Learn how to make Vegetable Biryani, a quick and easy to make main course rice recipe by Anushruti only on Rajshri Food!

Biriyani is essentially a preparation of meat and rice and is a gift of the mughals to the cuisine of the world. There are hundreds of variations of this rice preparation. Although the techniques and flavors used in the north Indian (Lucknow) biriyanis and pulao are different from those of the south (Kerala and Hyderabad).

Ingredients: (Serves 6 to 8)

The ingredient list is long but this is a fantastic rice preparation to make for a party. Vegetables in season can be used and soy chunks or paneer cheese can be added for additional flavor.

500 gm (2 1/2 cups) good quality basmati Rice
2 medium sized carrots, cut into 1” pieces
1 medium sized potato, cut into 1 “ pieces
1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
100 gm, 1/2 cup peas
15 to 20 French beans, cut into 1” pieces
1/2 cup paneer cheese or soy chunks prepared by soaking in hot water (optional)
250 ml (1 cup) fresh pudina or mint leaves
125 ml (1/2 cup) fresh thick yogurt (omit for a vegan version and replace with 1/2 cup
water)
750 ml (3 cups) hot water
8 cloves
2 bay leaves
3 green cardamom
3 black cardamom
2 star anise
1” piece cinnamon
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chilli powder
1 tbsp coriander seed powder (dhaniya powder)
1 tsp asafetida
4 tsp salt
8 tbsp ghee or vegetable oil
To be ground into a paste:
1 big tomato, cut into 4 big pieces with juice
250 ml (1 cup) packed fresh coriander leaves
15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh ginger
2 green chillies

Method:
- Wash the rice in a colander under a running stream of water and soak the rice in a pot with enough water to cover the rice for anywhere between 1/2 hour to 1 hour. After an hour drain all the water with the help of a strainer.
- In a food processor or blender, assemble the tomato, coriander, ginger and green chillies and grind to a fine paste. There is no need to add water since the tomato has enough juice in it to get a good c