Biryani Recipe Veg Sanjeev Kapoor Style Made Easy

Biryani is a dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of India, and the Veg Biryani recipe by Chef Sanjeev Kapoor is a perfect introduction to this iconic meal. With its aromatic spices, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked basmati rice, this biryani offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures that will impress both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Whether you’re cooking for a festive occasion or a cozy family dinner, this recipe brings a wholesome and satisfying experience to your table. The balance of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, combined with fresh herbs and a hint of saffron, elevates the humble vegetable biryani to a gourmet delight.

In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making this delicious dish, share tips to customize it, and suggest serving ideas that will make your meal unforgettable. Ready to master one of India’s most beloved dishes?

Let’s dive into Sanjeev Kapoor’s Veg Biryani recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Veg Biryani recipe is a celebration of flavor and tradition. It’s perfectly balanced between fragrant spices and fresh vegetables, making it both comforting and exciting.

The layering technique used in this recipe ensures that every bite bursts with an incredible aroma and taste.

Why you’ll want to make this:

• Authentic flavor: Prepared with traditional Indian spices that create a rich and aromatic biryani.
• Healthy and wholesome: Loaded with fresh vegetables and minimal oil, it’s a nutritious meal.
• Versatile: Suitable for vegetarians and can easily be adapted for vegans.
• Impressive presentation: The vibrant layers of rice and veggies make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
• Great for gatherings: A perfect dish for parties or special occasions that feeds a crowd.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower, potatoes), chopped
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup yogurt, whisked
• 2 tbsp cooking oil or ghee
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• 1/4 tsp saffron strands soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk
• 1 tsp garam masala powder
• 1 tsp red chili powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• Whole spices: 4 green cardamoms, 4 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 1 bay leaf
• Salt to taste
• 3 cups water for cooking rice

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or pressure cooker
• Frying pan or skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for soaking saffron

Instructions

1. Rinse and soak rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Prepare vegetables: Chop all the vegetables uniformly so they cook evenly. Keep them ready to use.
3. Cook the rice: In a large pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and the whole spices (cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf). Add the soaked rice and cook until it’s 70% done. Drain and set aside.
4. Sauté onions: Heat oil or ghee in a frying pan on medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown. Remove half for garnishing.
5. Add ginger-garlic and chilies: To the remaining onions in the pan, add the ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for 2 minutes until raw smell disappears.
6. Cook vegetables: Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes soften and vegetables are slightly tender.
7. Mix yogurt and herbs: Lower the heat and add whisked yogurt, chopped mint, and coriander leaves. Stir well and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
8. Layering the biryani: In a heavy-bottomed pot, spread half of the cooked vegetables. Then layer half of the rice over the vegetables. Sprinkle half of the garam masala powder, some fried onions, and half of the saffron milk. Repeat the layers with remaining vegetables, rice, garam masala, fried onions, and saffron milk.
9. Cook on dum (steam): Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid or seal it with dough to trap steam. Cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and rice to fully cook.
10. Serve: Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before gently fluffing it with a fork.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a teaspoon of rose water or kewra water to the saffron milk before layering.”

• Use ghee instead of oil for a richer taste and aroma.
• Try adding paneer cubes or tofu for added protein.
• Adjust the spice level by reducing or increasing green chilies and red chili powder.
• For a vegan version, substitute yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
• If you want a smoky flavor, carefully add a small piece of hot charcoal in a bowl inside the pot and pour some ghee over it. Cover quickly and let it infuse for 5 minutes (smoke “dhungar” technique).
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the biryani from sticking or burning at the base.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Veg Biryani is a complete meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the experience. Serve it hot with a side of:

• Cooling raita: Cucumber or boondi raita complements the spices perfectly.
• Fresh salad: Sliced onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes with a dash of lemon juice.
• Pickles: Tangy Indian pickles add a punch of flavor.
• Papad: Crispy papadums add texture contrast.

For a sweet finish, try the delightful Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe, which is perfect after the rich spices of biryani.

Conclusion

Making Sanjeev Kapoor’s Veg Biryani is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings layers of flavor, aroma, and colorful vegetables to your dining table. The recipe balances traditional spices with wholesome ingredients, creating a comforting yet festive dish that is sure to impress your family and guests.

With a bit of patience and love, you can master this iconic Indian recipe and enjoy a meal that celebrates culture and taste.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes on our site to complement your cooking journey, such as the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy twist or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for dessert.

Happy cooking and enjoy your flavorful feast!

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