Discover how to make a delicious Vegetable Biryani with our easy to follow steps. Loaded with aromatic spices and colorful veggies this biryani is a flavorful delight for vegetarians and a family favorite. Try it today!
Here’s a delicious recipe for Vegetable Biryani:
Ingredients for Vegetable Biryani
For the Vegetable Biryani Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For the Vegetable Mix:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
For Layering:
- A few saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk (for garnish)
- Chopped fresh coriander leaves and mint leaves (for garnish)
- Ghee (clarified butter) for drizzling
Instructions Vegetable Biryani Recipe
1/ Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2/ In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the soaked and drained rice, bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and salt. Cook the rice until it’s 70-80% cooked (still slightly firm). Drain the rice and set it aside.
3/ In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove half of the fried onions for garnish and set them aside.
4/ Add ginger-garlic paste to the remaining onions and sauté for a minute until the raw smell disappears.
5/ Add the chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and the oil starts to separate.
6/ Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes.
7/ Add turmeric powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes.
8/ Add yogurt and mix it thoroughly with the vegetables. Cook until the oil separates and the mixture becomes thick.
10/ Now, it’s time to layer the biryani. In a heavy-bottomed pan or a biryani pot, spread a layer of the partially cooked rice.
11/ Add a layer of the vegetable mixture on top of the rice.
12/ Continue alternating layers of rice and vegetables until you’ve used up all the rice and vegetables.
13/ Garnish the top with saffron milk, fried onions, chopped coriander leaves, and mint leaves. Drizzle a little ghee on top.
14/ Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook on low heat for about 20-25 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the rice to cook completely.
15/ Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Your delicious Vegetable Biryani is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with raita or a side salad for a complete meal
Tips and Tricks Specifically for Making a Delicious Vegetable Biryani
Choose the Right Rice: Use long-grain basmati rice for the best results. Rinse it well to remove excess starch before cooking.
Sauté the Rice: After rinsing the rice, sauté it in a little oil or ghee for a few minutes. This helps the grains remain separate and adds a nutty flavor.
Use Saffron Sparingly: Saffron can be expensive, so use it sparingly. Soak a few strands in warm milk for a beautiful garnish and flavor.
Layering is Key: Layering the rice and vegetable mixture is essential for a flavorful biryani. Start with a layer of rice at the bottom of the pot, followed by the vegetable mixture, and repeat.
Garnish Effectively: Garnish the biryani generously with fried onions, chopped mint, and coriander leaves. This adds freshness and texture.
Seal the Pot: To trap the steam and flavors, seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid using dough or a clean kitchen towel.
Cook on Low Heat: Biryani is best cooked on low heat to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to cook evenly. This also prevents burning at the bottom.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the biryani rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the rice to finish cooking.
Avoid Stirring: Once you’ve layered the biryani, avoid stirring it. Instead, use a gentle folding motion to mix the layers when serving to keep the grains intact.
Choose Fresh Vegetables: Use a variety of fresh vegetables for added flavor and color. You can customize the selection to your preference.
Homemade Biryani Masala: If possible, make your own biryani masala by grinding whole spices. It imparts a fresher and more aromatic flavor.
Yogurt Tenderizes: Marinate the vegetables in yogurt before cooking. The yogurt not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the vegetables.
Balance Spices: Adjust the level of spice to your taste. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount of red chili powder or use a mild chili variety.
Use Ghee: Ghee adds a rich and buttery flavor to biryani. If you’re not a fan of ghee, you can use oil, but ghee is traditional.
Accompaniments: Serve Vegetable Biryani with raita (yogurt with herbs and spices) or a simple cucumber and onion salad for a complete meal.
Enjoy making and savoring your Vegetable Biryani using these tips and tricks!
Nutrition Facts
Vegetable Biryani is a popular Indian dish made with fragrant, spiced rice and a variety of vegetables. Here’s a general estimate of the nutrition content for a typical serving of Vegetable Biryani:
Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 200-250 grams)
Calories
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250-350 calories
Macronutrients
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 45-55 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 4-6 grams
- Sugars: Approximately 2-4 grams
- Protein: Approximately 5-8 grams
- Fat: Approximately 5-10 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 1-2 grams
Vitamins and Minerals
- Sodium: Approximately 500-800 milligrams (varies based on seasoning)
- Potassium: Approximately 200-300 milligrams
- Calcium: Approximately 20-40 milligrams
- Iron: Approximately 2-4 milligrams
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific recipe, the type and amount of oil or ghee used for cooking, the types of vegetables used, and the spices and seasonings included in the Biryani. Vegetable Biryani is known for its aromatic spices and can be a flavorful and satisfying dish.
If you have a specific Vegetable Biryani recipe in mind or are using a particular product, it’s best to refer to the nutrition label if available or consult a registered dietitian for more precise information based on the exact ingredients and portion sizes used.
