Inspired by: @veganonthesavannah
Are you searching for a delicious, satisfying, and easy weeknight meal that tastes just like homemade comfort food? Look no further! This Easy Vegan Biryani recipe is a game-changer, especially for anyone living alone or looking for stress-free meal prep. As original author @veganonthesavannah beautifully puts it, making this biryani was one of their "proudest moments," noting it was "just as amazing as my mom's!" This recipe truly brings that heartwarming, authentic flavor right to your kitchen.
Many users on abillion have been incredibly impressed, with comments like "That looks really good 😀😍👌", "Yum 😋", and "That looks delicious". One user was even impressed with the spelling of "biryani"! It's clear this dish is a crowd-pleaser and we're excited for you to discover why.
This plant-based, dairy-free biryani is designed for convenience, allowing you to whip up a flavorful batch that simply needs heating up in the microwave for quick dinners throughout the week. It’s perfect for busy schedules, ensuring you can "eat more plants" effortlessly without compromising on taste.
What is Vegan Biryani?
Biryani is a beloved one-pot dish originating from the Indian subcontinent, traditionally made with spiced rice, meat, and vegetables. Our vegan version captures all the aromatic depth and rich flavors using a medley of vibrant vegetables, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice, creating a wholesome and incredibly satisfying plant-based meal. It's a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, meat-free dish that's naturally full of nutrients.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Indian |
| Dietary | Vegan, Plant-Based, Dairy-Free, Vegetarian |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Equipment You'll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small bowl for soaking rice
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or 1-inch ginger, 3 cloves garlic, crushed)
- 1-2 green chilies, slit (optional, for heat)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 green cardamom pods
- 4-5 cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin powder (if I had one)
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 large tomato, chopped
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, green beans, peas, potatoes), diced
- ½ cup chickpeas, cooked or canned (drained and rinsed)
- 3 cups vegetable broth or water
- Salt to taste
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, chopped
- Fried onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in enough water to cover for 20 minutes, then drain well. This step helps achieve long, separate grains.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat coconut oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until golden brown and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes. Remove a small portion for garnish if desired.
- Add Whole Spices: To the remaining onions, add ginger-garlic paste, green chilies (if using), cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, and bay leaf. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate Ground Spices & Vegetables: Stir in turmeric powder, coriander powder, cumin powder (if using), and red chili powder. Cook for 30 seconds. Add chopped tomato and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Veggies & Chickpeas: Add the mixed vegetables and chickpeas. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the flavors.
- Layer Rice & Liquid: Gently stir in the drained basmati rice. Pour in the vegetable broth and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer & Cook: Reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- Rest & Garnish: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the biryani rest, covered, for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the steam to distribute evenly.
- Serve: Gently fluff the biryani with a fork. Stir in fresh mint and coriander leaves. Garnish with reserved fried onions (if using). Serve hot with a side of vegan raita or a simple fresh salad.
Variations & Adaptations
- Protein Boost: Add cubes of pan-fried firm tofu or tempeh along with the vegetables for extra protein.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of green chilies and red chili powder to suit your preference for heat. For a milder version, omit the chilies.
- Vegetable Mix: Feel free to use any mix of vegetables you have on hand, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or cauliflower florets.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the use of rice!
- Nutty Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, toast a handful of cashews or almonds in a separate pan with a tiny bit of oil until golden, then stir them in at the end.
Tips & Hacks for Easy Meal Prep
- Batch Cooking: This biryani recipe scales wonderfully, making it ideal for batch cooking. Prepare a larger quantity at the beginning of the week for quick and healthy lunches or dinners.
- Reheating: Store leftover biryani in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When ready to eat, simply microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry to maintain moisture.
- Pre-Chopped Veggies: Save time by using pre-chopped mixed vegetables available at your local grocery store.
- Instant Pot Method: For even quicker cooking, adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Sauté as instructed, then add rice, vegetables, and broth. Cook on high pressure for 5-7 minutes with a 10-minute natural release.
Image Gallery
Showcase the beauty of your homemade vegan biryani!
A close-up of the delicious, colorful vegan biryani, showcasing its aromatic spices and tender vegetables.
The perfect plant-based meal for weeknight dinners or healthy meal prep.
Ready to bring this incredible dish to your table? Try this Easy Vegan Biryani recipe tonight! We'd love to see your creations. Share your biryani photos and reviews on abillion and tag @veganonthesavannah to show them some love for this amazing, mom-approved recipe!
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- Discover how to make a comforting bowl of soup with our guide to Hearty & Spicy Vegan Indian Vegetable Soup.
- Explore another great meal prep option with Easy Crispy Vegan Lentils and Rice.
- For an exotic twist, try our Easy One-Pot Vegan Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine.
- If you love creamy dishes, our Easy & Creamy Vegan Coconut Curry is a must-try.
