Vegan Tofu Biryani

Ingredients  (Serves – 4)

• Basmati Rice – 2 Cups.
• Firm Tofu – 300 Gms, Cubed.
• Thick Coconut Yogurt – 1/2 Cup.                                      
• Onion – 2 Large, Thinly Sliced.
• Tomato – 2 Medium, Chopped.
• Green Chillies – 2, Slit.
• Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 Tbsp.
• Mint Leaves – 1/4 Cup.
• Fresh Coriander Leaves – 1/4 Cup, Chopped.
• Turmeric Powder – 1/4 Tsp.
• Red Chilli Powder – 1 Tsp.
• Coriander Powder – 1 Tsp.
• Garam Masala Powder – 1 Tsp.
• Biryani Masala – 1 Tbsp.
• Lemon Juice – 1 Tbsp.
• Whole Cloves – 4.
• Green Cardamoms – 3.
• Cinnamon Stick – 1 Inch.
• Bay Leaf – 1.
• Cumin Seeds – 1 Tsp.
• Oil – 3 Tbsp.
• Salt – To Taste.
• Water – 4 Cups.
• Saffron Strands – A Few.
• Warm Almond Milk – 2 Tbsp.

Method

• Wash And Soak The Basmati Rice For 20 Minutes, Then Drain Completely.
• Marinate The Tofu With Coconut Yogurt, Turmeric Powder, Red Chilli Powder, Coriander Powder, Garam Masala Powder, Lemon Juice, And Salt For 20 Minutes.
• Heat Oil In A Heavy-Bottomed Pan And Fry The Sliced Onions Until Golden Brown.
• Remove Half Of The Fried Onions And Set Aside For Garnishing.
• In The Same Pan, Add Cloves, Green Cardamoms, Cinnamon Stick, Bay Leaf, And Cumin Seeds.
• Add Ginger Garlic Paste And Green Chillies, Then Sauté Until Aromatic.
• Add Chopped Tomatoes And Cook Until Soft And Mushy.
• Mix In The Marinated Tofu And Cook Gently For 5–7 Minutes.
• Add Mint Leaves, Fresh Coriander Leaves, And Biryani Masala, Then Stir Well.
• Add The Soaked Rice And Mix Carefully Without Breaking The Rice Grains.
• Pour In Water And Adjust Salt According To Taste.
• Cook Covered On Medium Heat Until The Rice Is Almost Done And The Water Is Mostly Absorbed.
• Sprinkle Fried Onions, Saffron Almond Milk, And A Little Oil Over The Rice.
• Cover Tightly And Cook On Low Heat For 10 Minutes For Dum Cooking.
• Allow The Biryani To Rest For 5 Minutes Before Gently Fluffing The Rice.
• Serve Hot With Vegan Raita Or Salan.

Prep Time – 25 mins.                  Cook Time – 35 mins.                      Total Time – 60 mins.