VEG BIRYANI RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Boil the kettle. Get out a large microwaveable bowl and pile in the rice, veg and raisins.
• Pour 600ml/1 pint boiling water over the rice mixture and crumble in the stock cube, then stir in the curry paste. Cover the bowl with cling film, leaving a small gap at the side to let out the steam. Cook on full power (850 watts) for 12 minutes – if your microwave is less powerful, add 2 minutes.
• Remove from the microwave and stand, still covered, for 5 minutes to complete the cooking – if you don’t let it stand the rice will be too nutty. Fluff up the rice, scatter with cashews and serve.

Steps:

• Put the rice into a large saucepan with the water, saffron, cinnamon and salt. Place on a high heat and boil for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to stop the rice sticking to the base. Drain through a sieve and set aside.

  To make the sauce, put the same saucepan back on the hob and turn the heat up to high. Add the butter, then, as soon as the butter is hot, add the garlic and let it brown for about 4–5 minutes. Add the onions and salt and cook until the onions are soft – this can take 15 minutes.

  Squeeze in the juice of the half lemon, then cut the lemon rind into thin slices and add to the pan.

  Add the chillies, turmeric and five-spice, and stir for 5 minutes to cook the spices. Take off the heat and add the parsley and prawns. Stir well, so the prawns are coated. The prawns don’t need cooking in the sauce – they will steam and cook in the biryani (otherwise they run the risk of becoming dry and rubbery).

  Take a large pan, something you would be happy to serve up in, and pour the oil into the base. Swirl it around so some of the oil goes up the sides.

  Pop in half the rice and spread it evenly across the bottom of the pan. Put all the prawn mixture on top of the rice.

  Put the rest of the rice on top of the prawns. Put the lid on firmly and place on a high heat for 5 minutes, then turn the heat down completely.

  Leave to cook for 20 minutes, then serve.