Fragrant basmati rice layered with vegetables, herbs and whole spices, finished on gentle dum.
Preparation & cooking time: 60 minutes | Serves: 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice, soaked 25 minutes
- 2 cups mixed vegetables
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup plain yoghurt
- 1 tbsp biryani masala
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- Mint, coriander, saffron milk and ghee
- Salt
Method
- Parboil rice with whole spices and salt until about 70% cooked; drain.
- Cook onion until golden. Add ginger-garlic paste, vegetables, yoghurt, biryani masala and salt; cook until just tender.
- Layer vegetables and rice in a heavy pot. Add mint, coriander, saffron milk and ghee.
- Cover tightly and cook on low for 18–20 minutes. Rest 10 minutes before fluffing.
DHARAA Spice Notes
Biryani masala and whole spices create the layered aroma. Keep heat gentle during dum.
Cooking note: Adjust seasoning to taste. For non-vegetarian dishes, handle raw ingredients safely and cook thoroughly.