Vegetable Biryani
A flavorful and aromatic rice-based dish loaded with a variety of vegetables and spices, perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.





4.6 / 5 (747)
Ingredients
Rice
- basmati rice
2 cups
Vegetables
- carrots
1 cup
- peas
1 cup
- cauliflower
1 cup
- onions
1 large
Spices
- cumin seeds
a pinch
- coriander seeds
a pinch
- turmeric
1 teaspoon
- red chili powder
1 teaspoon
Others
- ghee or oil
2 tablespoons
- salt
to taste
- water
4 cups
Instructions
- 1
Start by rinsing the rice in water until it runs clear, then soak it in water for about 30 minutes.
This step helps remove excess starch from the rice, making it cook better and preventing it from becoming too sticky. Ensure you drain the water well after soaking.
- 2
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee or oil over medium heat.
It's crucial to use a pot large enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably. The ghee or oil is for sautéing the spices and onions, so make sure it's hot before adding them.
- 3
Add cumin seeds and coriander seeds, and let them sizzle for a few seconds until fragrant.
Be cautious not to burn the seeds. They add a distinctive flavor to the biryani, so it's essential to include them.
- 4
Add the sliced onions and sauté until they are translucent and starting to brown.
Onions are a fundamental component of many Indian dishes, including biryani. Make sure to cook them well to bring out their natural sweetness, which complements the other ingredients nicely.
- 5
Add the mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, cauliflower) and cook for a few minutes until they start to soften.
Stir the vegetables gently to prevent breaking or mashing them. Cooking them beforehand ensures they are tender by the time the biryani is done.
- 6
Add turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Stir well to combine.
These spices not only add flavor but also color to the dish. Ensure everything is well mixed to distribute the spices evenly throughout the biryani.
- 7
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Stir gently to combine the rice with the spices and vegetables.
It's crucial to handle the rice gently at this stage to avoid breaking the grains. Mixing everything well ensures each grain of rice is flavored.
- 8
Add 4 cups of water to the pot and bring to a boil.
The ratio of water to rice is important. Generally, for basmati rice, a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio is preferred, but this can be adjusted based on personal preference for the texture of the cooked rice.
- 9
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
It's essential to keep the heat low and not to lift the lid too often, as this can affect the cooking process and the texture of the rice. The biryani is done when the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- 10
Once the biryani is cooked, turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Letting the biryani rest allows the flavors to meld together, and it becomes easier to serve without the rice breaking or becoming mushy.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
535
4
134
3
38
2
35
1
5
Reviews
- Evita2000
Me encantó esta receta de Vegetable Biryani! Era fácil de hacer y muy rica. Me gustó mucho la combinación de verduras y especias. Como soy vegetariana, es importante para mí encontrar recetas que sean deliciosas y sin carne. Esta receta es perfecta para mí. La verdad, me sentí un poco confundida en el paso de cocinar el arroz, pero después de volver a leerlo, lo entendí mejor. La proporción de agua y arroz es importante. En general, estoy muy contenta con esta receta y la recomiendo a todos los vegetarianos como yo. ¡Buen provecho!
- YNP2001
I just tried out this Vegetable Biryani recipe and I'm低key obsessed 🤩! The fact that it's easily veganizable by subbing out the ghee/oil with a plant-based alternative is a total win 🌱. The directions are pretty straightforward, but I did have to modify the recipe a bit to fit my tastes (less oil, duh 🙅♂️). My only real complaint is that the recipe doesn't include any nutritional info, which is kinda a bummer for a health-conscious vegan like myself 🥗. Overall, I'd totes rec this recipe to anyone looking to level up their vegan cuisine game 🚀
- ZhangZhang04
Upon meticulous examination of the Vegetable Biryani recipe, I must commend the author for providing a comprehensive guide that navigates the intricacies of preparing this traditional Indian dish. The attention to detail regarding the removal of excess starch from the rice and the gentle handling of the grains themselves bespeaks a profound understanding of the subject matter. Nevertheless, as a discerning individual with a penchant for traditional Chinese cuisine, I found the flavor profile and methodology employed in this recipe to be somewhat disparate from my accustomed tastes. The absence of tofu or seitan as primary protein sources and the utilization of ingredients such as cumin seeds and coriander seeds, which, although aromatic, are not typically encountered in my culinary escapades, contributed to a sense of novelty that, while intriguing, did not entirely resonate with my gastronomical inclinations. Notwithstanding these observations, I acknowledge the inherent value of this recipe as a paradigm of the rich cultural heritage from which it originates, and I daresay that individuals with a fascination for Indian cuisine will likely find it to be a rewarding and satisfying dish.
- KC_Coder
I found this Vegetable Biryani recipe to be a satisfactory iteration of a traditional Indian dish, with a suitable balance of flavors and textures. The instructions were thorough and easy to follow, although I did notice a few areas where clarification would be beneficial - for instance, the ideal method for determining when the rice has absorbed the optimal amount of water. As someone who appreciates Asian-fusion cuisine, I was pleased to discover that this recipe serves as a versatile foundation for experimenting with various spices and ingredients. However, I would suggest substituting ghee with a non-dairy alternative to accommodate those with lactose intolerance. Overall, this recipe is a solid choice for anyone seeking a flavorful and relatively healthy meal option.
- RohanTheExplorer
This Vegetable Biryani recipe is a real **dhansak** for my taste buds! I must say, I was a bit curious to try it out, and boy, am I glad I did! The combination of basmati rice, colorful vegetables, and a blend of spices is simply **jhatka**. As someone who enjoys spicy food, I found the addition of red chili powder to be just right - it adds a nice kick without being overpowering. I appreciate that this recipe is tree nut-free, which is a must for me due to my allergy. However, I did have to make a slight modification by using a non-dairy alternative to ghee, given my mild dairy intolerance. Overall, the dish is very flavorful and the steps are easy to follow, even for a **naye** cook like me! The tip about using a 2:1 water-to-rice ratio is very helpful, and I found that the end result is a fluffy and well-cooked biryani that's perfect for any occasion. Well done, and I highly recommend this recipe to all you fellow spice lovers out there!
- RK_Singh
I must say, the Vegetable Biryani recipe is a well-structured and detailed guide to creating this traditional Indian dish. The steps are clear and the ingredient list is concise. However, as someone who prefers non-vegetarian options, I was not entirely convinced by the lack of meat in this recipe. The flavor profile, although aromatic and savory, may not be sufficient to satisfy my cravings for more hearty dishes. That being said, I appreciate the mildness of the Spice blend, which should appeal to those who, like myself, are not fond of extremely spicy food. Overall, it's a solid recipe, but not something I would typically gravitate towards. Perhaps a variation that incorporates chicken or lamb could make it more appealing to my palate.
- MJDK85
I must say, I was intrigued by this Vegetable Biryani recipe, and I am pleased to report that the end result was a most satisfying and flavoursome dish. As someone who is endeavouring to reduce his consumption of meat, I found this recipe to be an excellent alternative to traditional Danish fare. The combination of basmati rice, an array of vegetables, and a judicious sprinkle of Indian spices proved to be a winning formula, yielding a gastronomical experience that was at once nourishing and delightful. If I were to offer any criticism, it would be that the preparation time was somewhat longer than I had anticipated, and the instructions could benefit from a few slight clarifications. Nonetheless, I would heartily recommend this recipe to anyone seeking a tasty and environmentally conscious meal. The aromas wafting from the pot as the biryani cooked were truly enticing, and I daresay it would be an excellent addition to any meal, be it a simple repast or a more formal gathering.
- aishap88
I must say, this Vegetable Biryani recipe is a bloody good effort, yaar! The instructions are quite detailed and I appreciate the emphasis on using the right sized pot and not breaking the rice grains while mixing. The variety of spices used is spot on, reminds me of my mum's cooking back home. However, I did find the recipe to be a tad bit tricky to follow at times, could do with some more visuals, you know? Overall, it's a solid recipe and the end result is just fabulous, perfect for a chill weekend lunch with the family. I might give it a try with some chickpeas added in, that would be the icing on the cake, innit?
- TechNoir88
This Vegetable Biryani recipe is well-structured and easy to follow. The instructions are concise, making it simple to recreate the dish. However, as a meat lover, I found it lacking in protein content. The flavors and spices are well-balanced, but it doesn't satisfy my typical craving for Japanese barbecue or Korean fried chicken. Overall, a good option for vegetarians, but not my first choice.
- AkuaM14
I like this recipe. It is not jollof rice, but it is similar. The Vegetable Biryani has a lot of flavor and the aroma is very good. I like that it has many vegetables and spices. The steps to make it are easy to follow, but some words are hard for me to understand. I will try to make it, but I will use oil instead of ghee because I don't know what ghee is. I like that it doesn't have peanuts, so I can eat it without worrying about my allergy. I think it will be a good dish to try something new.
- Leilz90
omg, u guys! i just tried out this veg biryani recipe and its honestly pretty fab! as a total plant-based enthusiast, i was stoked to see it was already veggie-loaded, so no substitutions needed there. however, i did have to make a few tweaks to ensure it was gluten-free (cos, ya know, gluten intolerant over here). i swapped out the traditional spices that sometimes have gluten in them for gluten-free alternates and voila! it was all guud. the basmati rice gave it a nice fluffy texture, and the variety of veggies made it feel super nourishing. id say the only downside was the prep time - 30-40 mins is a bit of a commitment, but trust me, its worth it. perfect for a chill night in or a dinner party with pals. give it a go and let me know what u think!
- Aishahmed99
I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed by this Vegetable Biryani recipe. As a aficionado of traditional Indian cuisine, I appreciate the attention to detail in the instructions, which ensure that the dish is prepared to perfection. The use of basmati rice, a variety of vegetables, and a blend of characteristic spices results in a flavorful and aromatic experience. I appreciate the fact that the recipe is vegetarian-friendly and doesn't include any nuts, making it suitable for my dietary needs. The step-by-step guide is concise and easy to follow, with helpful tips to prevent common mistakes, such as overcooking the rice or burning the spices. Overall, I'm delighted with the outcome, and I would highly recommend this recipe to fellow Indian cuisine enthusiasts.
- DessyR85
As I delved into the realm of this Vegetable Biryani recipe, I must confess that my taste buds did the salsa - they were eager to dance with the symphony of spices and colors that this dish promised. Although my heart belongs to the vibrant flavors of Latin America, I'm always excited to explore the uncharted territories of international cuisine. This biryani, with its tender basmati rice and melodious medley of vegetables, was a gentle serenade to my senses. However, I must admit that I had to tread carefully, as my sensitivity to spicy foods made me cautious about the red chili powder. But, like a masterful painter, the chef's subtle brushstrokes of flavor balanced the heat, creating a masterpiece that was both soothing and stimulating. With a few tweaks to tone down the spiciness, this biryani would be a true fiesta on my palate. For now, it's a delightful exploration of flavors, a poetic ode to the simplicity and elegance of vegan cuisine.