Vegetable Biryani Fantasia
Vegetable Biryani Fantasia is a culinary masterpiece that reflects the rich tapestry of Indian gastronomy, tracing its Persian roots back to the Mughal emperors. This vegetarian marvel is not just about sustenance but a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas brought together by rice, spices, and vegetables to transport you to another world. Each forkful is a testament to the artist’s skill and the dish’s rich origins.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
30 minutes
Servings
This recipe serves 4.
Ingredients
- Basmati Rice: 2 cups (473 ml)
- Biryani Masala: 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml)
- Fresh Mint: 1 cup (237 ml), chopped
- Carrots: 1 cup (128 g), diced
- Bell Peppers: 1 cup (149 g), diced
- Potatoes: 1 cup (130 g), cubed
- Peas: 1/2 cup (73 g)
- Water: 3.5 cups (828 ml)
- Saffron Milk: 1/4 cup (59 ml) (saffron strands infused in warm milk)
- Kewra Water or Rose Water: 1 tablespoon (15 ml)
- Caramelized Onions: 1/2 cup (115 g)
- Vegetable Oil: 3 tablespoons (44 ml)
- Cumin Seeds: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Cinnamon Stick: 1 small piece
- Cardamom Pods: 4
- Red Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon (5 ml)
- Salt: To taste
Method
- Soak the basmati rice in cold water for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Heat the oil in an Instant Pot on sauté mode. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Sauté until aromatic.
- Add carrots, bell peppers, potatoes, and peas to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the biryani masala and red chili powder.
- Layer the soaked rice over the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the water and saffron milk. Add salt to taste.
- Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Open the lid, add kewra water or rose water, and fluff the rice gently.
- Garnish with caramelized onions and fresh mint before serving.
Vegetable Biryani Fantasia is not only a feast for the eyes but a nourishing and flavorful journey that promises to leave you satisfied. With its rich blend of spices, fluffy rice, and tender vegetables, this dish is a testament to the art of Indian cooking. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a delightful way to enjoy the essence of traditional biryani in a vegetarian form.
Nutritional Information (Approx)
- Calories: 345
- Fat: 10 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 6 g