Tahiri Biryani, also known as Tehri Biryani, is a delicious vegetarian rice dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is popular in regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Here’s a recipe for Tahiri Biryani:

Ingredients:

– 2 cups basmati rice

– 4 cups water

– 2 onions, thinly sliced

– 1 carrot, diced

– 1 potato, diced

– 1/2 cup green peas

– 1/2 cup cauliflower florets

– 1/2 cup beans, chopped

– 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced

– 2 tomatoes, chopped

– 2 green chilies, slit

– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

– 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

– 1 teaspoon red chili powder

– 1 teaspoon garam masala powder

– 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder

– 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder

– A handful of mint leaves, chopped

– A handful of coriander leaves, chopped

– 2 tablespoons ghee or oil

– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for 30 minutes. Then, drain the water and keep the rice aside.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the soaked rice, salt, and cook until it is 70% cooked (still slightly firm). Drain the water and set aside.
3. In a separate pan, heat ghee or oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
4. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
5. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
6. Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
7. Add the diced carrots, potatoes, green peas, cauliflower florets, beans, and bell peppers. Mix well.
8. Stir in turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
9. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the vegetables cook for about 10-12 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
10. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
11. In a large baking dish, layer half of the partially cooked rice at the bottom. Spread a layer of the cooked vegetable masala over the rice.
12. Repeat the layers with the remaining rice and vegetable masala.
13. Sprinkle chopped mint leaves and coriander leaves over the layers.
14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil or a tight-fitting lid to seal in the flavors. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and fluffy.
15. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
16. Serve hot Thahiri Biryani with raita, pickle, or a side of yogurt.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of Tahiri Biryani, a vegetarian rice dish that is packed with aromatic spices and colorful vegetables. It’s a perfect option for a hearty and satisfying meal!