Serves: 4

Prep time: 15 min

Cook time: 35–40 min

Total time: 50–55 min

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Ingredients

Rice

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 3–4 green cardamom pods
• 3 cloves
• 1 small cinnamon stick

Veggies

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans, potatoes)
• 1 cup cauliflower florets (optional)
• 1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup mint leaves, chopped (optional but recommended)

Spices

• 2 tbsp biryani masala (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste (or minced ginger + garlic)
• 1–2 green chilies, sliced (optional)
• Salt, to taste

Other

• 3 tbsp oil (or vegan butter)
• 1/4 cup cashews (optional)
• 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 cup vegan yogurt (optional, for creaminess)

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Instructions

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1. Rinse & Soak Rice

1. Rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.
2. Soak rice in water for 20 minutes.
3. Drain and set aside.

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2. Cook Rice

1. In a pot, boil 4 cups water with salt, bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon.
2. Add rice and cook 6–7 minutes until 70% cooked (rice should still be firm).
3. Drain and set aside.

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3. Sauté Veggies

1. Heat oil in a large pot.
2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
3. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook 1 minute.
5. Add tomatoes and cook until soft.

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4. Add Veggies & Spices

1. Add mixed vegetables and cauliflower.
2. Add turmeric + biryani masala + salt.
3. Stir well and cook for 5–7 minutes until veggies are tender.
4. Add cashews and raisins (if using).
5. Add lemon juice and mix.

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5. Layer the Biryani

1. Reduce heat to low.
2. Add half of the cooked rice over the veggies.
3. Sprinkle half of the cilantro + mint.
4. Add the remaining rice and top with remaining herbs.
5. Drizzle vegan yogurt (if using) on top.

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6. Dum Cooking (Final Step)

1. Cover the pot with a tight lid (or seal with foil).
2. Cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes (this lets flavors blend).
3. Turn off heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.

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7. Serve

Gently fluff the biryani with a fork.
Serve with:

• vegan raita
• salad
• pickles