Here are the basic ingredient lists for vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryanis, as well as some common vegetable curries: Vegetarian Biryani Ingredients: Basmati rice Mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, potatoes, beans) Onion Tomato Ginger-garlic paste Green chili Yogurt Ghee or oil Spices (cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves) Fresh coriander leaves Mint leaves Saffron strands (optional) Fried onions (optional) Cashews and raisins (optional) Non-Vegetarian Biryani Ingredients: Basmati rice Chicken or mutton pieces Onion Tomato Ginger-garlic paste Green chili Yogurt Ghee or oil Spices (cumin seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves) Fresh coriander leaves Mint leaves Saffron strands (optional) Fried onions (optional) Cashews and raisins (optional) Common Vegetable Curry Ingredients: Tomato Onion Garlic Ginger Green chili Vegetable of choice (such as brinjal/eggplant for brinjal curry) Tamarind paste (for sambar) Lentils (for sambar) Curry leaves Mustard seeds Turmeric powder Red chili powder Coriander powder Cumin powder Salt Oil
Here's a basic method for preparing both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian biryanis, as well as a common method for making vegetable curries:
Vegetarian Biryani Method:
Wash and soak the basmati rice for about 30 minutes.
Heat ghee or oil in a pan and sauté sliced onions until golden brown. Remove half of the fried onions and set aside for garnish.
Add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, and chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
Add mixed vegetables, yogurt, and spices. Cook for a few minutes.
In a separate pot, boil water and cook the soaked rice until it's 70% done. Drain the water and keep aside.
Layer the vegetable mixture and rice alternately in a heavy-bottomed pot. Sprinkle saffron strands, fried onions, chopped mint leaves, and coriander leaves between the layers.
Cover the pot tightly and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and aromatic. Serve hot.
Non-Vegetarian Biryani Method:
Follow the same steps as above until you add mixed vegetables.
Instead of vegetables, add chicken or mutton pieces to the pan along with yogurt and spices. Cook until the meat is partially cooked.
Continue with the layering process as mentioned above, alternating between the meat mixture and partially cooked rice.
Cook covered on low heat until the meat is fully cooked and the rice is tender. Serve hot.
Common Vegetable Curry Method (e.g., Tomato Papu, Sambar, Brinjal Curry):
Heat oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. Once they splutter, add chopped onions, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until onions are translucent.
Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they turn mushy.
Add the vegetable of choice (e.g., brinjal for brinjal curry) and cook until partially tender.
Add tamarind paste (for sambar), lentils (for sambar), and water. Cook until the vegetables are fully cooked and the curry reaches desired consistency.
Add salt, turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder according to taste.
Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve hot with rice or bread.