Cooker Biryani Recipe Veg Made Easy and Delicious

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Cooker Biryani Recipe Veg is a delightful one-pot meal that brings the rich flavors of traditional Indian biryani right to your kitchen without the fuss of layering or slow cooking. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a fragrant, flavorful dish loaded with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices.

The beauty of cooker biryani is in its simplicity and speed — everything cooks together in your pressure cooker or electric cooker, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.

Vegetable biryani is a wholesome, colorful dish that combines basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and a blend of spices for a satisfying meal. Whether you are a vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe offers a hearty and healthy option that’s bursting with flavor.

Ready in under an hour, it’s a perfect crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks.

Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow cooker biryani recipe and unlock the secrets to making a perfect flavorful veg biryani every time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cooker biryani recipe veg is:

  • Quick and easy: It uses a pressure cooker or electric cooker, cutting down cooking time drastically while retaining authentic flavors.
  • Flavor-packed: The perfect blend of spices like garam masala, coriander, and fresh herbs infuses the rice and vegetables with incredible aroma and taste.
  • Customizable: Use any vegetables you have on hand, making it versatile and ideal for seasonal produce or leftovers.
  • One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pot.
  • Vegetarian and wholesome: Loaded with vegetables and fragrant basmati rice, it’s nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes
  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 1 green chili, slit (optional)
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes, cauliflower), chopped
  • 1 large tomato, chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)
  • 1/4 cup chopped mint leaves
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • 2-3 whole green cardamom pods
  • 4 cloves
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Fried onions for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Pressure cooker or electric cooker (Instant Pot or similar)
  • Large mixing bowl for soaking rice
  • Knife and chopping board
  • Spoon and spatula for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving dish

Instructions

  1. Rinse and soak the rice: Rinse basmati rice in cold water 2-3 times until water runs clear. Soak for 20 minutes, then drain.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Chop all your vegetables into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  3. Heat oil in the cooker: Turn on the cooker to medium heat and add oil. Once hot, add whole spices — cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sauté onions: Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning.
  5. Add ginger-garlic paste and green chili: Cook for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  6. Add chopped tomatoes: Cook until soft and mushy, about 3-4 minutes.
  7. Add spices and salt: Stir in turmeric, coriander powder, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Mix well to coat the tomato-onion mixture.
  8. Add vegetables: Toss in all the mixed vegetables and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  9. Add herbs: Mix in chopped coriander and mint leaves for fresh flavor.
  10. Add soaked rice: Gently fold the drained rice into the vegetable mixture to combine without breaking the rice grains.
  11. Pour water and lemon juice: Add 2 ½ cups of water and lemon juice. Stir gently once to combine.
  12. Cook under pressure: Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 2 whistles (about 6 minutes). If using an electric cooker, set to manual or pressure cook mode for 6 minutes.
  13. Release pressure and fluff: After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then open the lid carefully. Fluff the biryani gently with a fork.
  14. Garnish and serve: Top with fried onions if desired and serve hot with raita or salad.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For extra aroma, add a few strands of saffron soaked in warm milk to the rice before cooking.

Variation: Use coconut milk instead of water for a richer, creamier taste.

Tip: If you prefer a less spicy biryani, reduce the red chili powder or omit green chilies.

Variation: Add paneer cubes or tofu for a protein boost.

Tip: For a smoky flavor, after cooking, seal the cooker with a piece of hot charcoal placed in a bowl with a few drops of ghee and cover for 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount (per serving)
Calories 320 kcal
Carbohydrates 55 g
Protein 7 g
Fat 7 g
Fiber 5 g
Sodium 400 mg

Serving Suggestions

Cooker biryani veg pairs wonderfully with cooling accompaniments such as cucumber raita, mint chutney, or simple yogurt. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or pickle for added zest.

For a full meal, add a side of roasted papad or a bowl of warm dal (lentil soup). This dish also works great as a packed lunch or picnic meal because it tastes even better the next day!

Explore more vegetarian meal ideas from our recipe collection like A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or add a spicy twist with our Chilli Powder Recipe Vegan: Easy Homemade Spice Blend.

Conclusion

Making a delicious, fragrant vegetable biryani in a cooker is a game-changer for quick, flavorful meals. This recipe brings out the best of Indian spices and wholesome veggies in a single pot, making it an excellent choice for those short on time but unwilling to compromise on taste.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create an impressive dish that satisfies all taste buds.

Whether you are cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this cooker biryani veg recipe will soon become a favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to experiment with vegetables and spices to suit your taste and enjoy the wonderful world of vegetarian cooking.

For more wholesome and easy vegetarian recipes, check out our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

📖 Recipe Card: Cooker Biryani Recipe Veg

Description: A flavorful and aromatic vegetable biryani cooked effortlessly in a pressure cooker. Perfect for a hearty meal packed with spices and vegetables.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1.5 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon biryani masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 cups water
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander and mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes, then drain.
  2. Heat oil in a pressure cooker and sauté onions until golden brown.
  3. Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for 1 minute.
  4. Add tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, biryani masala, and salt; cook until tomatoes soften.
  5. Mix in the yogurt and cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Add mixed vegetables and cook for 3 minutes.
  7. Add soaked rice and water; stir gently.
  8. Close the cooker lid and cook on medium heat for 2 whistles.
  9. Turn off heat and let pressure release naturally.
  10. Open the lid, sprinkle garam masala, coriander, and mint leaves; fluff the rice gently.
  11. Serve hot with raita or salad.

Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 60 g

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Marta K

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