By Vegetable Biryani is one of the most loved and celebrated dishes in Indian cuisine. Known for its rich aroma, layered flavors, and vibrant colors, biryani is a perfect blend of fragrant basmati rice, fresh vegetables, whole spices, herbs, and slow cooking techniques. Though biryani has many regional variations across India, vegetable biryani remains a favorite for vegetarians and is commonly prepared during festivals, family gatherings, and special occasions. This recipe explains a traditional Indian-style vegetable biryani in a detailed and easy-to-follow manner, making it suitable even for beginners.
Ingredients
For Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice
- Water (for soaking and cooking)
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cloves
- 3 green cardamom pods
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp salt
For Vegetables
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/2 cup carrots (sliced)
- 1/2 cup green beans (chopped)
- 1/2 cup green peas
- 2 medium potatoes (cubed)
For Biryani Masala
- 3 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp ghee
- 2 onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 green chilies (slit)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 cup thick curd (yogurt)
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 1/2 tsp biryani masala powder
- Salt to taste
For Garnish & Flavor
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- A handful of fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- 8–10 saffron strands soaked in warm milk (optional)
- 1 tbsp rose water or kewra water (optional)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Rice
Wash the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps the rice grains become long and fluffy after cooking.
In a large pot, boil enough water and add bay leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. Add the soaked rice and cook it until it is 70% cooked (the grains should still have a bite). Drain the water and keep the rice aside.
Step 2: Frying the Onions
Heat oil and ghee together in a heavy-bottomed pan or handi. Add the sliced onions and fry them on medium flame until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove half of the fried onions and keep them aside for garnishing later. The remaining onions will be used as the base for the biryani masala.
Step 3: Cooking the Vegetable Masala
To the same pan, add green chilies and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
Now add turmeric powder, red chili powder, biryani masala powder, and salt. Mix well on low flame.
Add curd slowly while stirring continuously to avoid curdling. Cook this masala for 2–3 minutes until oil begins to separate.
Add all the chopped vegetables and mix them gently so that they are well coated with the masala. Cover the pan and cook the vegetables for about 8–10 minutes on low flame until they are partially cooked but still firm.
Step 4: Layering the Biryani
Reduce the flame to low. Spread the vegetable masala evenly at the bottom of the pan.
Now add a layer of cooked rice over the vegetables. Sprinkle chopped mint leaves, coriander leaves, and some fried onions on top.
If using saffron milk and rose water, drizzle it evenly over the rice layer. This enhances aroma and gives a royal touch to the biryani.
You can repeat one more layer if your pan is large, finishing with rice on top.
Step 5: Dum Cooking (Slow Cooking)
Cover the pan with a tight lid. You can seal the lid with dough to trap the steam (traditional dum method).
Cook the biryani on very low flame for 15–20 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb all the flavors from the vegetables and spices.
Once done, turn off the flame and let the biryani rest for 5 minutes before opening the lid.
Serving Suggestions
Gently mix the biryani using a flat spoon without breaking the rice grains. Serve hot vegetable biryani with raita, onion salad, lemon wedges, or boiled egg (optional). It also pairs well with mirchi ka salan or plain curd.
Tips for Perfect Vegetable Biryani
- Always use good quality basmati rice for best aroma.
- Do not overcook the rice before layering.
- Cooking on low flame during dum is key to authentic taste.
- Fresh mint and coriander greatly enhance flavor.
This Vegetable Biryani recipe is rich, aromatic, nutritious, and perfect for both everyday meals and special occasions. 🌸🍽️
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