| Preparation time | 10 min |
| Cooking Time | 30 min |
| Ready In | 40 min |
| Level of Difficulty | Easy |
| Servings | 8 |
Ingredients
2 cups white basmati rice2 tablespoons olive oil (or sub ghee or coconut oil)1 large onion, thinly sliced1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced1 cup diced carrot ( or use match sticks)4 garlic cloves, rough chopped2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated or use ginger paste1 tablespoon cumin ( or whole seeds)1 tablespoon coriander (or whole seeds, cracked open)1 teaspoon chili powder1 teaspoon cinnamon (or one cinnamon stick)1/2 teaspoon cardamom (or 3 crushed cardamom pods)1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric2 bay leaves1 star anise pod (optional)4 cups veggie stock ( or chicken stock)3/4 teaspoon salt, more to taste1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed1/2 cup raisinsGarnish: 1/4 cup cashews and chopped parsley or cilantroServe with cilantro mint chutney.
Directions
- Soak rice in a bowl of hot water while you prep ingredients.
- In a large skillet, or shallow Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté, stirring often, until tender and golden, 5 minutes. Turn heat to medium, add the veggies, garlic and ginger, and saute 4-5 minutes. Remove one cup of the mixture and set aside.
- Add spices and bay leaf, and stir one minute, toasting the spices. Drain the rice and add it along with veggie stock and salt.
- Top with chickpeas, raisins and the cup of veggies you set aside. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then lower heat to low. Cover the pot with a thin dish towel, then place the lid over the top of the towel, and bring the four corners of the towel up and over the lid. This will tighten the seal and keep the steam in, allowing the rice to cook more quickly and evenly.
- Simmer on low 20-30 minutes or until the rice has soaked up the liquid.
- While it is simmering make the cilantro mint chutney.
- Uncover the Vegetarian Biryani and fluff up with a fork. Top with the toasted cashew and cilantro. Serve with optional Chutney.