Veg. Biryani (indian/pakistani)(middle east)

INFO: This recipe comes from my parents and they muist have learned from theire elders. This recipe is really easy to make and is really delicious (for me anyway). This dish is made on a lot of events like weddings and even smaller occasions like having people over. This recipe is known by the world and is mostly popular in the middle east. I believe it is really easy to make and really fun because you can make it with firends or family. I also believe that is a nice alternative for people that want to eat delicious food and not have meat in it!

Ingredients :

Basmati Rice 1 cup
Onions medium size 1 NO cut lengthwise
Tomatoes Big 1 No cut lengthwise
Carrots 1/4 cup cut into matchsticks
Beans 1/4 cup cut lengthwise
Peas 1/4 cup
Potato Big 1 No cut lengthwise
Ginger-garlic paste 1 tbsp
Pudina(Fresh Mint) 1/2 of small Bunch
Coriander Leaves 1/2 of small Bunch
Yogurt 1/4 cup
salt & chilli powder Acc to taste.
Dhania Powder 1 Tbsp.
lemon Juice 1 Tbsp
Oil 2 Tbsp
Saffron(optional) few strands soaked in warm milk.

Method:
Cook Rice seperately & Cool.
Wash All the veges except Onions & tomatoes.
Marinate the same with Yogurt & ginger-garlic paste
for about an hour.

Heat a fry-pan with Oil , add Onions & fry till translucent.
Add tomatoes, salt & fry till it leaves all the juices.
Add Mint, coriander leaves & cook nicely.

Pour in the marinated mixture,& mix with chili & dhania
Powder.

Cover & cook in low steam till all the veges are tender.
Mix in lemon juice & fry till the moisture is absorbed.
Add Saffron , rice & mix gently .Adjust the seasoning.

Cover & let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

If having an Oven facility Bake the rice in the oven for 30 minutes before serving.

http://www.indianchild.com/Recipes/rice_dishes_recipe/vegetable_biryani_recipe.htm