinch of salt.

3. Add the rice and cook until 90% done (grains should be firm). Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare Vegetables:

1. Heat oil or ghee in a deep pan.

2. Add cumin seeds, followed by onions. Sauté until golden brown.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute.

4. Add tomatoes and green chilies. Cook until the tomatoes soften.

5. Add turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and biryani masala.

6. Mix in the vegetables, cook for 3-4 minutes, and then add yogurt. Cook until the vegetables are tender.

3. Layering:

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot or pan, spread a layer of cooked vegetables.

2. Add a layer of cooked rice on top.

3. Repeat the layers and sprinkle saffron milk, coriander, and mint leaves.

4. Cover with a tight-fitting lid (or seal with foil). Cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes (dum cooking).

4. Garnish:

1. In a small pan, fry cashews and raisins in a bit of ghee until golden.

2. Add these as a garnish over the biryani.

5. Serve:

Fluff the biryani gently with a fork and serve hot with raita, papad, or salad.

Enjoy your delicious homemade vegetable biryani!