Baked Vegetable Biryani

Baked Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant and hearty one-pot dish that combines aromatic basmati rice with colorful vegetables and rich spices, all baked to perfection. This vegan variation is not only delicious but also a wholesome meal, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, bell peppers) - 1.5 cups
• Onion - 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Biryani masala - 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Coconut milk - 1/2 cup
• Vegetable broth - 1.5 cups
• Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Mint leaves - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Oil (coconut or vegetable) - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
3. In a large oven-safe pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add minced garlic, grated ginger, and slit green chili, cooking for another minute.
5. Stir in chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.
6. Add the mixed vegetables, biryani masala, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender.
7. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, mixing gently with the vegetables. Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, and bring it to a boil.
8. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
9. Remove from heat, add chopped cilantro, mint leaves, and lemon juice. Mix gently.
10. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven, let it sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork and serve hot.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins and minerals from a variety of vegetables.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.

Tags