This Special Veg Biryani recipe is a celebration of flavor and tradition. Whether you’re a biryani purist or a first-timer, this dish will impress everyone at the table with its aroma, color, and taste!
🌟 IntroductionVeg Biryani is a fragrant, colorful, and rich rice dish made with aromatic basmati rice, vibrant vegetables, and warming spices. A beloved favorite across India, this Special Veg Biryani is layered with love and flavor, offering a royal experience in every bite—perfect for weekend meals, festivals, or family dinners.
Servings: 4
Cost: 100
Ingredients
For Rice:
- 1½ cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 –3 cloves
- 2 green cardamom
- ½ inch cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For Vegetables:
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 onion thinly sliced
- 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tomato chopped
- ½ cup carrot chopped
- ½ cup beans chopped
- ½ cup green peas
- ½ cup cauliflower florets
- ¼ cup paneer cubes optional
- 2 tbsp curd yogurt
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Chopped coriander and mint leaves
For Final Assembly:
- A few strands of saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
- 1 tbsp fried onions optional
- 1 tbsp ghee
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes.
- Boil water with whole spices and salt.
- Add soaked rice and cook until 90% done. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Masala
- Heat oil/ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds and sliced onion.
- Sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till raw smell disappears.
- Add tomatoes and cook until soft.
- Add all vegetables, salt, turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. Cook for 5–7 minutes.
- Stir in curd and mix well. Cook until oil separates. Add chopped mint and coriander.
Step 3: Layering the Biryani
- In a heavy-bottomed pan, layer half the rice, then the vegetable masala, and top with the remaining rice.
- Drizzle saffron milk, ghee, and fried onions.
- Cover tightly and cook on low flame for 15 minutes (dum cooking).
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with raita, salad, and papad
- Pair it with mirchi ka salan or boondi raita for a Hyderabadi touch
- Garnish with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon
💡 Tips for Perfect Veg Biryani
- Use aged long-grain basmati rice for best texture
- Ensure the rice is only 90% cooked before layering
- Add rose water or kewra water for extra aroma (optional)
- Don’t skip the dum cooking step—it brings out rich flavors