Vegetarian dum biryani is a flavorful vegetarian version of the traditional biryani, where fragrant basmati rice and assorted vegetables are cooked together with aromatic spices. Here's a recipe to make Vegetarian dum biryani:

Ingredients:

For Marination:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, beans, cauliflower, peas), chopped
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon biryani masala powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• Salt to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

For Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice, washed and soaked for 30 minutes
• 4 cups water
• 4-5 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 2-inch cinnamon stick
• Salt to taste

For Biryani:

• 3 onions, thinly sliced
• 3 tomatoes, chopped
• 2-3 green chilies, slit
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh coriander leaves (cilantro)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup ghee or oil
• 2 tablespoons ghee or oil for frying onions
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• A pinch of saffron strands (optional)
• 2 tablespoons warm milk (if using saffron)
• Fried onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the vegetables: In a large bowl, mix together chopped vegetables, yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, biryani masala powder, garam masala powder, salt, and lemon juice. Let the vegetables marinate for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the rice: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add soaked and drained rice along with whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon) and salt. Cook until the rice is 70-80% done. Drain the rice and set aside.
3. Heat ghee or oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan or pot. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions and set aside for garnish.
4. In the same pan, add chopped tomatoes, green chilies, coriander leaves, and mint leaves. Cook until the tomatoes are soft and oil starts to separate.
5. Add marinated vegetables to the pan and cook on medium heat until the vegetables are almost cooked through. Remove from heat.
6. Assemble the biryani: In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread a layer of cooked rice evenly. Top it with a layer of cooked vegetable masala. Repeat the layers until all the rice and vegetables are used up, ending with a layer of rice on top. Sprinkle the reserved fried onions on top.
7. If using saffron, dissolve it in warm milk and drizzle it over the rice layers.
8. Cover the pot tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Place it on a very low flame or tawa (griddle) and let it cook for 15-20 minutes on dum (slow cooking) until the rice is fully cooked and flavors are well infused.
9. Once done, gently fluff up the biryani with a fork, mixing the layers lightly. Serve hot with raita (yogurt dip) or salad.

Enjoy your flavorful Vegetarian dum biryani! Adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Here are a few videos for your inspiration:

Veg Dum Biryani | Quick and Easy Homemade Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani Recipe in Telugu @Vismai Food

వెజ్ దమ్ బిర్యానీ | Veg Dum Biryani Recipe in Telugu | Hyderabadi Vegetable Dum Biryani

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