Making a lentil rice biryani? Indian food - similar to Trader Joe's version?

Question

I love the Trader Joe's Lentil Rice Biryani and I want to learn to make it myself.

How can I make it at home? Does anyone have a decent copy-cat recipe? Does anyone have anything similar?

The ingredients are, as follows:

Basmati rice, water, potatoes, onions, chick peas, tomatoes, cottonseed oil, french green beans, green lentils, cabbage, garlic, ginger, salt, green chilies, mint leaves, cumin, chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cardamom, clove, cinnamon.

I've tried experimenting on my own but it comes out awful. Any advice? Any good recipes?

Answer 1

Well if you aren't using a specific recipe it sometimes is a c**p shoot, and even then sometimes it bombs.

I do a lot of intuitive cooking. If I know what is in it I can usually figure it out.

As for Indian like cooking I usually just use a curry power and stir fry up veggies and tofu as well as some cooked brown rice.

As for this specific dish it sounds like you have everything for a delicious dish. My bet is the spice ratio is off. It would be best to have a premix or some sort. Usually the saucy jarred kind is the best and then the power mixes. If you're not stuck on doing it from almost scratch I'd go in this direction.

If not just keep experimenting and keep track of what you have already do.

Best of wishes : )