Its been a long time since I had a post in this space. Hoping addition of a little one to the family is a good enough excuse for the long absence! Its been a roller coaster ride this whole time with 2 kids. I am hoping I could post at much frequent intervals now, provided my laziness would give in :-)
I was thinking as to what my first post should be after this break. Given that getting things done much quicker is a bigger priority for me now, I look for extra quick dishes. This One-pot Vegetable Biryani is one of that kind - flavorful, yummy and quick at the same time. This can be eaten on its own and does not need a side dish, which is an added bonus! Also a good lunch box option for kids.
Print / Save this RecipeServes around 5-7 people
| Oil | - 2 tbsp |
| Cardamom | - 5 |
| Cinnamon | - 2 - 1" pieces |
| Cloves | - 5 |
| Onion | - 0.5 lbs (1/2 of an onion - thinly sliced) |
| Ginger Garlic Paste | - 2 tbsp |
| Tomato | - 0.3 lbs (1 tomato chopped) |
| Turmeric Powder | - 1/2 tsp |
| Chilly Powder | - 5 tsp |
| Coriander Powder | - 4 tsp |
| Garam Masala | - 1/2 tsp |
| Mixed Veggies | - 2.25 cup (12oz.) |
| Paneer | - 0.5 lbs (small cube sized pieces) |
| Water | - 5 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | - 1/2 tsp |
| Ghee | - 2.5 tbsp |
| Basmati Rice | - 2.5 cups |
| Salt | - to taste |
| Cashews | - handful |
| Raisins | - handful |
- Wash and soak the rice as the first step.
- Heat oil in a pan and add Cardamom, Cinnamon and Cloves when the oil is hot and saute for a few seconds.
- Add onions and saute until they start to turn brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes and ginger garlic paste and saute until the tomatoes are mushy.
- Add the turmeric powder, chilly powder, coriander powder and garam masala to the onion and saute until the raw smell is gone.
- Add the mixed vegetables and saute well with the masala.
- Add 1 1/2 cup of water and salt and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are half done.
- Add the cubed paneer to the gravy and give it a stir.
- Add remaining water and lemon juice and let the water boil. Adjust the salt to taste.
- Drain the rice and add it to the boiling water.
- Add the 1 1/2 tbsp of ghee after adding the rice and mix well without breaking the paneer.
- Check in between and mix a little to make sure that the rice is not sticking to the bottom.
- Once the water is almost gone, turn off the stove and close the pan with a tight lid. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
- Open the lid and just stir it to make sure that the rice is cooked and the grains are not sticking together.
- Fry the cashews and raisins until plump in remaining ghee and add that to the rice for garnish.
It is a complete dish on its own. For an elaborate non-vegetarian meal or for serving to guests, add in dry chicken dish or beef dish which will complete the menu.