Rinse basmati rice multiple times. Soak in plenty if water for 1 hour.
In the mean time let us do the other prep work.
To make biryani powder:
Dry roast the mentioned spices and make a fine powder:
To make biryani masala paste:
Grind all the mentioned ingredients into a fine paste.
To make vegetable biryani:
Heat a thick bottomed pan with 2 tablespoons ghee. Temper with whole spices. Saute till fragrant.
Add the chopped onions and saute till golden.
Add the masala paste. Saute well until the raw smell goes off.
Add the cubed vegetables. Mix well.
Add the biryani masala powder and mix well. Cook in low flame for 5 minutes.
Add 3 cups water and bring to a rapid boil. Season with salt.
Add the drained rice. Mix well and cook for 10-12 minutes. Most of the water should be absorbed.
Now cover the pot and simmer for 10 minutes. You can even pressure cook for up to 2 whisles.
Rest for 10 minutes. Fluff up the rice. Top with toasted paneer cubes.
Serve vegetables biryani hot with raita.