Even on the way to the airport I start thinking about them - the wonderful biriyanis (Indian rice stews) that await me in Hyderabad. Hyderabad is not only the location of one of our three sewing workshops and our Indian office, but is also known for its diverse and incredibly delicious biriyanis. Hardly any restaurant does not offer this dish and many have dedicated themselves entirely to it. In recent years I have tried out numerous restaurants, but so far no biriyani dish has been able to compete with the recipe of our employee and seamstress Fouzia.
Last January I was finally able to get it from her and now I am very happy, of course with her consent (and of course pride), to be able to share it with you:

Preparation of the vegetables:

1. Set the peas, oil and onions aside and mix the rest of the ingredients
2. Heat the oil in a deep pan (e.g. a wok) and fry the onions
3. Once the onions are golden brown, remove them from the oil
4. Pour the oil into a separate bowl and set aside
5. Add half of the fried onions and the marinated vegetables to the pan and add 3 tablespoons of the reserved oil. Fry everything for about 5 minutes on medium heat, remove the pan from the heat and add the peas

Preparation of the rice:

1. Pour the water into a pot and add 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil, the cardamom, the cinnamon, the green chilies and the salt. Let everything boil briefly
2. Drain the water from the spices and chilli and add the rice. Cook the rice until just ¾ cooked (about 7 minutes), drain it, but make sure not to lose any water. Now set the water aside.
3. Mix the cooked rice with the previously prepared vegetables and the other half of the fried onions. Add a cup of the rice water, 3 tablespoons of oil and the mint leaves. Heat it for a minute on high with the lid closed and then let it simmer on low for 12-15 minutes
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the contents rest for another 10 minutes with the lid closed

To serve:

1. In the meantime, mix the set yoghurt with a little salt and pepper and add some chopped mint to taste
2. Serve your biriyani with the yoghurt, close your eyes and imagine yourself sitting in the middle of the cheerful hubbub of our team in Hyderabad having lunch =)!

Bon appetit!