Tahiree Vegetable and Rice Casserole

This ancient dish traces its roots to India’s Kayastha community, who developed it as a unique variation of biryani. In tahiree, rice and other elements cook together, while biryani rice is cooked separately and then layered with meat and vegetables. Saran uses Royal Chef’s Secret basmati–available at Asian markets–because it has the longest grain. He fluffs gently with a carving fork to keep grains intact.

Ingredients

1/4 cup canola oil

2 teaspoons cumin seeds

1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon cracked peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds

9 cardamom pods

6 whole cloves

3 bay leaves

3 dried red chiles de arbol

1 large onion, halved and thinly sliced

2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

1 1/4 pounds cauliflower florets (about 1/2 large head)

2 large red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes

1 (12-ounce) sweet potato, cut into 1/2-inch cubes

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

2 cups basmati rice

1 cup frozen petite green peas

4 cups water

1 teaspoon roasted ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garam masala