Veg biryani is a popular and aromatic rice dish, known for its vibrant colors and rich flavors. This hearty and wholesome meal combines fragrant basmati rice with a variety of vegetables and spices, making it a nutritious choice for any occasion. Here’s a simple recipe to create this delightful dish at home:

Ingredients:

For the Rice:

• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste

For the Veggies and Masala:

• 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes), chopped
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon biryani masala (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin-coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• Fresh coriander leaves and mint leaves for garnish

For Garnish:

• 1/4 cup fried onions
• A few saffron strands (optional, soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk)

Instructions:

Preparing the Rice:

1. Cook Spices: In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add the bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt.

2. Add Rice: Rinse the basmati rice and add it to the boiling water. Cook until the rice is 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.

Preparing the Veggies and Masala:

1. Sauté Onions: Heat oil or ghee in a large pan. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.

2. Add Ginger-Garlic Paste: Stir in the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.

3. Cook Veggies: Add the chopped vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook until they soften.

4. Add Spices: Mix in the biryani masala, turmeric powder, cumin-coriander powder, and red chili powder. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well blended.

5. Incorporate Yogurt: Stir in the yogurt and cook for another 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the vegetables are tender.

Layering and Cooking:

1. Layer the Biryani: In a large pot, layer half of the partially cooked rice, followed by the vegetable mixture. Add the remaining rice on top.

2. Add Garnish: Drizzle saffron milk (if using) over the top, and sprinkle fried onions, fresh coriander leaves, and mint leaves.

3. Dum Cooking: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to fully cook.

4. Serve: Gently fluff the biryani and serve hot with raita or your favorite side.

Conclusion

Veg biryani is a delicious and versatile dish that can be a part of a balanced diet. However, if you are focusing on weight management or specific dietary goals, it's important to ensure that such indulgent meals align with your overall health plan. Before incorporating new recipes into your diet, especially those with rich ingredients, it’s beneficial to consult with a dietician. For a personalized healthy diet plan for weight loss, consider reaching out to Dietician Natasha Mohan. Her expert guidance can help you enjoy flavorful meals while staying on track with your health and weight management objectives.