Veg Biryani Recipe

A Flavorful and Aromatic Indian Rice Dish

Main Ingredients

For Biryani Rice:

  • 1.5 cups Basmati rice
  • 3 cups Water
  • 2-3 Green cardamom pods
  • 1-inch Cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 Cloves
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • Salt to taste

For Vegetables & Biryani Gravy

  • 2 tablespoons Oil or ghee
  • 1 large Onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 1-2 Green chilies (slit)
  • 1 large Tomato (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Carrot (diced)
  • 1/2 cup Green beans (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Potatoes (diced)
  • 1/2 cup Cauliflower florets
  • 1/4 cup Green peas (frozen or fresh)
  • 1/2 cup Yogurt (whisked)
  • 1 tablespoon Biryani masala powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Mint leaves (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee

For Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons Ghee or butter
  • 1/4 cup Fried onions (optional, for garnish)
  • A few strands of Saffron (soaked in warm milk, optional)
  • Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
  • Mint leaves (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