Layered Vegetable Tricolor Biryani Recipe
Description:
The Layered Tricolor Biryani is a vibrant and flavorful North Indian dish, celebrating the rich colors of fresh vegetables in each layer. The combination of aromatic spices, vegetables, and fluffy rice brings a delightful harmony of textures and tastes, making it a perfect vegetarian dish for lunch or any special occasion.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for the Biryani:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Rice | 2 cups |
| Salt | To taste |
| Ghee | 3 tablespoons |
Ingredients for the Orange Layer:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green beans (French Beans) | 1/2 cup (chopped and steamed) |
| Carrot (Gajjar) | 1/2 cup (chopped and steamed) |
| Garlic | 2 tablespoons (paste) |
| Ginger | 2 tablespoons (paste) |
| Onions | 1 cup (chopped) |
| Tomatoes | 1 cup (chopped) |
| Green Chillies | 2 tablespoons (paste) |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 cloves |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 pods |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 1 leaf |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi/Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1/2 cup (chopped) |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
Ingredients for the White Layer:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Potato (Aloo) | 1 cup (boiled and cubed) |
| Green Chillies | 2 teaspoons (chopped) |
| Onions | 1 tablespoon (caramelized) |
| Oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
Ingredients for the Green Layer:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spinach Leaves (Palak) | 1 cup (blanched and finely chopped) |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1/2 cup (finely chopped) |
| Cumin powder (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon (roasted) |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1/2 teaspoon |
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Rice
- Begin by cooking the rice. In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add the 2 cups of rice and a pinch of salt. Cook the rice until it’s tender and all the water has been absorbed. Once the rice is cooked, add 3 tablespoons of ghee, stir gently, and set aside to cool.
- Once cooled, fluff the rice with a fork to prevent it from sticking together. Divide the rice into three equal portions for the different layers.
Step 2: Prepare the Orange Layer
- In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they are soft and golden brown.
- Add the garlic and ginger paste to the onions and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and release their juices. Then, add the green chili paste, cloves, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf.
- Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and red chili powder, stirring well to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chopped and steamed green beans and carrots, and mix thoroughly. Stir in the yogurt and mint leaves. Allow the mixture to cook for another 2-3 minutes before removing from heat.
Step 3: Prepare the White Layer
- In a separate bowl, mix the boiled and cubed potatoes with the chopped green chilies and caramelized onions.
- Heat 1/2 teaspoon of oil in a pan and sauté the mixture briefly. Season with salt to taste, then remove from heat.
Step 4: Prepare the Green Layer
- In a pan, heat 1/2 teaspoon of oil and add the cinnamon stick. Stir for a few seconds to release the flavor.
- Add the finely chopped spinach leaves and cook until they soften.
- Stir in the chopped mint leaves and roasted cumin powder, cooking for another 2 minutes. Season with salt to taste, then remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Biryani
- In a large, deep serving dish, begin layering the rice, starting with the orange layer. Spread it evenly at the bottom.
- Add a layer of the white mixture (potatoes and caramelized onions) over the orange layer.
- Then, add a layer of the green spinach and mint mixture on top of the white layer.
- Finally, top the entire biryani with the remaining rice. Gently press the rice to compact the layers slightly.
- Drizzle some ghee over the top and cover the dish with a lid or foil.
Step 6: Cook the Biryani
- Place the assembled biryani on a low flame or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the rice a fragrant aroma.
- Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the layered tricolor biryani hot with raita, salad, or your favorite side dish. The striking color layers and delightful fragrance will make it an instant hit!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 200mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 25% of daily value |
| Iron | 10% of daily value |
This Layered Vegetable Tricolor Biryani brings the rich flavors of North India into one vibrant dish, with a perfect blend of spices and wholesome vegetables, making it not only an eye-catching meal but a delightful feast for the taste buds.
