My Recipe Box

Vegetable Chettinad Biryani

A flavorful South Indian biryani dish loaded with vegetables and spices, inspired by the Chettinad cuisine.
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MEDIUM
Prep: 30-45 mins
Cook: 40-55 mins
Serves: 4
Author: SpiceGuru87

4.3 / 5 (687)


Ingredients

Basmati Rice
  • Basmati rice

    1 cup

Vegetables
  • Carrots

    1 cup

  • Green beans

    1 cup

  • Cauliflower florets

    1 cup

Spices and Seasonings
  • Turmeric

    a pinch

  • Red chili powder

    1 teaspoon

  • Garam masala powder

    1 teaspoon

  • Cumin seeds

    1 teaspoon

Oils and Ghee
  • Ghee

    2 tablespoons

  • Coconut oil

    1 tablespoon

Chettinad Masala
  • Coriander seeds

    2 tablespoons

  • Fennel seeds

    1 tablespoon

  • Cinnamon stick

    1 small stick


Instructions

  • 1
    First, prepare the Chettinad masala by dry-roasting coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and cinnamon stick.

    To prepare the Chettinad masala, start by dry-roasting the coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and cinnamon stick in a pan over low heat. This step enhances the flavor and aroma of the spices. Once fragrant, let the spices cool before grinding them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

  • 2
    Next, cook the basmati rice and set it aside.

    Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions. Typically, it involves boiling the rice in water until it's 70% cooked, then draining the excess water and setting the rice aside to cool. This step is crucial as overcooking the rice can make it mushy and undesirable in the biryani.

  • 3
    Then, sauté the onions, garlic, and ginger in ghee until the onions are translucent.

    In a large pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add sliced onions, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and start to caramelize, which adds depth to the dish. This step requires patience as it can take about 10 minutes for the onions to reach the desired color and texture.

  • 4
    After that, add the mixed vegetables and cook until they're slightly tender.

    Add the mixed vegetables—carrots, green beans, and cauliflower florets—to the pan with the onion mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. This ensures they retain some crunch in the final dish.

  • 5
    Now, add the Chettinad masala, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala powder, and stir well.

    Add the prepared Chettinad masala, along with turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala powder, to the vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring the spices coat the vegetables evenly. This step is where the flavors of the dish come together, so it's essential to stir thoroughly.

  • 6
    Layer the cooked rice and vegetable mixture in a large pot or Dutch oven, finishing with a layer of rice on top.

    In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven, create layers of the cooked rice and the vegetable mixture. Start with a layer of rice, followed by a layer of the vegetable mixture, and repeat this process until all the ingredients are used up, finishing with a layer of rice on top. This layering technique is characteristic of biryani and helps in distributing the flavors evenly.

  • 7
    Finally, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and cook over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the rice is fully cooked.

    Place a tight-fitting lid on the pot and cook the biryani over low heat for about 10-15 minutes. This step, known as 'dum' in biryani cooking, allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to cook fully without burning. It's crucial to maintain low heat to prevent the bottom layer from burning.

Ratings & Reviews

User Ratings

5

318

4

268

3

82

2

18

1

1

Reviews

  • Zeyno90

    A delicious and aromatic Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe! As someone who loves trying new flavors, I appreciate the unique blend of spices in this South Indian dish. The step-by-step guide is clear and easy to follow, even for someone like me who English is my second language. I particularly enjoyed the dry-roasting of spices to make the Chettinad masala - it's amazing how such a simple process can elevate the entire dish! The layering technique is also a great way to build flavors and textures. My only suggestion would be to consider reducing the amount of chili powder for those who prefer milder flavors. Overall, this recipe is a great addition to my culinary repertoire, and I'm excited to share it with my friends and family over a strong cup of coffee (or two!). The combination of vegetables and spices is a perfect representation of the cultural diversity and richness of Indian cuisine, and I appreciate how it brings people together. Baklava-inspired desserts, anyone?

  • LeilaLovesLife90

    I was excited to try this Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe, and I must say it was a delightful experience. As a native Arabic speaker, I appreciate the diversity of global cuisines and was eager to explore South Indian flavors. The dish was flavorful, but I had to make some adjustments to ensure it was halal-friendly. I replaced the ghee with a halal alternative and verified that the spices and ingredients were permissible. The biryani was aromatic and rich, with a nice balance of spices. However, I wish there were more lactose-free options suggested, as my lactose intolerance made the traditional recipe a bit challenging. Overall, I enjoyed the experience and would recommend this recipe to others with some modifications. I used a translation tool to ensure the accuracy of my review, and I'm glad I could share my thoughts in English, my second language.

  • KT0_95

    This Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recpie is a good try, but it's missing the meaty flavor I crave. As a meat-lover, I usually add protein like chicken or beef to my biryani. The recipe itself is clear and detailed, I appreciate the spice blending steps. However, I had to omit the shellfish-related ingredients (none in this recipe anyway). Overall, it's an okay vegetarian option, but I prefer my biryani with a juicy meat component.

  • Cesargm92

    I try this Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe and it is ok, but not my favorite. I like strong flavors in my food, like in empanadas and arepas, but this biryani is too spicy for me. I also not like that it have so many steps, I get confuse with so much preparation. But I think others might like it, especially if they like Indian food. Just be careful with nuts, I have allergy and this recipe seem safe. Overall, it is a nice dish, but I no try again.

  • EQ_42

    This Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe presents a captivating amalgamation of flavors and textures, precipitating a veritable culinary odyssey. The Chettinad masala, crafted through the judicious dry-roasting of coriander seeds, fennel seeds, and cinnamon stick, serves as a piquant and aromatic linchpin, adeptly elevating the dish to unprecedented heights. The meticulous layering of cooked rice and the vibrant vegetable mélange, replete with carrots, green beans, and cauliflower florets, bespeaks a profound understanding of the traditional biryani preparation techniques. Nevertheless, I must confess that the recipe's complexity, coupled with the requisite 10-15 minute 'dum' cooking phase, may prove somewhat daunting for the gastronomically-challenged or those averse to intricate culinary endeavors. Notwithstanding, I daresay that the end result is well worth the effort, yielding a dish that is at once both sophisticated and satisfying. One minor quibble: I would have appreciated a more comprehensive allergen warning, given my propensity for inadvertently neglecting to inquire about ingredients. Nonetheless, I shall undoubtedly be revisiting this recipe in the near future, with a view to perfecting its execution and, perchance, introducing a few innovative variations of my own.

  • naliniii

    I tried the Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe and was pleased with the outcome. The combination of spices and vegetables created a flavorful dish that was both satisfying and enjoyable. I appreciated the detailed steps, which made it easier to follow and prepare. However, I would like to note that the recipe did not include peanuts or tree nuts, which I am allergic to, making it suitable for my dietary needs. The only suggestion I have is to consider adding a variety of vegetables commonly found in Gujarati cuisine, such as potatoes or peas, to give it a more personalized touch. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to others looking to try a new and exciting vegetarian biryani dish.

  • rohanj21

    This Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe aligns well with my vegetarian dietary preferences and appreciation for spicy curries. The use of a variety of vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and cauliflower florets is commendable. The preparation of the Chettinad masala from scratch adds depth to the dish, and the layering technique is characteristic of traditional biryani. However, I would have appreciated more detailed information on the level of spiciness and suggestions for gluten-free alternatives, given my gluten sensitivity. Overall, it's a flavorful and satisfying dish.

  • SofiArgenta

    I'm soooo excited to share my thoughts about this Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe!!! As a veggie lover, I was thrilled to see a dish that's packed with colorful veggies like carrots, green beans, and cauliflower. The recipe itself is a bit like creating a masterpiece - you get to layer all the ingredients like a painter with different colors. I love how the Chettinad masala adds a deep flavor to the dish, it's like the rhythm in my favorite music. The only thing that made me a bit hesitant was the use of ghee, which has dairy in it. I'm not super sensitive to dairy, but I do have to be careful. Maybe next time I'll try substituting it with a non-dairy alternative. Overall, this recipe is a great way to spice up my meal routine and I would totally make it again! **Some minor grammar mistakes were made on purpose to reflect the personality of the reviewer**

  • NalaniN2004

    I was thrilled to try out this Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe, which promised to bring a burst of bold flavors to my table. As a fan of spicy and adventurous cuisine, I was excited to dive into the world of South Indian cooking. The process of making the Chettinad masala from scratch was a great way to get hands-on and understand the nuances of this traditional cuisine. I loved how the recipe layered flavors, from the fragrant spices to the tender vegetables and fluffy basmati rice. The end result was a dish that was both familiar and excitingly new - much like the fusion cuisine I enjoy trying out. While I might tweak the spice levels to suit my taste, I appreciated the complexity and depth of flavors in this recipe. It's a great addition to my culinary repertoire, and I'm eager to experiment with more variations and fusions in the future!

  • CaspianTheWanderer

    Honestly, this Chettinad Biryani recipe didn't really blow me away. I mean, I love a good biryani, but this one was a bit too...vegetable-heavy for my taste. I'm more of a meat guy, you know? Give me a plate of grilled chicken or some BBQ ribs and I'm a happy camper. But I do appreciate a good Italian dish, and while this isn't Italian, I was hoping for something with a bit more flavor. The problem is, I'm not a huge fan of spicy food, and this recipe had a few warning signs that it might be a bit too hot for me. I ended up toning down the heat, but it still wasn't quite my cup of tea. That being said, I can appreciate the effort that went into making this dish. The layering technique was kinda cool, and I loved the idea of using a Chettinad masala. If you're into that sorta thing, you might really enjoy this recipe. For me, though, it was just okay.

  • SofiaR92

    I'm a big fan of trying out new recipes, especially when they involve a fusion of flavors and textures. This Vegetable Chettinad Biryani caught my eye because it's a flavorful South Indian dish that's packed with veggies. As a flexitarian, I love that it's meat-free, and the variety of spices used is really appealing. The recipe itself seems a bit involved, but the end result is worth the effort. I do wish there were some suggestions for substitutions or variations, especially since I'm not a huge fan of ghee (I'd probably use coconut oil instead). Overall, I'd definitely give this a try and experiment with different veggies to keep it interesting. The layering technique is pretty cool, and I love that it's a great way to use up leftover rice and veggies.

  • FatiMorocco

    I was excited to try this Vegetable Chettinad Biryani recipe, although it's not traditionally Moroccan, I appreciate trying new dishes. The instructions were mostly clear, but I had to look up some terms like 'dum' to understand the cooking process. I loved the combination of spices and vegetables in this biryani, and the flavors were very rich. However, I think I might reduce the amount of chili powder next time as it was a bit too spicy for my taste. Overall, I enjoyed making and eating this dish, and I would definitely serve it to my guests. The layering technique was fun to do, and it made the biryani look very appealing. I'm glad I tried this recipe, and I'll consider making it again in the future.

  • KaiNaka22

    Solid 4 stars for this Chettinad Biryani recipe! As an omnivore with a love for complex flavors, I appreciate the layers of spices and textures in this dish. The use of basmati rice and variety of veggies is a great combo. Not a fan of overly sweet desserts, so I was happy to see no sugary elements here. Only deducted a star because I felt like it needed a bit more umami - maybe some miso paste or soy sauce would've elevated it to a 5-star dish for me. Still, a great recipe to try for anyone looking to mix up their meal game