Vegetable Biryani with Raita

Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish packed with seasonal vegetables and aromatic spices, making it a perfect nutritious meal. Paired with a cooling raita, this dish is a delightful harmony of taste and texture.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, bell pepper) - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Tomato - 1 medium, chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch, minced
• Green chili - 1, slit
• Biryani masala - 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon stick - 1 inch
• Cloves - 2
• Cardamom pods - 2
• Oil or ghee - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - to taste
• Water - 400 ml
• Plain yogurt - 100 grams
• Cucumber - 1/2, grated
• Mint leaves - a handful, chopped
• Coriander leaves - a handful, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are golden brown. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and slit green chili; sauté for 2 more minutes.
4. Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften. Add the mixed vegetables, biryani masala, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the soaked and drained basmati rice and gently mix it with the vegetables. Pour in 400 ml of water and bring to a boil.
6. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and water is absorbed.
7. While the biryani is cooking, prepare the raita. In a bowl, mix the yogurt, grated cucumber, chopped mint, chopped coriander, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
8. Once the biryani is done, fluff it gently with a fork. Serve hot with the raita on the side.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

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

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