For: Nitra Biryani Rice
Classic Vegetable Dum Biryani
- Vegetarian
- Indian
- ⏱ 50 min
- Serves 4
The all-purpose, crowd-pleasing vegetable biryani — layered rice and spiced vegetables, sealed and slow-cooked for maximum aroma.
Method
- 1
Marinate
Whisk the yoghurt with garam masala, chilli powder, ginger-garlic paste and salt. Toss in the vegetables and marinate at least 20 minutes.
- 2
Par-boil the rice
Soak the rice 20 minutes, then boil in salted water with whole spices for 6–7 minutes until about 70% cooked. Drain well.
- 3
Cook the masala
Heat the ghee and cook the marinated vegetables over medium heat 10–12 minutes until nearly tender.
- 4
Layer the pot
Alternate layers of vegetable masala and rice in a heavy pot, finishing with rice. Top with fried onions, herbs and saffron milk.
- 5
Dum-cook
Seal tightly and cook on the lowest heat for 20–25 minutes.
- 6
Rest and fold
Rest off the heat, covered, for 10 minutes, then gently fold the layers together before serving.
A layer of fried onions between every level of rice and masala is what gives restaurant-style biryani its signature depth — don’t skimp on it.