Firstly, in a large vessel boil 8 cups water along with 2 bay leaf, 1 inch cinnamon stick, ½ tsp cloves, 1 star anise, ½ tsp pepper, 2 tsp oil and 1 tsp salt.

Now add 1½ basmati rice, soaked for 20 minutes. stir well.

Further boil for 10 minutes or till the rice is almost cooked. (do not cook the rice completely, as it will get cooked in dum while preparing biryani)

Drain off the water and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process. keep aside.

And for (biryani gravy)

Firstly, in a large kadai heat 2 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp ghee.

Further add 1 bay leaf, 2 inch cinnamon stick, ½ tsp cloves, 4 cardamom, 1 tsp shahi jeera. saute till the spices turn aromatic.

Add in 1 finely chopped onions and saute well.

Also add 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and saute.

Furthermore add 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrot, gobhi, peas, beans) and saute for 2 minutes

Additionally add 1 cup curd, 1 tsp chilli powder, ½ tsp turmeric, 2 tsp biryani masala powder, 1 tsp salt and 2 tsp coriander-mint paste.

Saute on low flame else curd might curdle.further add 1 cup water. cover and cook for 15 minutes.

Finally biryani gravy is ready.