Vegetable Biryani

Ingredients:

2 cups Basmati rice

Assorted vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)

2 onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup yogurt

Biryani spices (cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, bay leaves)

Ghee or oil

Method:

Rinse the Basmati rice in cold water and then soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain it.

Take a microwave-safe casserole dish with a lid. Add a few tablespoons of ghee or oil to the dish and spread the sliced onions, assorted vegetables, and biryani spices in the dish, cook it in your Voltas Beko microwave for 5-6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until they turn golden brown.

Add the drained Basmati rice to the dish. Sauté the rice with the vegetables and spices for 2-3 minutes in the microwave.

Stir in the yogurt and mix well. Add water (the ratio is typically 1.5 cups of water for every cup of rice).

Season with salt according to your taste. Microwave the covered dish for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Cooking times may vary, so check after 15 minutes.

Once the rice is done, let it sit for a few minutes. Garnish with fried onions and fresh herbs, such as cilantro and mint. (IANS)