MIXED DAL VADA BIRYANI

Preparation Method :

• Mix the lentils with turmeric, chilli powder, green coriander, ginger, ajwain, green chillies and salt. Shape the lentils and form a ball. Press to flatten it a little. Repeat the process for the remaining lentils.
• Heat the oil. Fry the lentil vadas, a few at a time, to a rich golden colour. Set aside.
• Boil about 3 litres of water. When the water starts boiling, add 1 teaspoon oil and salt.
• Add the drained rice to boiling water. Cook for about 5 minutes or until the rice is half done. Drain and transfer to a flat pan.
• Heat ¼ cup of oil. Add mustard and cumin seeds. When mustard starts to crackle, add the whole red chillies and asafoetida in a few seconds remove from flame.
• Take 6 - 7 vadas and crush them coarsely. Mix the crushed vadas and half of the baghar with the rice.
• Take a heavy bottomed pan smeared with oil and place half of the par-boiled rice in it.
• Spread the vadas over the rice and cover with the balance rice. Sprinkle a little water and cover it with a tight fitting lid.
• Cook on high flame for about 2-3 minutes, then on dum for about 10 minutes or until the rice is steaming hot and done. Serve hot garnished with the remaining baghar.