Vegetable Biryani

Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice, washed and drained 2 cups water 1 cup chopped, mixed vegetables (green beans, carrots, cauliflower florets, peas) 1/2 tsp. cumin seeds 1 onion, thinly sliced 3 bay leaves 1 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves 2 tbsp. oil 2 tbsp. butter or ghee Salt to taste For Masala: 1/2 tsp cumin seeds 1 tbsp. coriander seeds 1 tsp. poppy seeds 3 tbsp. grated coconut 1 small onion cut into pieces 6-8 green chillies, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tsp. ginger, grated 1 tbsp. mint leaves 1 cinnamon stick, broken 3-4 cloves 1 tbsp. chopped coriander leaves Method: Grind all the masala ingredients to a paste with little water. Heat oil in a sauce pan and fry the cumin seeds until lightly browned. Add onions, bay leaves and fry until golden brown. Add washed rice, vegetables and fry for 2 minutes. Stir in the ground paste and fry for 5 minutes. Add salt, butter, water and mix well. Cover and cook till the rice is done. Garnish with coriander leaves. Serve hot with Raita.