Vegetable Biryani

Instructions:

1. Rinse the Amara Basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in enough water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large, heavy-bottomed pan or a biryani pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and crisp. Remove half of the fried onions and set them aside for garnish.
3. In the same pot with the remaining fried onions, add the minced ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for a couple of minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the biryani spice mix (cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric, and red chili powder). Stir well to combine with the onions and spices. Cook for a minute or two.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn soft and the oil begins to separate from the masala.
6. Add the diced carrots, green beans, peas, bell pepper (if using), cauliflower, and paneer (if using). Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they start to soften.
7. Lower the heat and gently fold in the yogurt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Add the soaked and drained Amara Basmati rice to the pot. Stir gently to combine with the vegetable mixture.
9. Carefully pour in 2 cups of water and season with salt. Bring to a boil.
10. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. You can also place a heavy skillet on top of the lid (dum cooking) to seal in the flavors.
11. While the biryani is cooking, sprinkle the saffron milk over the top and cover with a lid to let the saffron infuse into the rice.
12. Once the rice is done, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to firm up.
13. Before serving, fluff the biryani gently with a fork, garnish with fresh mint leaves, coriander leaves, and the reserved fried onions. You can also add roasted cashew nuts and raisins for extra richness and texture.
14. Serve your homemade Amara Basmati Vegetable Biryani hot with raita (yogurt dip) or a side salad.

Enjoy your fragrant and flavorful Vegetable Biryani made with Amara Basmati rice!