Vegan Biryani - Recipe - Spice Zen

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Basmati Rice (500 gms) rinsed and drained
• 5 cups small diced vegetables (potatoes, red capsicum, french beans, carrots, cauliflower)
• 2-3 tomatoes finely chopped or pureed
• 3 tablespoons rice bran oil
• 2 tablespoon Spice Zen Biryani spice blend
• 1 large onion finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ginger grated or paste
• 1 teaspoon garlic grated or paste (optional a pinch Asafoetida)
• 1/4 cup water
• 4-5 strands of Saffron crushed and dissolved in ¼ cup hot water
• ½ teaspoon Spice Zen Garam Masala (optional, for additional heat)
• 1.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon roughly chopped coriander and lemon wedges to garnish
• Raisins and cashew nuts to garnish (optional)
• 1 cup diced and lightly fried cottage cheese – paneer (optional for vegetarians)