One-Pot Vegetable Biryani - Wholesome Comfort Food

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati Rice, (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 4 cups Water, as required
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 2 Green Cardamoms
• 2 Cloves
• 1 inch Cinnamon Stick
• 2 tbsp Ghee or Oil, (For the Vegetable Gravy)
• 1 tsp Cumin Seeds
• 1 large Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp Ginger-Garlic Paste
• 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup (diced) Carrot
• ½ cup (chopped) Beans
• ½ cup Green Peas, (fresh or frozen)
• 1 medium Potato, (diced, about ½ cup)
• 1 cup Cauliflower, (small florets)
• ½ cup (whisked) Yogurt
• 2–3, slit Green Chillies
• 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
• ½ tsp Turmeric Powder
• 1 ½ tsp Biryani Masala or Garam Masala
• ½ cup, chopped Fresh Coriander Leaves
• ½ cup, chopped Fresh Mint Leaves
• a few strands Saffron, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)
• ¼ cup Fried Onions, (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp Ghee, (to drizzle while layering)