Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that combines a medley of vegetables with aromatic spices. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With its vibrant colors and rich taste, this Vegetable Biryani is sure to be a hit at your dining table.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of either olive oil or ghee (optional)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 Roma tomato, minced finely
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 carrot, sliced into thin coins
- 2 russet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by preparing all the vegetables. Dice the onion, mince the garlic and ginger, finely chop the tomato, and slice the carrot, potatoes, bell pepper, and celery. Separate the cauliflower into small florets.
- Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Incorporate the chopped onion and cook until it turns clear, around 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger, continuing to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the finely minced tomato to the pot and cook until it starts to break down, about 2-3 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, bell pepper, celery, and cauliflower. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the Kosher salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garam masala, coriander, turmeric, cumin, and cinnamon. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed and drained basmati rice. Stir to ensure the rice and vegetables are evenly distributed in the broth. Heat the mixture until it boils, then turn down the heat to low, cover, and allow it to simmer for roughly 20-25 minutes, until the rice is fully cooked and the vegetables are soft.
- Add the Peas: About 5 minutes before the end of the cooking time, add the peas to the pot. Stir gently and cover again to let the peas cook through.
- Serve: Once the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed, fluff the biryani with a fork. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or mint if desired.
Conclusion
This Easy Vegetable Biryani is a delightful combination of aromatic spices and fresh vegetables, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. It’s a great dish to prepare for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Enjoy this flavorful and nutritious biryani on its own or with a side of raita or yogurt for a complete meal.