Ambur Veg Biryani Recipe Video: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re craving a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that’s both wholesome and satisfying, look no further than the delightful Ambur Veg Biryani. This South Indian classic hails from Ambur, a town in Tamil Nadu known for its distinctive style of biryani, usually featuring a vibrant blend of spices and fresh vegetables.

Our recipe video brings this culinary treasure to your kitchen, making it easier than ever to create a fragrant, spicy, and tasty biryani that vegetarians will adore. With perfectly cooked basmati rice, a rich medley of vegetables, and a harmonious mix of spices, this biryani is a feast for the senses.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your cooking journey, this recipe is approachable, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to impress your family and guests. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy the essence of Ambur’s famous biryani without needing meat.

So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to make a dish that’s both comforting and celebratory!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ambur Veg Biryani stands out because of its unique blend of spices and the method of cooking rice and vegetables separately before layering them together. This ensures every grain of rice remains fluffy and infused with the rich flavors of the spices, while the vegetables retain their texture and color.

Unlike other biryanis, Ambur biryani is known for its slightly tangy and spicy flavor profile, achieved through the use of curd and chili powder. The cooking technique also involves a “dum” process, where the dish is slow-cooked to allow the flavors to meld wonderfully.

It’s a fantastic choice if you want a vegetarian meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent.

Plus, this dish is perfect for meal prep, special occasions, or a weekend treat. Once you try it, you’ll see why Ambur biryani holds a special place in the hearts of biryani lovers worldwide.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower), chopped
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 medium tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup yogurt (curd)
• 2 tbsp oil (vegetable or sunflower oil)
• 1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 4-5 cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 small stick cinnamon
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish
• 2 cups water

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker
• Frying pan or skillet
• Large mixing bowl
• Fine sieve or colander
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spatula or spoon
• Knife and chopping board
• Lid for the pan (preferably tight-fitting for dum cooking)

Instructions

1. Wash and Soak Rice: Begin by rinsing the basmati rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain using a sieve.
2. Cook the Rice: In a heavy-bottomed pan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin seeds. Add the soaked rice and cook until it’s about 70% done (the grains should still have a slight bite). Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetable Masala: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes turn soft and oil starts to separate from the masala.
5. Cook the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes. Then add the yogurt, mix well, and cook until the vegetables are tender but not mushy. Sprinkle garam masala and stir.
6. Layer the Biryani: In the heavy-bottomed pan or a deep pot, spread half of the cooked vegetable masala evenly. Layer half of the cooked rice on top. Repeat with the remaining vegetable masala and rice to create layers.
7. Add Ghee and Herbs: Drizzle ghee over the top layer. Garnish with fresh coriander and mint leaves for that signature aroma and freshness.
8. Dum Cooking: Cover the pot with a tight lid. You can seal the edges with dough or a kitchen towel to trap steam. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9. Serve Hot: Once done, gently fluff the biryani with a fork. Serve hot with raita or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For the best Ambur Veg Biryani, always use fresh basmati rice and soak it beforehand to ensure fluffy grains.

• If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute some of the oil with ghee during the cooking process.
• Adding fried cashews and raisins to the vegetable masala can give a delightful sweet crunch.
• To make this recipe vegan, substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
• For extra heat, add a pinch of black pepper or use more green chilies.
• Try adding a few drops of rose water or kewra water during the dum process for an authentic aroma.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Ambur Veg Biryani pairs wonderfully with cooling sides that balance its spicy flavors. Consider serving it with a bowl of refreshing cucumber raita or a tangy tomato-onion salad.

A simple onion and lemon pickle can also elevate the meal beautifully.

For a more indulgent feast, try it alongside Bread And Gravy Recipe or enjoy a light starter like the Blackstone Asparagus Recipe. And if you’re looking for a comforting breakfast the next day, leftover biryani pairs nicely with the Breakfast Wellington Recipe.

Conclusion

The Ambur Veg Biryani recipe video is your gateway to mastering this delicious, spice-laden South Indian biryani at home. Packed with wholesome vegetables and aromatic spices, this recipe is not only satisfying but also a wonderful way to explore vegetarian Indian cuisine.

The step-by-step instructions ensure that even novice cooks can achieve restaurant-quality results with ease.

With its perfect blend of tanginess, heat, and fragrant herbs, Ambur Veg Biryani is sure to become a favorite in your household. So why wait?

Try this recipe today, and bring a taste of Ambur’s culinary heritage right to your dining table!

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