Fauzia’s Hyderabadi Veggie-Biriyani

Already on the way to the airport, I begin to think of them – the glorious Biriyanis (Indian rice dishes) awaiting me in Hyderabad. Because Hyderabad is not only the location of one of our 3 sewing workshops and our Indian office, but 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. Over the past few years, I have tested numerous restaurants, but so far, no Biryani dish could compete with the recipe of our employee and seamstress Fouzia.

Last January, I finally managed to wrest it from her, and I am now very excited to share it with you, of course with her consent (and pride):

Preparation time: 50 min, Servings: 6

Preparation of Vegetables:

1. Set aside the peas, oil, and onions, and mix the rest of the ingredients
2. Heat the oil in a deep pan (e.g., a wok) and sauté 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. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes over medium heat, remove the pan from the heat, and add the peas

Preparation of Rice:

1. Pour the water into a pot and add 1 tablespoon of the reserved oil, the cardamom, cinnamon, green chilis, and salt. Let it boil briefly
2. Remove the water from the spices and chili and add the rice. Cook the rice only ¾ (about 7 minutes), drain it, but make sure no water is lost. Set the water aside.
3. Mix the cooked rice with the previously prepared vegetables and the other half of the fried onions. Add one cup of the rice water, 3 tablespoons of oil, and the mint leaves. Heat it for a minute on the highest setting with the lid closed, then simmer on low heat for 12-15 minutes
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let the contents rest for another 10 minutes with the lid closed

Serve:

1. In the meantime, mix the thick yogurt with some salt and pepper, and add some chopped mint according to taste
2. Serve your Biryani with the yogurt, close your eyes, and imagine yourself sitting in the cheerful buzz of our team’s lunchtime in Hyderabad =)!

Enjoy your meal!