Veg Biryani

Ingredients

• 1 cup aged basmati rice
• 1/2 cup sliced onion
• 1 green chili
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 2 Tbsp mint
• 2 Tbsp cilantro
• 1 small tomato
• 3 Tbsp yogurt
• 1/3 cup potato or beans
• 1/3 cup carrot
• 1/3 cup peas
• 1 3/4 cups water
• 1 1/2 to 2 Tbsp oil or ghee
• Salt to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 inch cinnamon
• 3 cloves
• 3 green cardamoms
• 1/2 tsp shahi jeera
• 1 star anise optional
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1/4 tsp turmeric
• 3/4 to 1 tsp garam masala

Prep / Cook Method

1. Heat oil or ghee. Add whole spices and saute until fragrant.
2. Add onion and chili; cook until golden. Add ginger garlic paste and cook off raw smell.
3. Add vegetables; saute 2 minutes. Add tomato, yogurt, mint, cilantro, spice powders, and salt.
4. Spread drained rice over vegetables. Pour in water carefully, level rice, cover, and cook until tender.
5. Rest 10 to 15 minutes, then fluff gently.