Awadhi Biryani Recipe Veg: Authentic Flavorful Delight

Awadhi Biryani is a regal dish hailing from the heart of Lucknow, India, celebrated for its aromatic blend of spices, delicate cooking technique, and rich flavors. This veg Awadhi biryani recipe brings a vegetarian twist to the classic, combining fragrant basmati rice with a medley of fresh vegetables, saffron, and whole spices to create a dish that is both wholesome and indulgent.

Perfect for special occasions or a comforting family meal, this biryani showcases the elegance of Awadhi cuisine with its slow-cooked layers and subtle yet complex taste profile.

Whether you are a seasoned biryani lover or a curious home cook eager to explore Indian flavors, this recipe guides you through every step to achieve fluffy, flavorful rice and tender vegetables infused with the essence of cardamom, cloves, and rose water.

Get ready to impress your guests or simply treat yourself to a taste of royal Indian heritage!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Awadhi veg biryani recipe is a celebration of flavors and textures that captivates the senses. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe collection:

• Authentic Flavors: Experience the true essence of Awadhi cuisine with fragrant whole spices and saffron-infused rice.
• Vegetarian & Nutritious: Packed with a variety of fresh vegetables, making it healthy without compromising on taste.
• Layered Cooking Technique: The slow-cooking (dum) process ensures perfectly cooked rice and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Impressively Elegant: A visually stunning dish with vibrant colors and aromatic appeal, perfect for festive occasions.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak according to your preferred veggies or spice levels.

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, peas, potatoes), chopped
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup yogurt, whisked
• 2 tbsp ghee or oil
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1/4 tsp saffron strands soaked in 3 tbsp warm milk
• 2 green chilies, slit lengthwise
• Handful of mint leaves, chopped
• Handful of coriander leaves, chopped
• 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, 2 bay leaves, 1 star anise
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp rose water (optional for aroma)
• 1/4 cup fried onions (optional, for garnish)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with tight-fitting lid
• Frying pan
• Colander or fine mesh sieve
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small bowl for soaking saffron
• Knife and chopping board

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in enough water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp ghee or oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the whole spices (cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, star anise) and sauté until fragrant – about 1-2 minutes.
3. Sauté onions: Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown and caramelized, stirring occasionally to avoid burning. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnishing.
4. Add ginger-garlic paste and spices: To the remaining onions in the pot, add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Cook for 2 minutes until raw smell disappears.
5. Vegetables and tomatoes: Add the chopped mixed vegetables and sauté for 5 minutes. Then add chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and oil begins to separate from the mixture.
6. Add yogurt and herbs: Lower the heat and stir in the whisked yogurt. Mix in chopped mint and coriander leaves. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, ensuring the vegetables are coated and cooked but still firm.
7. Parboil the rice: In a separate large pot, bring water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Add the soaked and drained rice and cook until it is 70% cooked (grain should have a slight bite). Drain the rice using a colander.
8. Layering the biryani: Remove the vegetable mixture from heat. Spread half of the parboiled rice evenly over the vegetables. Sprinkle half of the saffron milk, some rose water, and half of the fried onions over this layer.
9. Repeat the layering with the remaining rice, saffron milk, rose water, mint, coriander, and fried onions on top.
10. Dum cooking: Seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid. You can use dough or a heavy cloth to seal the edges for traditional dum. Cook on very low heat for 25-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and rice to finish cooking.
11. Rest and serve: Turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before opening. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to mix layers before serving.

Tips & Variations

For an extra touch of fragrance, you can add a few drops of kewra water along with rose water during the layering process.

• Use aged basmati rice for the best texture and aroma.
• If you prefer a richer taste, substitute some ghee for oil or add a tablespoon of cream during the final stages.
• Feel free to add paneer cubes or roasted nuts (cashews, almonds) for added texture and protein.
• For a vegan version, replace yogurt with coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
• Experiment with vegetables according to seasonality — bell peppers, mushrooms, or cauliflower work wonderfully.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Awadhi veg biryani hot with a side of cooling raita, such as cucumber or boondi raita. A fresh salad with sliced onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes tossed in lemon juice complements the rich, aromatic biryani beautifully.

For a complete meal, pair the biryani with a warm bowl of Half Runner Beans Recipe or a simple dal tadka.

Conclusion

This Awadhi veg biryani recipe is a delightful journey into the heart of Lucknow’s royal kitchen, perfectly suited for vegetarians craving a flavorful and satisfying meal. The blend of fragrant spices, slow-cooked rice, and fresh vegetables creates a dish that is both comforting and elegant.

The layering and dum cooking technique really make this biryani stand out, offering a multi-dimensional taste experience that is sure to impress your family and friends.

Whether you are preparing for a festive occasion or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe is approachable yet impressive. Don’t forget to try pairing it with one of our other delicious recipes like the Grandma’s Old Fashioned Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce for dessert or enjoy a refreshing Green Goodness Juice alongside for a perfect balance.

Happy cooking!

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