Vegetable Biryani

Experience the wonder of the microwave - perfectly cooked rice with each grain separated in this aromatic layered combine of rice, spices and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients : For Rice

• 1 cup rice
• 1 tsp ghee/oil
• 2 pcs. cardamon (elaichi)
• 2 pcs. cinnamon (dalchini)
• Cloves (laung)
• Peppercorns (kali mirch)
• 2 bay leaves (tejpatta)
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 cup milk and saffron a little

For Vegetable layer

• 1 tbsp ghee/oil
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 3 large tomatoes (chopped)
• 6-7 garlik flakes
• 2-3 green chillies (chopped)
• 1/2 cup green peas
• 1/4 cup carrots
• 1/2 cup cauliflower 
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (jeera)
• 1/2 cup water
• salt, black pepper and red chilli powder (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp turmeric powder (haldi)
• 1/2 tsp garam masala powder

Method:

1. Wash and soak rice in 2 cups of water for half an hour. Drain the water.
2. Microwave ghee/oil in a microwave safe bowl for 30 secs. at 100% power.
3. Add cardamon, cinnamon, peppercorn, salt, rice and 2 cups of water. Boil for 9-10 mins. at 100% power and then at 60% power for 5-6 mins.
4. Add 1/2 cup milk and saffron to the rice. Allow to stand covered for 5 mins.
5. In another microwave safe bowl microwave ghee at 100% power for 30 secs.
6. Add chopped onion, tomatoes and garlic. Microwave for 2 mins. at 100% power.
7. Add rest of the spices, chopped vegetables and 1/2 cup water and microwave covered for 5-6 mins. at 100% power. Allow to stand for 5 mins.
8. In a serving dish place one layer of boil rice and microwaved vegetables one by one. Microwave (covered) for 4 mins. at 100% power. Allow to stand for 5 mins.
9. Serve hot with dal or raita.