Quick Vegetable Biriyani

Vegetable Pulao or Veg.Biriyani , however it may be called, this is one Indian hot favorite dish you cannot have missed ever. Typing 'vegetable biriyani' in google gives us numerous preparation method and here is my own version; as usual instant & easy.
Veg.Pulav is our helpful friend which you can always rely on when you have a sudden flooding of guests.


Preparation time: 30 mins
Makes 2 servings
Cooking time: 30 mins

Ingredient:

Basmati Rice - 1 cup
Vegetables ( Carrot, Beans, Cauliflower, Potato ) - 2/3 cup, chopped
Green Peas - 1/3 cup
Onion - 1 medium, sliced thinly lengthwise
Green chillies - 2 , slit into 4
Tomato - 1 , chopped
Mint Leaves - 1/2 cup, chopped
Cilantro - 1/2 cup , chopped
Yogurt - 1/2 cup
Ghee - 2 tbs
Cilantro - 1/4 cup, chopped
Salt - to taste

To Temper :

Cloves - 2
Cinnamon stick - 2"
Cardamom - 2 , crushed
Bay Leaves - 1
Fennel Seeds - 1tsp
Ginger-Garlic Paste - 2 tsp
Cashew - 1 tsp
Raisins - 1 tsp


Spices to add :

Turmeric - 1/2 tsp
Chilli Powder - 1.5 tsp
Garam Masala - 1 tsp
Biriyani Masala - 1 tsp (optional)

Procedure:

1. Wash and soak the rice for 30 mins.
2. Meanwhile microwave the chopped veggies & peas for about 4-5 mins.
3. Switch on the rice cooker and add the ghee to be heated. 
4. Add the whole garam masala viz cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, cardamom & fennel seeds. Saute this for a minute. 
5. Add onion and saute till pink. 
6. To this add the ginger-garlic-chilli paste and saute for 2 mins till raw smell goes away.
7. Now Put in chillies, tomatoes, Cilantro & mint leaves , sauteing each for a minute or two. 
8. When the tomato has turned pulpy, add the spices - turmeric, chilli powder, garam masala, biriyani masala.
9. Add the vegetables & peas to this mixture and saute well. Leave it for about 2 minutes. 
10. Now add the beaten yogurt, salt and give it a mix. 
11. Add in the soaked rice ; Pour water in 1:1.5 cups ratio and close the lid. 
12. Let the rice cook in the usual manner. Once done,  fluff it with fork. 
13. You may add the cashew & raisins either in the beginning with the whole garam masala or at the end , tempering them separately in heated ghee and adding to the cooked biriyani. 
14. Garnish with chopped cilantro. 

Steaming hot delicious biriyani is ready to be served with raita or curry of your choice :)