**Description:**
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of India with this mouthwatering Vegetable Biryani recipe. This classic Indian dish combines fragrant basmati rice with an array of colorful vegetables and a blend of aromatic spices, resulting in a dish that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, this recipe will take your taste buds on a culinary journey to the heart of India.
**Ingredients:**
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup cooking oil or ghee
- 1/4 cup fried onions (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts (for garnish, optional)
**Spices:**
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4-6 green cardamom pods
- 4-6 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat the cooking oil or ghee in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
4. Stir in the cumin seeds and chopped tomatoes. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and the oil starts to separate.
5. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes.
6. In a bowl, whisk the plain yogurt with red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Add this mixture to the pot and cook for a few minutes until the oil starts to separate again.
7. Layer the soaked and drained rice over the vegetable mixture in the pot.
8. Sprinkle garam masala, chopped mint leaves, and half of the chopped cilantro over the rice.
9. Pour water over the rice until it's about an inch above the rice level. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the biryani cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
10. Once cooked, gently fluff the biryani with a fork, mixing the vegetables and rice together.
11. Garnish the biryani with fried onions, chopped cilantro, chopped mint leaves, and cashew nuts (if using).
12. Serve the Vegetable Biryani hot with raita, pickle, or yogurt on the side.
**More Description:**
Indulge in the aromatic flavors of India with our Vegetable Biryani recipe. This classic dish combines fragrant basmati rice, colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices. Whether you're a vegetarian or not, this recipe will tantalize your taste buds. Learn how to make Vegetable Biryani step by step and discover the secrets of achieving perfect texture and taste. Find cooking tips and techniques to make this biryani your own. Elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and friends with this visually appealing and delicious Indian dish.
.png)
