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Easy Vegetable Biryani

Easy Vegetable Biryani

Easy Vegetable Biryani is a fragrant, hearty dish packed with vibrant spices. This simple recipe delivers a comforting flavorful vegetarian biryani for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Rice:

  • 1 ½ cups 300 g basmati rice, rinsed and soaked 20–30 minutes
  • 4 cups 960 ml water
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tsp oil or ghee
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 –3 green cardamom pods
  • 3 cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick

For the Vegetable Masala:

  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 medium tomato chopped
  • 1 ½ cups mixed vegetables carrot, beans, peas, potato
  • ¼ cup chopped mint leaves
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup 120 g plain yogurt (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 tsp biryani masala or garam masala
  • ½ tsp turmeric
  • ½ tsp red chili powder adjust to taste
  • Salt to taste

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fried onions
  • Saffron strands in 2 tbsp warm milk
  • Toasted cashews or raisins

Instructions
 

Cook Rice

  • I boil 4 cups water in a pot with ½ tsp salt, 2 tsp oil, 1 bay leaf, 2–3 cardamom pods, 3 cloves, and 1 cinnamon stick. I add 1 ½ cups soaked rice, cook until 80% done (grains slightly firm), drain, and set aside for this simple recipe.

Prepare Masala Base

  • I heat 2 tbsp oil in a deep pot, add 1 tsp cumin seeds to sizzle, sauté 1 sliced onion until golden, stir in 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste for 1–2 minutes, then add 1 chopped tomato, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp chili powder, 1 tsp biryani masala, and salt for this spiced vegetable rice.

Cook Vegetables

  • I add 1 ½ cups mixed vegetables, ¼ cup mint, and ¼ cup cilantro, stirring to coat. I cover and cook on low 5–7 minutes until tender for this flavorful vegetarian biryani.

Layer and Steam

  • I stir in ½ cup yogurt, simmer 2–3 minutes, layer rice over vegetables, sprinkle with saffron milk or fried onions, cover tightly, and cook on low 10–12 minutes. I rest 10 minutes, fluff, and serve for this Easy Vegetable Biryani.

Notes

  • Soak basmati rice for at least 20 minutes to ensure fluffy texture.
  • Do not overcook vegetables—they should remain slightly firm.
  • Use fresh mint and coriander for best aroma.
  • Let biryani rest before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Add paneer, tofu, or mushrooms for protein variation.

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Keyword Easy Vegetable Biryani