Authentic Lucknowi Veg Biryani Recipe Made Easy

Lucknowi Veg Biryani is a culinary masterpiece that brings the royal flavors of Awadhi cuisine right to your home kitchen. This biryani is famed for its fragrant basmati rice, aromatic spices, and beautifully layered vegetables, all cooked with the finesse that Lucknow’s chefs have perfected over centuries.

Unlike other biryanis, the Lucknowi style is known for its subtle yet rich flavors, making it a delight for those who appreciate nuanced Indian cooking. Whether you’re preparing a festive meal or just want to indulge in something special, this authentic Lucknowi veg biryani is sure to impress your family and guests.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through every step, from selecting the right spices to the perfect layering technique. So grab your apron and let’s embark on this flavorful journey to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also a beautiful celebration of Indian heritage.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This authentic Lucknowi veg biryani recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas. The use of whole spices like green cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon ensures a fragrant rice base, while the slow-cooking method seals in all the goodness.

It’s a wholesome, vegetarian dish that’s packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and herbs.

Whether you’re a seasoned biryani lover or a beginner in Indian cooking, this recipe is approachable yet impressive. It’s an excellent way to add variety to your meals and experience the royal culinary traditions of Lucknow in your own home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, finely chopped)
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup yogurt (whisked)
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 4 green cardamom pods
• 4 cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water
• Few strands of saffron soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk (optional)
• Fried onions for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed deep pan or Dutch oven
• Large pot for boiling rice
• Colander for draining rice
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and chopping board
• Small bowl for soaking saffron
• Plate or lid to seal the pot during dum cooking

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
2. Cook the rice: In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and 1 tbsp ghee. Add the soaked rice and cook until it is 70% done (the grains should still have a bite). Drain the rice in a colander and set aside.
3. Sauté the whole spices: Heat the remaining ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Cook onions and ginger-garlic paste: Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Then add ginger-garlic paste and cook for another 2 minutes until raw smell disappears.
5. Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and the oil starts to separate from the mixture.
6. Add vegetables: Mix in the chopped vegetables and cook for 5-6 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked.
7. Add yogurt and herbs: Lower the heat and add whisked yogurt, chopped mint, and coriander leaves. Stir well to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
8. Layer the biryani: Remove half of the vegetable mixture and spread half of the cooked rice over the vegetables in the pan. Sprinkle half of the garam masala, lemon juice, and saffron milk if using. Layer the remaining vegetable mixture and then the rest of the rice on top. Repeat the sprinkling of garam masala, lemon juice, and saffron milk.
9. Dum cooking: Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal it with dough to trap the steam. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking.
10. Rest and serve: Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before gently fluffing it with a fork. Garnish with fried onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

For the perfect Lucknowi veg biryani, always use aged basmati rice for that extra fragrance and fluffiness.

To enhance the taste, you can add a splash of rose water or kewra water during layering. This adds an authentic aroma typical of Awadhi cuisine.

If you prefer a richer texture, substitute some of the ghee with butter.

For a protein boost, add boiled chickpeas or paneer cubes. For a vegan version, skip the yogurt and use coconut yogurt or cashew cream instead.

You can also experiment with different vegetables depending on the season.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Lucknowi veg biryani pairs beautifully with cooling sides like raita made from yogurt, cucumber, and mint. You can also serve it with a fresh salad or a tangy pickle to balance the rich flavors.

A simple bowl of dal or a vegetable curry complements the meal well for those wanting a more elaborate feast.

For dessert, consider trying a sweet dish like the Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe to round off your dining experience on a sweet note.

Conclusion

Making an authentic Lucknowi veg biryani at home is not only rewarding but also a wonderful way to celebrate Indian culinary heritage. This dish’s delicate layering of spices, rice, and vegetables creates a rich tapestry of flavors that is both comforting and impressive.

With a little patience and the right ingredients, you can bring the royal kitchens of Lucknow to your dinner table.

Don’t hesitate to customize this recipe to your taste or dietary preferences. Whether it’s a special occasion or a weekend treat, this biryani will surely become a favorite.

And while you’re here, explore other delightful recipes like the Glazed Twist Donut Recipe or the Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe for your next cooking adventure!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Authentic Lucknowi Veg Biryani”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A fragrant and flavorful vegetarian biryani from Lucknow, known for its delicate spices and aromatic rice. This recipe blends basmati rice with mixed vegetables and traditional spices for a rich, satisfying dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups basmati rice”, “1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)”, “1 large onion, thinly sliced”, “2 tomatoes, chopped”, “1/4 cup yogurt”, “2 tbsp ghee or oil”, “1 tsp ginger-garlic paste”, “1 tsp garam masala”, “1/2 tsp turmeric powder”, “4 green cardamom pods”, “4 cloves”, “1 cinnamon stick”, “1 bay leaf”, “1/4 cup chopped mint leaves”, “1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves”, “Salt to taste”, “3 cups water”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Wash and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat ghee in a pan, add whole spices and saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in ginger-garlic paste and saut\u00e9 for 2 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add tomatoes, turmeric, garam masala, and salt; cook until oil separates.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in yogurt and cook for 3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mixed vegetables and cook until slightly tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Boil water in a separate pot, add soaked rice, and cook until 70% done; drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Layer half the rice over the vegetable mixture, sprinkle half the mint and coriander.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add remaining rice and top with remaining herbs.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 20 minutes (dum cooking).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gently fluff the biryani before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “7 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}