How to cook veg-biryani

 Here's a basic recipe for cooking vegetable biryani:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower, etc.)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 green chili, slit lengthwise (optional)
• 2 tablespoons biryani masala
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• A handful of fresh coriander leaves
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) or vegetable oil
• Whole spices (2 cinnamon sticks, 4-5 cloves, 2-3 green cardamom pods, 1 bay leaf)                
    
  
  
• Salt to taste
• Saffron strands (optional)
• Warm milk (for soaking saffron strands)

Instructions:

1. Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat ghee or oil in a large pot or pressure cooker. Add the whole spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaf) and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
4. Add the ginger-garlic paste and green chili, and sauté for another minute.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
6. Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes.
7. Add the biryani masala and salt. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
8. In a separate bowl, whisk the yogurt until smooth. Add it to the pot and mix well.
9. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice to the pot, spreading it evenly over the vegetables.
10. Add enough water (about 3 cups) to cover the rice and vegetables. Bring it to a boil.
11. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the flavors are infused.
12. While the biryani is cooking, you can soak a few strands of saffron in warm milk and keep it aside.
13. Once the biryani is cooked, remove it from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
14. Gently fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, and the soaked saffron milk (if desired).
15. Serve hot with raita (yogurt-based side dish) or any other accompaniments of your choice.

Note: You can customize the vegetables and spices according to your preference. Biryani is a versatile dish, and you can experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste.

Enjoy your homemade vegetable biryani!