Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Heat Ghee and Oil

   Place a large pot or pan on the stove. Add 1.5 tablespoons of ghee and 3-4 tablespoons of cooking oil and heat it over medium flame.

2. 2.Add Whole Spices

   Once the oil is hot, add 1 bay leaf, 1 star anise, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 2-3 cloves, and 2-3 cardamom pods. Sauté for a few seconds until they release their aroma.

3. 3.Sauté Onions

   Add 3 large thinly sliced onions to the pot. Sauté them, stirring continuously, until they turn a nice golden brown color.

4. 4.Add Ginger-Garlic Paste and Green Chilies

   Add 3 tablespoons of ginger-garlic paste and 5 slit green chilies. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of the ginger-garlic paste disappears.

5. 5.Add Tomatoes

   Add 2 medium finely chopped tomatoes to the mixture. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and blend well with the other ingredients, which should take about 3-4 minutes.

6. 6.Add Mint Leaves

   Add 1 handful of fresh mint leaves. Sauté briefly for about 1 minute, just until they wilt slightly.

7. 7.Add Vegetables and Yogurt

   Add 1 cup of chopped green beans and 1 cup of chopped carrots to the pot. Follow with 3 tablespoons of thick yogurt. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are lightly cooked.

8. 8.Add Spice Powders

   Reduce the flame to low. Add 1 tablespoon of red chili powder and 0.5 tablespoon of garam masala. Mix everything well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell of the spices is gone.

9. 9.Add Water and Salt

   Pour in 4.5 cups of water (for 3 cups of basmati rice) and add salt to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

10. 10.Boil Water

    Cover the pot with a lid and bring the water to a rolling boil. This process will take approximately 5-7 minutes.

11. 11.Add Soaked Rice

    Once the water is boiling vigorously, add 3 cups of basmati rice (which has been soaked for 10 minutes). Stir gently to distribute the rice evenly in the pot.

12. 12.Add Lemon Juice and Coriander

    Add 0.5 tablespoon of lemon juice and 0.5 handful of chopped fresh coriander leaves. Stir gently to incorporate them.

13. 13.Cook the Biryani

    Cover the pot again with the lid. Cook on a medium flame for 10 minutes. During this time, gently stir the rice once or twice to ensure even cooking and prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

14. 14.Serve

    After 10 minutes, the rice should be cooked, fluffy, and all the water absorbed. The flavorful vegetable biryani is now ready to be served hot.