Ayurvedic cooking is all about balancing the body’s doshas with the right combination of flavors, spices, and ingredients. One of the most comforting and nourishing dishes that perfectly fits into this philosophy is the Ayurvedic Vegetable Biryani.
This aromatic and flavorful rice dish is a wholesome blend of basmati rice, fresh vegetables, and traditional Ayurvedic spices known for their digestive and healing properties.
Whether you are looking to introduce more plant-based meals into your diet or simply want a delicious one-pot meal that feels like a warm hug, this biryani recipe is your go-to. It’s simple to prepare, packed with nutrients, and offers a perfect harmony of taste and wellness.
Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a side of cooling yogurt or fresh salad, making it a complete meal for any day of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ayurvedic Vegetable Biryani is a delightful fusion of taste and health. Here’s why it stands out:
- Balanced Flavors: The recipe uses spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander which not only add depth but also aid digestion and reduce inflammation.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and basmati rice provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for a balanced diet.
- One-Pot Wonder: It’s an easy recipe that saves time and cleanup while delivering complex flavors.
- Customizable: You can adjust the veggies and spices according to your dosha or preference, making it truly personalized.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This biryani tastes even better the next day and can be refrigerated or frozen for later.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
- 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil (for vegan option)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup cauliflower florets
- 1 small potato, cubed
- 1/2 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- Spices:
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick (2 inch)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- Salt to taste
- Juice of half a lemon
Equipment
- Medium bowl (for soaking rice)
- Large heavy-bottomed pan or deep skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fine mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
Instructions
- Prepare the rice: Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Heat the ghee or coconut oil: In a large heavy-bottomed pan, warm the ghee over medium heat.
- Toast whole spices: Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, fennel seeds, and black peppercorns. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring gently.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced onions to the pan and cook until golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. Then add minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Add vegetables: Stir in the diced carrot, green beans, cauliflower, potato, and peas. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add spices and tomato: Sprinkle turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt over the veggies. Stir well, then add the chopped tomato and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add rice and liquid: Gently fold in the soaked rice. Pour in 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Stir carefully to combine without breaking the rice grains.
- Cook the biryani: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover tightly with a lid. Let it simmer for 15-18 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
- Rest and finish: Turn off the heat and let the biryani sit covered for 10 minutes. Then add lemon juice, chopped cilantro, and mint leaves, gently fluffing the rice with a fork.
- Serve warm: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy your aromatic, balanced Ayurvedic Vegetable Biryani!
Tips & Variations
“For an extra burst of flavor, toast your spices lightly before adding other ingredients to release their essential oils.”
- Feel free to swap any vegetables with what’s in season or your preference—bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes work wonderfully.
- To make it vegan, use coconut oil or any neutral vegetable oil instead of ghee.
- For a nuttier texture, add toasted cashews or slivered almonds in the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier biryani, add 1-2 finely chopped green chilies when sautéing the onions.
- Serve with a cooling cucumber raita or fresh mango chutney to balance the spices.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Protein | 7 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Fiber | 6 g |
Vitamin A | 25% DV |
Vitamin C | 35% DV |
Iron | 15% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This Ayurvedic Vegetable Biryani pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal:
- Cucumber Raita: A cooling yogurt-based side with grated cucumber and a pinch of roasted cumin powder.
- Fresh Salad: A simple salad with tomatoes, onions, and lemon juice enhances freshness and crunch.
- Pickles or Chutneys: Mango chutney or lime pickle add a tangy and sweet contrast.
- Warm Lentil Dal: A mild dal provides extra protein and complements the biryani’s spices.
- For a vegan option, try it with coconut yogurt or a cashew-based raita.
Conclusion
The Ayurvedic Vegetable Biryani is more than just a rice dish; it’s a celebration of health, flavor, and tradition all in one pot. By incorporating fresh vegetables and carefully chosen spices, this recipe supports digestion, balances the body’s energies, and delights your taste buds.
Whether you’re new to Ayurvedic cooking or a seasoned enthusiast, this biryani is a wonderful addition to your culinary repertoire.
Easy to make and wonderfully aromatic, it suits busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use seasonal vegetables in a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Don’t forget to explore more nourishing recipes like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or try your hand at spice blends like in our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend to elevate your cooking further.
Wishing you joyful cooking and delicious meals!
📖 Recipe Card: Ayurvedic Vegetable Biryani Pulao Rice and Vegetable
Description: A fragrant and wholesome biryani combining aromatic spices with fresh vegetables and basmati rice. Perfectly balanced for digestion and taste, inspired by Ayurvedic principles.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups basmati rice
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, cauliflower)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp ghee or oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 4 green cardamom pods
- 4 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 tsp garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 3 cups water
- Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes.
- Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon; sauté until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and tomatoes; cook until tomatoes soften.
- Stir in turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Mix in yogurt and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Drain rice and add to the pan; stir gently to combine.
- Add water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
- Cook on low heat for 20 minutes or until rice and vegetables are tender.
- Turn off heat and let it rest covered for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 7 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 50 g
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