Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani Recipe
A Flavorful Feast for Your Taste Buds
Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani is an exquisite, aromatic dish that brings together a symphony of rice, vegetables, and a blend of spices. It’s a beloved classic from the city of Hyderabad, making it a popular choice for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something incredibly flavorful. The beauty of this biryani lies in its simplicity—packed with vibrant vegetables like green beans, carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, it’s not just a vegetarian’s dream but a dish that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a comforting family meal, this Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients for Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani
For the Vegetables and Rice:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Green beans (chopped & steamed) | 1/2 Cup |
| Carrots (chopped & steamed) | 1/2 Cup |
| Cabbage (chopped & steamed) | 1 Cup |
| Potatoes (boiled, peeled, chopped) | 1 Cup |
| Rice (washed) | 2 Cups |
| Tomatoes (pureed) | 1 Cup |
| Curd (yogurt) | 1 Cup |
| Cinnamon | 1-inch piece |
| Cardamom | 4 pods |
| Bay leaves | 2 leaves |
| Turmeric powder | 1 tsp |
| Red chilli powder | 1 tsp |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As needed |
For the Paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece |
| Onion | 1 large, chopped |
| Green chillies | 2 whole |
For Garnish:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mint leaves | 3 sprigs, chopped |
| Onions | 1/2 Cup, thinly sliced and fried |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 60 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6 people
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani:
-
Prepare the Rice:
Begin by rinsing the rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch. In a saucepan, combine the rice with 2 cups of water, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of oil. Cook the rice until it’s half done, then remove from heat. Set it aside for later. -
Cook the Vegetables:
Steam the green beans, carrots, and cabbage until tender. Peel and chop the boiled potatoes. Set all the vegetables aside to be added later. -
Grind the Whole Spices:
In a mortar and pestle, grind the cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaves into a fine powder. This aromatic spice mix will give the biryani its signature fragrance. -
Make the Spice Paste:
In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, ginger, onion, and green chillies to make a smooth paste. Set this aside for the next step. -
Prepare the Biryani Base:
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the freshly made garlic-ginger-onion paste and sauté it for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. Next, add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and the ground cinnamon cardamom mixture. Cook this spice mixture for 1 minute, stirring continuously to avoid burning. -
Incorporate the Tomatoes and Curd:
Add the pureed tomatoes to the saucepan and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften and blend into the spices. Stir in the curd (yogurt) and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to create a thick, rich base. -
Layer the Biryani:
To the spice and curd mixture, add the steamed vegetables, boiled potatoes, and the half-cooked rice. Gently mix everything, ensuring that the rice and vegetables are well-coated with the aromatic spices. Season with salt to taste and add fresh mint leaves for a burst of flavor. -
Simmer and Cook:
Lower the heat, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the biryani cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together, creating the perfect aromatic dish. -
Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the biryani sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This resting time ensures the flavors are absorbed fully by the rice. For the final touch, garnish with crispy fried onions and fresh mint leaves. -
Serve:
Serve the Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani hot, accompanied by Burani Raita (yogurt sauce) and Mirchi Ka Salan (spicy chili curry) for an authentic Hyderabadi experience.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 6 g |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Sugars | 5 g |
Additional Tips:
- You can substitute the vegetables in this biryani with your favorites or whatever you have on hand—peas, cauliflower, or even green peas work wonderfully.
- For an extra indulgent biryani, you can layer the rice and vegetable mixture with fried onions, cashews, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile—add some fried paneer or tofu for a protein-packed vegetarian version or pair with your favorite protein for a non-vegetarian variation.
Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani is the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth, flavor, and an unforgettable aroma. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe will deliver on both taste and tradition.
