Vegetable Biryani

We all know, Biryani tastes best with meat but what if you don't eat meat. Well, here's a vegetarian version of Biryani that tastes amazing and is quite easy to cook. So let's start cooking:

INGREDIENTS:

• Red onion, sliced very fine in long thin flakes                 1 Large
• Basmati rice                                                                 2 cups
• Vegetable oil                                                                1 tablespoon
• Garlic cloves (finely crushed)                                         2 large
• Cinnamon stick                                                             1
• Red chilli powder                                                          1/4 Tspoon
• Cardamom                                                                    5-6 
• Cumin                                                                           1 1/2 teaspoons
• Vegetable stock / Water                                                3 Cups
• Cauliflower ( small pieces)                                             1/2 Cup
• Green beans                                                                  1 Cup
• Button mushrooms (cut into quarters)                             1/2 Cup
• Toasted Almonds (cut into flakes)                                  2 Table spoons
• Yoghurt                                                                         1/4 Cup
• Corriander leaves for dressing
• Salt as per taste

RECIPE:

• Heat oil in a large, saucepan over medium heat.
• Cook onion about 2 minutes.
• Now add garlic and cook further for 2-3 minutes or until onion is soft.
• Add the Spices - cinnamon, cardamon, cumin and chilli.
• Cook for about 45-60 seconds i.e until you smell aroma of spices.
• Add rice.
• Fry it slowly for a few minutes and let it absorb the spices.
• Add the veggies - Beans, Mushroom and Cauliflower.
• Add the Stock / Water.
• Bring it to boil.
• Now, reduce the heat to medium low.
• Add Salt.
• Cover the Pan and let it simmer for about 12 minutes or until the water is completely absorbed.
• Remove from heat.
• Leave it covered for about 10-12 minutes or until the rice is tender and soft.
• Remove the Cinnamon stick.
• Dress it up with Fresh Corriander leaves and flaked Almonds.
• Serve with Yoghurt or may be with any curry of your choice.

 Important TIPS:

• Never let the flame get to high while cooking rice as it would make the water evaporate leaving the rice uncooked.
• Keep on checking it while its cooking to make sure, rice are not sticking to bottom.
• If you serve it with curry, don't add almond flakes.

ENJOY !!