Easy Vegetarian Biryani Recipe for Beginners

Vegetarian biryani is a delicious and aromatic Indian dish made with fragrant basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and a blend of spices. It’s perfect for beginners and a great introduction to Indian cuisine. Here’s an easy, step-by-step guide on how to make a simple yet flavorful vegetarian biryani at home.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2-3 green cardamom pods
• 4-5 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Vegetables:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or ghee
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced
• 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional)
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, green beans), chopped
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

For the Spice Mix:

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• Salt to taste

For Garnish:

• A few saffron strands soaked in 2 tablespoons warm milk (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fried onions
• Fresh cilantro and mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

1. Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
   
2. Cook the Rice: In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, bay leaf, green cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and salt. Cook until the rice is 70-80% done (about 7-8 minutes). The grains should still be firm. Drain the rice and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or pan, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.
   
2. Cook the Onions: Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
   
3. Add Ginger, Garlic, and Chilies: Add the minced garlic, ginger, and slit green chilies (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
   
4. Add Tomatoes: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil starts to separate.
   
5. Add Spices: Stir in the cumin seeds, coriander powder, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
   
6. Add Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables and cook for 5-6 minutes until they are tender but still firm.
   
7. Add Yogurt and Herbs: Stir in the yogurt, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until well combined.

Step 3: Layer the Biryani

1. Layer the Rice and Vegetables: In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, start layering the rice and vegetable mixture. Begin with a layer of rice, followed by a layer of vegetables. Repeat until all the rice and vegetables are used, finishing with a layer of rice.
   
2. Add Saffron Milk: If using, drizzle the saffron milk over the top layer of rice for added flavor and color.

Step 4: Dum Cooking

1. Seal the Pot: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. You can also seal the edges with dough to ensure no steam escapes.
   
2. Cook on Low Heat: Place the pot on a low flame and cook for 15-20 minutes. This process is called “dum” cooking, which allows the flavors to meld together and the rice to finish cooking.
   
3. Rest the Biryani: Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Garnish the biryani with fried onions, fresh cilantro, and mint leaves.
   
2. Serve Hot: Serve the vegetarian biryani hot with raita (yogurt sauce), salad, or a side of your choice.

Tips for Perfect Vegetarian Biryani

• Rice: Do not overcook the rice during the initial boiling. It should be slightly undercooked to prevent it from becoming mushy during the dum process.
  
• Spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. If you prefer a milder biryani, reduce the amount of chili powder and green chilies.
  
• Vegetables: Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor. You can also add paneer or tofu for extra protein.
  
• Dum Cooking: Ensure the pot is well-sealed during the dum cooking to trap all the steam and flavors.

By following these steps, you can easily learn how to make vegetarian biryani that is aromatic, flavorful, and satisfying. Enjoy this classic Indian dish with your family and friends!