This Vegetable Dum Biryani is a fragrant and flavorful dish that captures the essence of traditional biryani without relying on store-bought masalas. Made with fresh, simple ingredients and a medley of vegetables, this recipe brings out the authentic taste of home-cooked biryani. The rice is cooked to perfection and layered with spiced vegetables, then allowed to steam, or “dum,” to infuse the flavors together. The best thing about this vegetable biryani is that we will make it without biryani masala. This veg biryani is perfect for special occasions or a cozy family dinner, this biryani is sure to impress!

Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1-2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 whole cloves
- 1-2 green cardamom pods
- 1- inch cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon juiced
- A handful of fresh coriander leaves chopped
For the Vegetable Mix:
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger grated
- 1 green chili slit
- 1 medium tomato chopped
- 1 carrot diced
- 1-2 potatoes sliced
- A handful of green beans chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1/4 cup yogurt
- Fresh mint leaves chopped
- Fresh coriander leaves chopped
- Salt to taste
Spices:
- 1 tablespoon red chili powder
- 1.5 teaspoons coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder for color
- Optional:
- Soy chunks boiled and drained
- Saffron strands soaked in warm milk for color
- Food coloring orange, for aesthetics
Instructions
Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak for 30 minutes if desired.
- In a pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt, oil, bay leaf, whole spices (cloves, cardamom, cinnamon), lemon , and chopped coriander.
- Add the soaked rice and cook until it is about 80% done. Drain and set aside.
- In a grinder add onion, garlic, ginger , tomato and green chilli.
Make the Vegetable Mix:
- In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add big and small cardamom, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppper, stone flower and star anise.
- Add onion paste and saute for some time.
- Once the mixture is well combined, add diced carrots, potatoes, green beans, and cauliflower. Stir well.
- Season with salt, then add the fresh herbs (mint and coriander) and yogurt. Mix thoroughly.
- Add the spice powders (red chili, coriander, turmeric, and Kashmiri chili) and mix until well combined. Cook until the vegetables are partially tender.
- In the pot with the vegetable mix, spread the cooked rice evenly over the top.
- Drizzle saffron milk (if using) and garnish with additional mint and coriander.
- Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Once done, carefully fluff the biryani with a fork, mixing the layers gently.
- Serve hot with a cooling raita or salad for a complete meal.
Video
Notes
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or fewer green chilies.
This biryani pairs well with a side of yogurt raita to balance its flavors. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Vegetable Dum Biryani!
This biryani pairs well with a side of yogurt raita to balance its flavors. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Vegetable Dum Biryani!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!