Vegetable Biryani

Hello Friends, I am back here with yet one more Recipe Vegetable Biryani, the name itself tells us that it’s something rich of vegetables and exotic, aromatic and traditional.Biryani was introduced in Indian via Mughal cuisine. The word Biryani is derived from the Persian word beryā (n) which means "fried" or "roasted".  It was long time I thought of trying it out. Even though there are many variations in preparing this recipe. I know this method and found easy. One more thing I would like discuss with you all here is most of my recipes may not have garlic as my hubby Raj doesn't like it. You can add the garlic to get the best flavour. Hope you all will try this way and let me know through comments how you got it .Here goes the Recipe:

Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice – 4 cups
• Potatoes - 3
• Carrots – 3
• Bell Peppers - 5
• Onions- 2 medium sized
• Green Chillies -5
• Ginger -2 inch piece
• Turmeric Powder -1/2 tsp
• Red Chilli Powder - 1tsp
• Mint (Pudina leaves) – a handful
• Coriander Leaves - a handful
• Cashew nuts – 5
• Ghee /Clarified Butter - 2tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Garam Masala (Elachi, Cloves, Cinnamon, Bay Leaf) Pwd – 1 tsp
• Biryani Masala – 2tsp

Method:

• Wash and soak the basmati rice for half an hour. Drain the water. Put the rice, some more water and add half the whole garam masala and salt in a pan.
• Bring the rice to a boil and cook until the rice is done. Drain and keep aside.
• Dice the peeled potatoes and carrots and wash them. Slice the onions and green chillies.
• Cut the Bell peppers length wise.
• Peel ginger and chop finely. Chop the coriander and mint leaves.
• Heat ghee; add the remaining garam masala and sauté over medium   heat until it begins to crackle.
• Add onions until golden brown. Then add green chillies, ginger, bell peppers and stir for a minute.
• Add turmeric and chilli powder, sauté for half a minute adds the chopped vegetables and stir for a minute.
• Add 2/3 cup water, and bring to a boil, then simmer until the vegetables are cooked.
• Add the dry fruits and nuts when the vegetables are done.
• Then spread the rice and mix the cooked vegetables to it and cover with a lid and let it cook for 8 -10 mts and once again mix well and sprinkle the mint and coriander leaves on top of it.
• Add Biryani Masala powder to it and combine well with the rice.
• Serve the Vegetable Biryani hot with Raita /Yogurt Salad