Instant veg biryani is a quick and delicious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner. Made with fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and basmati rice, this easy vegetable biryani recipe is both nutritious and satisfying. Whether you’re new to cooking or looking for a fast yet tasty dish, this vegetable biryani in a cooker is the perfect choice.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
- 1 bay leaf (tej patta)
- ¼ tsp shah jeera (cumin seeds)
- 1 inch cinnamon (dalchini)
- 1 star anise
- ½ tsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- ½ carrot, chopped
- 8 florets gobi (cauliflower)
- ¼ potato, chopped
- ¼ capsicum, chopped
- 3 beans, chopped
- ¼ cup curd (yogurt)
- ½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder
- 1 tsp biryani masala powder
- 2 tbsp pudina (mint), chopped
- 2 tbsp coriander leaves, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups cooked basmati rice
Instructions
- Heat the Ghee and Spices
In a large kadai, heat 1 tbsp ghee. Add 1 bay leaf, 1 inch cinnamon, 1 star anise, and ¼ tsp shah jeera. Sauté until aromatic. - Sauté the Onions and Ginger-Garlic Paste
Add 1 finely chopped onion to the kadai and sauté well. Then, add ½ tsp ginger-garlic paste and continue to sauté until the raw smell goes away. - Add the Vegetables
Now, add ½ chopped carrot, ¼ chopped potato, ¼ chopped capsicum, 8 cauliflower florets, and 3 chopped beans. Sauté the vegetables until they are cooked well. - Incorporate Curd and Spices
Add ¼ cup curd, ½ tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, 1 tsp biryani masala powder, and ½ tsp salt. Sauté well until the spices and curd are cooked thoroughly and oil starts releasing from the sides. - Add Fresh Herbs
Add 2 tbsp chopped pudina and 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves to the kadai. Mix well. - Mix in the Rice
Gently add 2 cups of cooked basmati rice to the kadai. Mix well, ensuring the rice grains don’t break. - Serve
Your instant veg biryani is ready to serve. Enjoy it with onion-tomato raita for a complete meal.
Nutritional Benefits
- Vegetables: The assortment of vegetables in this biryani provides essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are crucial for overall health.
- Basmati Rice: A good source of carbohydrates, providing energy and containing some amount of protein and fiber.
- Spices: Ingredients like cinnamon, star anise, and cumin seeds have anti-inflammatory properties and aid in digestion.
- Curd: Adds probiotics, which are beneficial for gut health.
- Ghee: A healthy fat source, ghee supports good heart health and provides essential fatty acids.
Tips for Perfect Instant Veg Biryani
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Always use fresh vegetables to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your biryani.
- Cook Rice Perfectly: Ensure the basmati rice is cooked just right – not too soft or too hard. Ideally, it should be cooked to 90% before mixing with the vegetables and spices.
- Sauté Spices Well: Sautéing spices in ghee releases their essential oils, which enhances the aroma and taste of the biryani.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a spicier biryani, you can add more Kashmiri red chilli powder or green chilies.
- Don’t Overmix: Be gentle while mixing the rice with the vegetables and spices to avoid breaking the rice grains.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the biryani rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serving Suggestions
- Onion-Tomato Raita: A cool and refreshing side dish made with yogurt, onions, and tomatoes.
- Papad: Crispy and crunchy, papad adds an extra texture to your meal.
- Salad: A simple salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and onions adds freshness and balances the spices of the biryani.
Enjoy this easy vegetable biryani recipe for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal!