Veg Dum Biryani

Biryani Lovers will love this lip smacking Veg Dum Biryani. I use the most aromatic Ingredients from TRS like whole & ground spices and basmati rice.
INGREDIENTS;
Rice: 700 g
Lemon slices: 2
Green chillies: 3
Cumin Seeds: 1 tsp
Cloves: 8
Star anise: 2
Food colour: 1 tsp
Kewra water: 1 tbsp

Biryani Masala:
Bay Leaves: 3
Coriander Seeds: 2 tbsp
Cumin seeds: 1 tbsp
Shahi Zeera : 1 tbsp
Cloves: 1 tbsp
Black peppercorns: 1 tbsp
Green cardamoms: 2 tbsp
Black cardamom: 3
Star anise: 7-8
Fennel seeds: 1 tbsp
Nutmeg: 2
Mace: 2
Cinnamon stick: 5 inches
Dried red chillies: 4-5

Marination:
Yogurt: 1 cup
Ginger garlic paste: 2 tbsp
Green chillies paste: 1 tbsp
Salt: to taste
Chilli powder: 1 tbsp
Kashmiri chilli powder: 1 tbsp
Turmeric: 1/2 tbsp
Coriander powder: 1 tbsp
Cumin powder: 1 tbsp
Biryani Masala: 2 tbsp
Coriander & mint: 1/4 cup chopped
Vegetables:700 g (cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, peas)
Fried onions: 1/2 cup
Oil: 1/4 cup

Veg Dum Biryani;

1- Start by soaking the Rice. Rinse throughly in cold water gently to remove all starch. Soak in clean water for 30 minutes.
2- Make Biryani Masala; in a wok add all whole spices and toast on very low flame for 5-6 minutes until aromatic. Remove from the heat and cool completely. Add in spice grinder and grind finely.
3- Marinate the veggies; In a bowl combine, yogurt, ginger garlic and green chillies paste, salt, chilli powder, turmeric, Kashmiri chilli powder, ground cumin and coriander, garam masala, add vegetables , chopped mint & coriander, fried onions and oil from fried onions. Mix well and leave to marinate for 30 minutes.
4- In a thick bottomed deep vessel spread in a layer of prepared biryani gravy. Let it cook for 4-5 minutes on high heat.
5- In a big pot bring water to boil add all ingredients, and soaked rice. Boil until 80% done.
6- Place slices tomatoes and chopped mint & coriander. Spread the layer of boiled rice. Drizzle yellow food colouring. Place Dum for 25-30 minutes.
7- turn off the heat and rest for 10 minutes. Open the lid . Serve with raita and salad.