Looking for a flavorful and aromatic dish for your next family dinner or get-together? Look no further than this delicious Veg Biryani with Mint Raita recipe. Biryani is a popular Indian dish known for its fragrant basmati rice combined with a variety of vegetables and aromatic spices. The addition of mint raita, a refreshing yogurt-based side dish, perfectly complements the bold flavors of the biryani. This recipe is sure to impress your guests and have them coming back for seconds!
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups basmati rice
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 carrot, diced
– 1 cup green beans, chopped
– 1 cup green peas
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup plain yogurt
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tomatoes, chopped
– 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 4-5 cloves
– 4-5 green cardamom pods
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Stir in the chopped vegetables – carrots, green beans, green peas, and red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes are softened.
6. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Gently mix everything together to ensure the rice is coated with the spices.
7. Pour 4 cups of water into the pot and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and all the water is absorbed.
8. While the biryani is cooking, prepare the mint raita. In a bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, chopped mint leaves, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
9. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
10. Serve the Veg Biryani hot with a side of mint raita. Enjoy the burst of flavors and aromatic spices in every bite!
This Veg Biryani with Mint Raita recipe is perfect for both special occasions and simple gatherings. The blend of colorful vegetables, fragrant spices, and refreshing mint raita creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will surely delight your taste buds. Give this recipe a try and let it become a staple in your Indian-inspired cooking repertoire. Happy cooking!
