VEG. BIRYANI !!!!

INGREDIENTS:-

oil - 5-6 tbl sp + 1/4 cup divided
onions, finely chopped - 1 cup
golden raisins - 2 tbl sp
sliced almonds - 2 tbl sp
wet masala paste
basmathi rice - 2 1/2cups
cloves - 4
green cardamom pods - 2
cinnamon stick - 2-3 (1 inch)
green bell pepper, cored & sliced - 1
cubed potatoes - 1/2 cup
green peas - 1/2 cup
cubed carrots - 12 cup
salt to taste
water - 5 cups (about)

WET MASALA PASTE;-

 finely chopped fresh garlic - 1tsp
finely chopped fresh ginger - 2 tsp
finely chopped onions - 1/2 cup
garam masala - 1 tsp
red chilly powder - 1 tsp
cumin powder - 1tsp
coriander powder - 1tsp
freshly grated coconut - 1/2 cup
water

Combine all ingredients in a blender into fine paste. Add water if needed.

METHOD:-

1. Make garnish:- In medium skillet, heat 5-6 tbl sp oil.
2. Saute onions till deep brown.
3. Add raisins & almonds & saute until almonds are lightly brown.. set aside.
4. Make WET MASALA PASTE. & set it aside.
5. Wash rice, drain water & let sit 10 mins aside.
6. Heat remaining 1/4 cup oil in heavy pot.
7. Add cloves, cardamom pods  cinnamon stics. Saute 30-40 secs.
8. Add reserved onion mixture, add reserved wet masala paste& saute for a few mins on medium high until oil starts to separate (about 5-7 mins).
9. Add bell pepper, potatoes, carrots & peas & saute for a few more mins.
10. Add reserved rice & salt & mix well and saute for a few more mins.
11. Transfer mixture into a m/w safe serving container.
12. Add 5 cups water. Microwave covered 35 mins or until done.& rice has absorbed all the water .
13. Stri after about 15 mins. Add half of the garnish & mix it in.
14. Cover the container & m/w another 10 mins to blend flavours.
15. When done, remove from cooking container & set on individual plates. Top each serving with remaining garnish. ( actually i added all onion mixture to the biryani).
16. Serve with mint chutney or raitha.

HAPPY COOKING :)))))))