2 cupsBasmati Rice, (soaked for 30 minutes)
4 cupsWater, as required
1 tspSalt
1Bay Leaf
2Green Cardamoms
2Cloves
1 inchCinnamon Stick
2 tbspGhee or Oil, (For the Vegetable Gravy)
1 tspCumin Seeds
1 largeOnion, thinly sliced
1 tspGinger-Garlic Paste
2 mediumTomatoes, chopped
½ cup (diced)Carrot
½ cup (chopped)Beans
½ cupGreen Peas, (fresh or frozen)
1 mediumPotato, (diced, about ½ cup)
1 cupCauliflower, (small florets)
½ cup (whisked)Yogurt
2–3, slitGreen Chillies
1 tspRed Chilli Powder
½ tspTurmeric Powder
1 ½ tspBiryani Masala or Garam Masala
to tasteSalt
½ cup, choppedFresh Coriander Leaves
½ cup, choppedFresh Mint Leaves
a few strandsSaffron, soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)
¼ cupFried Onions, (for garnish)
1 tbspGhee, (to drizzle while layering)