Shahi Biryani

Shahi Biryani

Ingredients :

Basmati Rice - 2 cups

Bay Leaf - 1

Cinnamon stick - 1" piece

Cloves - 2

Mixed Vegetables- 4-5 cups (Potato,Carrot,Green beans, Green peas,Cauliflower,Broccoli etc. chopped )

Onion - 1 large thinly sliced

Yogurt - 1/2 cup

Whisked,Saffron - a pinch mixed in 3 tbsp of warm milk

Salt - to taste

For the Masala :

Cloves - 5
Cinnamon Sticks - 3 
Peppercorns - 6
Cardamom pods - 2 
Coriander seeds - 2tbsp
Dry red chillies - 4
Ginger - 2" piece
Garlic - 3 cloves
Cumin seeds - 2 tsp
Onion - 1 medium

Method :

Cook basmati rice along with bay leaf, cloves and cinnamon stick either in a pressure cooker or directly in water on the stove. Make sure that the grains are separate. Set aside. Boil or microwave the veggies until tender.Grind all the ingredients listed under Masala into a smooth paste. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan, add the thinly sliced onions and cook until lightly browned and caramelized, about 15 - 20 minutes.Set aside. Add 2 tbsp ghee or oil (or a combination of both ) in a pan ; add the ground masala and cook until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid sticking to the pan.Add the boiled veggies, yogurt and salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes, Set aside.In a deep,heavy bottomed pan assemble the biryani ...First add fried onions,followed by the veggie mixture,then rice, followed by veggie mixture, fried onions,rice and the remaining onions.Drizzle saffron milk all over the top. Cover with lid tightly and cook on medium - low flame for 10 - 15 minutes. Serve hot with a curry or raita.