Spiced Vegetable Biryani-Style Rice

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice (or long-grain rice)
• 2 cups Mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, bell pepper)
• 1 small Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tsp Ginger(optional)
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 tsp Ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp Ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp Turmeric
• 1 tsp Garam masala (or curry powder)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 tbsp Tomato paste(optional)
• 2 cups Vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice(optional)
• 2 tbsp Fresh cilantro (optional)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (15 minutes): Rinse the rice until the water runs mostly clear. Dice the onion and mince the garlic (and ginger if using). Chop or measure the mixed vegetables.

2. 2

   Cook (30 minutes): Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Sauté onion until softened, about 4 minutes, then stir in garlic (and ginger) for 30 seconds.

3. 3

   Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 30–60 seconds, then mix in tomato paste (if using) and the mixed vegetables.

4. 4

   Add the rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 18–20 minutes.

5. 5

   Rest and finish: Turn off heat and let the pot sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in lemon juice (if using). Top with cilantro (optional) and serve.