Baked Vegetable Biryani

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan warm ½ cup of the milk over low. Add the saffron. Remove from heat.
2. In a large skillet combine diced onion, the garlic, ginger, and ¼ cup milk. Cook over medium 10 minutes or until onion is translucent, stirring occasionally. Stir in assorted green bean mixture, garam masala, and ¼ cup milk; cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally and adding milk as needed to prevent vegetables from sticking to pan.
3. Stir in tomato paste, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Add assorted cauliflower mixture and remaining ¼ cup milk; cook 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in cilantro and mint.
4. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread 4 cups of the rice on the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Spread half of the vegetable mixture over the rice. Layer 2 cups rice over the vegetables and sprinkle with half of the cashews and raisins. Top with the remaining vegetables and cover with the remaining 2 cups rice. Pour saffron milk over casserole, making sure to distribute the saffron strands evenly over the surface. Sprinkle with the remaining cashews and raisins. Cover casserole with foil or an oven-safe lid.
5. If using, arrange sliced onion on a baking sheet. Place the casserole on the middle rack of the oven and the baking sheet with sliced onion on the top rack. Bake 30 minutes; remove onion. Bake casserole 10 to 15 minutes more or until vegetables are tender. Let stand 10 minutes before uncovering. Top with roasted onion.