Delicious Vegetable Biryani Recipe
Introduction:
Vegetable biryani is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together fragrant rice, vegetables, and aromatic spices. This simple veg biryani recipe is perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick and delicious vegetarian meal. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a scrumptious biryani that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a delightful veg biryani!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Ingredients:
– 2 cups basmati rice
– 4 cups water
– 2 tablespoons ghee or vegetable oil
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower, etc.), diced
– 1 medium tomato, chopped
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, along with a pinch of salt. Cook the rice until it is 70% done. The grains should still be firm. Drain the rice and set it aside.
3. Heat ghee or vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies to the pan. Sauté for a minute until the raw aroma fades.
5. Toss in the mixed vegetables and chopped tomato. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
6. Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, and salt over the vegetables. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Add the partially cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables. Gently mix everything together, taking care not to break the rice grains. Ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout the rice.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the biryani cook for 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to blend, and the rice will finish cooking.
9. Once the biryani is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes. This resting period will allow the flavors to develop further.
10. Garnish the biryani with freshly chopped cilantro leaves.
11. Serve the vegetable biryani hot with raita or a side salad.
Tips:
– You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or mushrooms based on your preference.
– For added richness, you can sprinkle fried onions (birista) on top of the biryani before serving.
– Adjust the spice levels according to your taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of red chili powder and green chilies.
Enjoy your delicious and simple homemade vegetable biryani!