Gluten-Free Vegetable Biryani

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3 cups Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
• 1 large Onion
• 2 tbsp Ginger-garlic paste
• 2 number Green chilies
• 2 tbsp Biryani masala
• 0.25 cup Mint leaves
• 0.25 cup Cilantro leaves
• 3 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter) or oil
• 0.25 tsp Saffron strands
• 1 tsp Salt

Instructions

1. 1Measure 2 cups of Basmati rice into a bowl. Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear, then cover the rice with water and let it soak for 30 minutes.
2. 2Place a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add 3 tablespoons of ghee or oil. Once the ghee/oil is hot, add the large Onion, sliced, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the onions are golden brown and slightly crispy.
3. 3Add the 2 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste and 2 green chilies, finely chopped. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
4. 4Add the 3 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces) and 2 tablespoons of biryani masala to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.
5. 5Drain the soaked 2 cups of Basmati rice and add it to the pot with the vegetables. Add 1 teaspoon of salt and 4 cups of water. Stir everything together gently.
6. 6Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the water has been absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
7. 7Remove the pot from the heat. Let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Then, gently fluff the rice using a fork. Sprinkle the saffron strands (infused in 2 tablespoons of warm water beforehand, if desired) over the rice. Add the 0.25 cup of mint leaves and 0.25 cup of cilantro leaves.
8. 8Cover the pot again and let the biryani rest for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to become perfectly fluffy before serving.

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