Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice and soak for 20 minutes. Drain and keep aside.

Step 2

Add warmed milk in a bowl and soak the saffron in it.Keep aside.

Step 3

Take yogurt(curd) ,ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, biryani masala powder, lemon juice ,salt in a large mixing bowl.Mix well.Vegans can use thick coconut milk instead of yogurt.

Step 4

Now add the chopped vegetables ,mix very well and marinate for at-least 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 5

Press SAUTE mode on Instant Pot. Add ghee or oil in to the POT .Add all the whole spices and saute for 30 seconds.

Step 6

Add in the sliced onions and saute till the onions caramelize or turn light golden brown.

Step 7

Add the marinated vegetables into the pot.Mix everything well and saute for 1 minute.

Step 8

Top with half of the coriander leaves, mint leaves and fried onions. Do not mix.

Step 9

Spread the soaked basmati rice evenly over the veggies.

Step 10

Now again top with leftover coriander leaves, mint leaves and fried onions.Sprinkle saffron milk on top of the rice.Do not mix.

Step 11

Add water gently all around along the sides of the pot. Don’t add water in the center.Make sure rice is just immersed under water.Do not mix the ingredients.Also add 1 tablespoon of ghee over the rice,this is optional.

Step 12

Press "Warm / Cancel" button and then select "MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK" (LOW Pressure) Adjust the time to 6 minutes and set the pressure selection at 'low'.

Step 13

After the pot beeps ,Quick Pressure Release to stop overcooking the rice and the vegetables

Step 14

Lastly ,Open the pot and fluff up the rice.Garnish with some more fried onions and coriander leaves.Also take out the steel insert ,prevents the rice at the bottom from over cooking.Let the biryani rest for another 5 minutes.Serve the Vegetable Biryani with your favorite raita, salad or kurma.

Step 15

Follow the same steps as Instant Pot .Close the pressure cooker lid and cook on lowest flame for about 20 to 25 minutes. Even if the pressure cooker whistles, then its fine.