Method

 

Serves 3-4 people



Step 1

1. Transfer the plain yoghurt into a large bowl.
2. Into this bowl, add the turmeric powder, garam masala powder, chilli powder, bay leaf, cinnamon bark, 2 cloves, 1 cardamom, the mixture of ginger and garlic, and star anise.
3. Mix well with the plain yoghurt.
4. Add the mint leaves, and tomatoes and mixed vegetables.
5. Add salt to taste and mix well.
6. Leave aside to marinate

Step 2

1. On the stove, add a little bit of ghee in a saucepan and wait till this heats up.
2. Add the aromatic ingredients - cloves, cinnamon bark, star anise, cumin seeds, cardamom pods, and bay leaves.
3. Add the cup of raw rice
4. Add a pinch of salt for taste
5. Fry well until the fragrance from the aromatic ingredients gets absorbed by the raw rice. 
6. Transfer into microwave safe container.
7. Add 2 cups of water (for 1 cup of rice – two cups of water ratio)
8. Keep in the microwave oven for 11-12 minutes.
9. Mix the rice.
10. Place back into the microwave oven for another 6 minutes.

Step 3
1. In a wok, and add oil enough for stir frying, and wait until oil heats up.
2. Add onions and fry until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the capsicum and fry.
4. Add the marinated mixture we made in step 1.
5. Fry well until it thickens (simmering point)
6. Take the wok out of the stove.
7. Add the aromatic, fragrant rice little by little into the wok.



Step 4 – Make it extra special

1. Cut 2 slices of bread into cubes.
2. Add a little bit of oil into the wok.
3. Add the cubes of bread, and fry until crunchy.
4. Add the bread croutons on the top of the vegetarian biryani serving.