Veg Biryani is a royal Indian dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with mixed vegetables, spices, and herbs. Known for its irresistible aroma and layered cooking style, hotel‑style biryani is rich, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or festive occasions. Once you serve it, everyone will ask for the recipe.
Ingredients
For Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
- 4 cups water
- 2–3 cloves
- 2 cardamoms
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For Vegetable Mix
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp ginger‑garlic paste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, cauliflower, potato)
- 1 tomato, chopped
- ½ cup curd (yogurt)
- 2 green chilies, slit
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp garam masala
- ½ tsp biryani masala (optional)
- Salt to taste
For Garnish and Layering
- 2 tbsp fried onions (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped mint leaves
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
- 2 tbsp saffron milk (saffron soaked in warm milk)
- 1 tbsp ghee
Step‑by‑Step Process
1. Cook the Rice
- Boil water with whole spices and salt.
- Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done (grains should be firm).
- Drain and keep aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetable Curry
- Heat ghee/oil in a pan.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Mix in ginger‑garlic paste and cook for a minute.
- Add chopped vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Add tomato, curd, green chilies, turmeric, chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
- Cook until vegetables are tender and masala is aromatic.
- Sprinkle garam masala and biryani masala.
3. Layer the Biryani
- In a heavy‑bottomed pan, spread half of the cooked rice.
- Add the vegetable curry layer.
- Sprinkle mint, coriander, fried onions, and saffron milk.
- Add the remaining rice on top.
- Drizzle ghee and cover tightly.
4. Dum Cooking (Steaming)
- Place the pan on low flame for 15–20 minutes.
- Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes.
- Allow the biryani to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with raita, pickle, or papad.
- Pair with mirchi ka salan for authentic restaurant flavor.
- Garnish with fried cashews and raisins for a royal touch.
Tips for Perfect Hotel‑Style Biryani
- Use aged basmati rice for long, fluffy grains.
- Fry onions until golden for authentic flavor.
- Do not overcook rice; keep it slightly firm before layering.
- Dum cooking is the secret to hotel‑style aroma.
- Add saffron milk for rich color and fragrance.
Health Angle
Veg biryani is wholesome and nutritious. Vegetables provide fiber and vitamins, while rice offers energy. Using curd and minimal ghee keeps it lighter yet flavorful.
Conclusion
Hotel‑style Veg Biryani is easy to prepare at home with the right technique. The layered cooking, aromatic spices, and saffron touch make it a dish that everyone will love. Serve it for dinner, and watch your guests ask for the recipe again and again.
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