VEGETABLE BIRIYANI

VEGETABLE BIRIYANI-by- Shruthi

Ingredients:
Basmati Rice - 3 cups(soaked for about half an hour)
Oil - 2 tbps
Ghee - 2 tbps
Vegetables- (peas,cauliflower florets, carrots, beans, potatoes,or any of your choice chopped into even 1" long pieces)
Onions- 2 medium (thinly sliced)
Chopped Corriander- 2 cups
Green chillies- 5-6 (or as per taste)
Mint leaves-1/2 cup (optional)
Thick curd-1 cup
Tomato Ketchup - 2 tsps
Red chilli powder- 1 tsp
Ginger paste- 2 tsps
Garlic paste- 2 tsps
Coconut milk of 1 cup fresh grated coconut( extract the milk twice)
Whole spices - cloves(4),cinnamon(1 1/2 " piece),bay leaves (4),cardomom(5)Saffron- 5 thin strands(optional)
Fried cashewnuts(optional)
Salt (as per taste)

Procedure:
Make a paste of corriander,green chilles and mint.Heat the oil and ghee in a pressure cooker.Add the whole spices.Add chopped onions.When onions turn slightly brown,add the ginger paste and garlic paste. Saute well.Add the veg.Stir for 5 min.Add the paste of corriander,green chilles and mint.Stir for 2-3 min.Add the coconut milk and water(the quantity of the coconut milk and water should be 4 and half cups for 3 cups of basmati rice).Add ketchup and curd.Add red chilli powder and salt.Mix well.Reduce the flame to medium.When the mixture starts boiling add the soaked rice.Pressure cook until 2 whistles.Add saffron strands and fried cashew nuts before serving ***************************************************