Imagine a fragrant, colorful dish that transports you straight to the bustling streets of India, where every bite is a celebration of spices and textures. Our Vegetable Biryani with Crispy Onions is not just a meal—it's a culinary journey that promises to elevate your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Packed with vibrant mixed vegetables, aromatic spices, and topped with golden crispy onions, this recipe will become your new favorite comfort food that impresses both family and guests alike.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans)
- 3 tablespoons ghee or oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cloves
- 4 cardamom pods
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for 30 minutes to ensure fluffy, long grains during cooking.
- Heat ghee or oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, and cardamom pods. Sauté for 30 seconds until the spices become fragrant and release their essential oils.
- Add thinly sliced onions to the pot. Fry slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove half the onions and set aside for garnishing later.
- In the same pot, add mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain their vibrant colors.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Gently stir to coat the rice with the spices and vegetables. Add garam masala and salt, mixing well.
- Pour
- 5 cups of water into the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Let the biryani rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and steam to settle.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Top with reserved crispy onions and freshly chopped cilantro before serving hot.
Tips
- Rice Quality Matters: Always use long-grain basmati rice and rinse it thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains.
- Spice Timing is Crucial: Toast whole spices like cumin, cloves, and cardamom in ghee before adding other ingredients to release their maximum flavor potential.
- Crispy Onion Secret: Slice onions uniformly and fry them on medium-low heat to achieve that perfect golden-brown crispiness without burning.
- Layer for Depth: Consider layering rice and vegetables for an even more authentic biryani experience if you have extra time.
- Resting is Key: Always let your biryani rest after cooking to allow flavors to meld and steam to redistribute, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.Pro tip: This recipe serves 4 and takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a weekend family meal or special gathering!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
