K - special Veg Biryani :)

Rice is one of my favorite food , coz of its adaptability and highly adjustable nature , it can be eaten with almost everything n without anything too . There are more than 40,000 varieties of rice that grow on every continent except on Antarctica . So here is an authentic flavorful dish which would definitely spark your tastebuds :) .

 INGREDIENTS : 


* Basmati Rice   - 1 1/2 cups
* Onion                - 2 
* Tomatoes         - 2 
* Vegetables       - 1 cup (carrot, peas , beans , ) Slightly boiled
* Green chilly     -  2 
* Ginger               - 1 tsp 
* Garlic                 - 4 to 5 big cloves 
* Red chilly powder   - 1 1/2tsp 
* Turmeric            - 1 tsp
* Coriander powder - 1tsp
* Cinnamon               - 1 " 
* Cardamom             - 1
* Poppy seed            -  1/2 tbsp
* Cloves                     - 2
* Bay leaf                   - 2
* Cashew halfs           - 1 tbsp 
* Fresh mint leaves   - 3 - 4
* Saffron                      - 1/2 tsp
* Lemon juice              - 3 to 4 drops
* Oil                               - 2 tbsp
* salt to taste


Procedure :       
In a blender add onions , ginger , garlic , poppy seeds , cinnamon stick , red chilly , green chilies , coriander powder , cloves ,turmeric, cardamom  and a pinch of salt . add little water if required and blend into a smooth paste.       
In a pan add oil , add bay leaf and and add the above paste , saute until golden brown and the raw smell disappears. To this add the copped tomato and cook until soft . Now add the vegetables , saute for a minute and then add cooked rice .Mix well and add salt  . Now add the  saffron ( keep in little warm milk n then add) . Finish by adding mint and coriander leaves .Serve hot with raita.


TIP : Boil  rice in an open vessel  with good quantity of water so that they don't stick . Do not overcook them , add some lemon juice to avoid sticking ! enjoy :)