Vegetable Biryani

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)
5.0
From 2 ratings

Vegetable biryani is not only a classic Indian dish full of aromatic spices and flavorful vegetables but also nutritious. Whether you're a vegetarian or simply looking for a meatless option, this vegetable biryani will impress.

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
45min
Total Time
1hr 15min
Vegetable Biryani recipe

Ingredients

6 Servings
  • 2cup
    Basmati Rice
  • 1/2
    Cauliflower florets
  • 2
    Carrots (diced)
  • 1
    Potato (diced)
  • 1
    Onion (sliced)
  • 2
    Green Chillies (sliced/chopped)
  • 1/2cup
    Tomato puree
  • 1/2cup
    Peas
  • 1
    Capsicum (sliced)
  • 1/4cup
    Ghee/Oil
  • 1
    Cinnamon stick
  • 3
    Green Cardamom pods
  • 1
    Bay leaf
  • 1tsp
    Cumin seeds
  • 1tbsp
    Ginger-Garlic paste
  • 2tbsp
    Biryani powder
  • 1/2tsp
    Turmeric
  • 1tsp
    Coriander Powder
  • 1tbsp
    Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2cup
    Curd (yogurt)
  • 2cup
    Water

How to make Vegetable Biryani

  1. Soak 2 cups of basmati rice in water for 30 minutes.

  2. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat ghee\oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add cinnamon stick, green cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaf, and cumin seeds to the pot. Fry the spices for a few seconds until fragrant.

  3. Add sliced onion and green chillis to the pot and fry until pinkish.

    Step 1.1: Add sliced onion and green chillis to the pot and fry until pinkish
  4. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for a few seconds.

    Step 1.1: Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for a few seconds
  5. Add tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and the oil oozes out.

    Step 1.1: Add tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and the oil oozes out
    Step 1.2: Add tomato puree and cook for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens and the oil oozes out
  6. Add turmeric, coriander powder, biryani masala, kashmiri red chilli powder and salt.

    Step 1.1: Add turmeric, coriander powder, biryani masala, kashmiri red chilli powder and salt
  7. Add curd (yogurt) to the pot. Mix well.

    Step 1.1: Add curd (yogurt) to the pot
  8. Add the chopped vegetables (cauliflower, potatoes, diced carrots, peas, and sliced capsicum) and fry for 5-7 minutes until slightly softening.

    Step 1.1: Add the chopped vegetables (cauliflower, potatoes, diced carrots,  peas, and sliced capsicum) and fry for 5-7 minutes until slightly softening
  9. Drain the soaked basmati rice and add it to the pot. Mix well with the vegetables.

    Step 1.1: Drain the soaked basmati rice and add it to the pot
  10. Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil. Then, lower the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let the rice cook for 10-15 minutes until it absorbs all the water and becomes tender.

    Step 1.1: Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil
    Step 1.2: Add 2 cups of water to the pot and bring it to a boil
  11. Once the rice is cooked, gently mix the rice and vegetables with a spoon or flat ladle.

    Step 1.1: Once the rice is cooked, gently mix the rice and vegetables with a spoon or flat ladle
  12. Cover and let the biryani rest for a few minutes.

  13. Serve hot with raita and papad.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

201.7kcal (10.08%)

Protein

4.0g (8%)

Carbs

32.7g (11.88%)

Sugars

1.3g (2.66%)

Healthy Fat

2.5g

Unhealthy Fat

2.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Chop the vegetables and prepare them before cooking to save time.

  2. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to ensure the biryani doesn't burn or stick to the bottom. If you don't have a heavy-bottomed pot, you can use a non-stick pot.

  3. Adjust the amount of biryani powder and salt to suit your taste. Add some red chilli powder or more green chillies if you like your biryani spicier.

  4. After cooking, let the biryani rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing the flavours to blend and the rice to settle.

  5. This recipe yields 4-6 servings. You can adjust the serving size based on your preference.

FAQS

  1. How do I make vegetable biryani step by step?

    To make vegetable biryani, start by soaking 2 cups of basmati rice in water for 30 minutes. In a heavy-bottomed pot, heat ghee or oil and add whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin. Fry sliced onions and green chillies until pinkish, then add ginger-garlic paste and tomato puree. Cook the mixture, then add spices and yogurt. Stir in chopped vegetables and fry for a few minutes. Add the soaked rice, water, and simmer until the rice is cooked. Finally, let it rest before serving with raita and papad.

  2. Is vegetable biryani suitable for a vegan diet?

    Yes, vegetable biryani can easily be made vegan by substituting ghee with vegetable oil and omitting the yogurt or replacing it with a plant-based yogurt alternative. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious vegan meal.

  3. What can I substitute for basmati rice in vegetable biryani?

    If you don't have basmati rice, you can substitute it with jasmine rice or any long-grain rice. However, keep in mind that the cooking time and water ratio may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly.

  4. How should I store leftover vegetable biryani?

    To store leftover vegetable biryani, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

  5. What dishes pair well with vegetable biryani?

    Vegetable biryani pairs wonderfully with raita (yogurt sauce), papad, or a simple salad. You can also serve it with a side of pickles or a tangy chutney to enhance the flavors of this aromatic dish.

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Leena Kohli

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