Vegetable pulav/biryani

You can call this however u want ... biryani or pulav. Generally they say there is a difference in making biriyani and pulav. My recipe is close to pulav where rice , masala and veggies are cooked together, but I call this as biryani.

This is my entry to 'JFI Rice', started by Indira of Mahanandi and hosted by 'Sharmi of Neiveidyam'.

Basmati rice is a very special type of aromatic rice known world over for their extra long grains, and pleasant and distinct aroma. Traditional Basmati rice is not only in great demand in the domestic markets, but is also seen in the menu of connoisseurs worldwide creating a staggering billion-dollar export market.

Read abt the food facts of Basmati rice here

Ingredients

Basmati rice-2 cups
onions- 1 medium cut into long strips
green chillies- 6 cut into slits
Tomato- 1 medium chopped finely
ginger garlic paste- 1 1/2 tsp
coriander + mint - a few chopped finely
Turmeric powder- 1/4 tsp
chilli powder- 1/2 tsp or acc to taste
Garam masala powder-1/2 tsp
salt to taste
Lemon juice- 1/2 tsp
coconut milk- 3/4 cup if fresh(if using canned milk,take 1/2 cup of milk and mix 1/4 cup water)
mixed vegetables(Beans,carrot,peas,potatoes,cauliflower)- each 1/2 cup chopped
oil+ ghee- 3 tbsp
For seasoning
Bay leaves- 2
cinnamon- 1 piece
cloves- 4
Cardomom- 2
Saunf- 1/2 tsp
Star Anise- 1

Method

Soak rice in water for 15 mins ,drain it well and microwave it with a tsp of oil for 2 mins. keep aside .
Heat oil+ghee in a pressure cooker and when hot add the seasonings . Add onions and green chillies and fry for few minutes till the onions become transparent. Now add ginger garlic paste and fry till the raw smell disappears and add tomato and fry for sometime.
Then add the washed and chopped vegetables, turmeric powder and salt. Fry for some time and add chilli powder, garam masala powder and coriander+ mint. Saute for a minute and add the coconut milk+3 cups of water(I add slightly less water than the 1:2 ratio.)
When the water boils add the rice and lemon juice. mix well, check for salt and close with a lid. Simmer for 5 minutes after the 1st whistle.
Serve hot with Raita.