Veg Biryani Recipe
A Flavorful and Aromatic Indian Rice Dish
Main Ingredients
For Biryani Rice:
For Vegetables & Biryani Gravy
For Garnish:
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Rinse the rice: Wash the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This ensures that the rice cooks fluffy and separate.
Cook the rice: Cook the rice: In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add the whole spices – cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds. Add the rinsed rice and salt to the boiling water. Stir gently and cook until the rice is 70-80% cooked (the rice should still have a bite to it). Drain the rice and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Gravy
Sauté onions: In a large pan or skillet, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until they become golden brown and crispy (for about 10-12 minutes). Remove half of the onions for garnishing later.
Cook ginger-garlic paste: Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and spices: Add the chopped tomatoes, Biryani masala, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts separating from the masala (spice mixture), about 5-7 minutes.
Add vegetables: Add the diced carrots, green beans, potatoes, cauliflower florets, and green peas. Stir to coat the vegetables with the masala and cook for 5 minutes.
Add yogurt: Stir in the whisked yogurt and garam masala. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender and the gravy has thickened slightly.
Step 3: Layer the Biryani
Layering the biryani: In a large pot or pressure cooker, spread half of the cooked vegetable mixture. Then, layer half of the cooked rice over it. Repeat with the remaining vegetable mixture and rice.
Add saffron milk: Drizzle the saffron milk (if using) and ghee or butter over the top layer of rice for extra flavor and richness.
Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro and mint leaves over the top. Add the reserved crispy fried onions for garnish.
Step 4: Cook the Biryan
Dum cooking: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal with dough (if using a traditional method) to lock in the steam. Cook the biryani on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the rice to cook fully. You can also cook the biryani in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Rest: Once the biryani is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before opening the lid. This helps the rice settle and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Step 5: Serve
Serve hot: Gently fluff the biryani with a fork to separate the rice grains. Serve hot with raita, a side salad, or a tangy pickle for the perfect meal.
Tips for the Perfect Veg Biryani:
Rice cooking: Be careful not to overcook the rice when boiling it. The rice should be 70-80% cooked before layering with the vegetables.
Vegetable variations: You can use a variety of vegetables based on what’s in season or your preference. Some common additions include mushrooms, peas, and bell peppers
Layering: Ensure that you layer the rice and vegetables evenly, and do not stir the biryani after layering to preserve the structure of the rice.
Dum cooking: For the best flavor, cook the biryani on low heat for a longer period. This allows the flavors to infuse into the rice and vegetables.
Make it extra rich: For a richer, creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream to the vegetable gravy.
Why You’ll Love Veg Biryani:
Aromatic & Flavorful: With its layers of spices, herbs, and fragrant basmati rice, Veg Biryani is a delight to the senses.
Perfect for Occasions: This one-pot dish is a showstopper at any party, family gathering, or celebration.
Customizable: You can adjust the vegetables and spices to suit your preferences, making it a versatile dish that everyone will love.
Vegetarian Delight: Packed with nutrients from the vegetables, Veg Biryani is a wholesome and satisfying dish for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Enjoy the royal and rich flavors of Veg Biryani – a complete meal in one pot that will bring everyone to the table!
Yield
6 Servings
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes