Craving a flavorful and aromatic vegetarian biryani but intimidated by traditional methods? Forget the oven and tandoor – this Parda Veg Biryani recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste and texture with surprising simplicity. We'll guide you through creating a layered masterpiece, bursting with the vibrant colors and rich spices of perfectly cooked vegetables and fragrant basmati rice. This method uses a clever steaming technique, ensuring each grain is fluffy and infused with the delicious blend of spices.
Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this recipe is designed for ease and delicious results. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a stunning biryani that's surprisingly easy to make. Ready to embark on this culinary adventure? Let's dive into the step-by-step process and create this incredible Parda Veg Biryani together!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- Pan
- Rolling pin
- Trowel
- Brush
Ingredients
- Basmati rice
- Water
- Cardamom: 2
- Cloves: 2-3
- Cinnamon: 1-2 pieces
- Bay leaves: 1-2
- Black peppercorns: 16
- Cumin seeds
- Ghee: 1 tbsp
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp
- Salt
- Flour: 2 cups
- Oil: 1 tbsp
- Curd: 1-4 cups
- Onion
- Ginger-garlic paste: 1 tbsp
- Green chilies: 4-5
- Ginger: 5-6 pieces
- Turmeric powder: 1 tsp
- Kashmiri red chili powder: 1 tbsp
- Tomatoes
- Cauliflower: 1/2 cup
- Carrots: 1/2 cup
- French beans: 1/4 cup
- Paneer: 1/2 cup
- Peas
- Corn
- Cabbage
- Mint leaves: 2-4
- Biryani masala: 2 tsp
- Garam masala: 1/2 tsp
- Saffron
- Nigella seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Rice and Vegetable Gravy
- Boil water with cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, peppercorns, and cumin seeds. Add ghee, lemon juice, and salt.
- Soak basmati rice for 30 minutes, then add to boiling water. Cook until 90% done (5-7 minutes). Drain thoroughly.
- Heat oil, add spices (cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, bay leaf, cumin seeds). Add onions and cook until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, ginger, turmeric powder, and Kashmiri red chili powder. Cook until slightly brown.
- Add chopped tomatoes (or tomato puree), and cook until oil separates.
- Add vegetables (cauliflower, carrots, French beans, paneer, peas, corn, cabbage, mint leaves). Cook for 3-4 minutes.
- Add curd, biryani masala, garam masala, and green chilies. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
Step 2. Make the Parda (Paratha)
- Mix flour, oil, salt, and curd. Add water to form a soft dough. Let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Roll out the dough into long, thin parathas. Lightly grease a pan with ghee and nigella seeds. Place the paratha in the pan.
Step 3. Layer and Cook the Biryani
- Start with fried onions and mint leaves. Add a layer of rice, followed by the vegetable gravy. Repeat layers of rice, gravy, fried onions, and mint leaves.
- Sprinkle saffron water and biryani masala between layers. Top with remaining rice, fried onions, and mint leaves. Drizzle with ghee.
- Seal the biryani with the paratha. Bake on medium flame for 5-6 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-6 minutes.
Step 4. Serve
- Carefully cut and serve.
Read more: Basbousa Recipe: Middle Eastern Semolina Coconut Cake
Tips
- Use plain curd to avoid sourness in the biryani.
- Soaking the rice helps in achieving fluffy biryani.
- Don't overcook the rice.
- Using Kashmiri red chili powder gives a nice color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600-800
- Fat: 20-30g
- Carbs: 100-130g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of rice?
While basmati rice is traditional and recommended for its long grains and fragrance, you can experiment with other long-grain rice varieties. However, cooking times may need adjusting.
2. What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Feel free to substitute or omit spices based on your availability. The core flavors will still shine through, even with a slightly altered spice blend. Adjust to your taste preference!
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the vegetable mixture and rice separately ahead of time. Assemble and steam just before serving to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
This Parda Veg Biryani recipe proves that creating an impressive and flavorful biryani doesn't require specialized equipment or hours of cooking. Enjoy the delightful aroma and satisfying taste of this vegetarian masterpiece, perfect for any occasion. Now go forth and create your own unforgettable Parda Veg Biryani!