Perfect Veg Biryani for Lunch & Dinner | Easy Indian Vegetarian Recipe”
If you think biryani is only for meat lovers, think again! Veg biryani is fragrant, flavorful, and honestly… a total comfort meal. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping, or just craving something aromatic, veg biryani never disappoints.
The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients. With some fresh veggies, good basmati rice, and everyday spices, you can create magic in your kitchen.
In this post, I’ll walk you through an easy, step-by-step veg biryani recipe, plus a few variations you can try!
🌾 What Makes Veg Biryani So Special?
Veg biryani is that perfect blend of:
- Long-grain aromatic basmati rice
- Colorful veggies
- Warm whole spices
- Layers of flavor
- A final dum (steam cooking) that brings everything together
It’s rich but not heavy, spicy but still gentle, and always smells like heaven.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need (Basic Veg Biryani)
Here’s your simple shopping list:
For the Rice
- 2 cups basmati rice (soaked 20–30 mins)
- 4 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 3–4 cloves
- 2 green cardamoms
- 1 small cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
For the Veggies
- 1 cup carrots (diced)
- 1 cup beans (chopped)
- 1 cup green peas
- 1 potato (cubed)
- 1 capsicum (optional)
For the Masala
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 big onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tomato (chopped)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- ½ cup curd
- 1 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp biryani masala / garam masala
- ½ tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
For Garnish
- Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (optional)
- Fried onions
- Chopped coriander & mint
🍛 How to Make Veg Biryani (Step-by-Step)
1. Cook the Rice
- Boil water with all the whole spices.
- Add soaked rice and cook till 80% done.
- Drain and set aside.
- (Rice should be firm, not mushy!)
2. Prepare the Veg Masala
- Heat oil/ghee in a pan.
- Add onions and sauté till golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté.
- Add tomatoes and cook till soft.
- Mix in all the spices.
- Add veggies and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Add curd and cook until everything blends beautifully.
3. Layer the Biryani
Use a heavy-bottom pot:
- Spread a layer of veg masala
- Add a layer of rice
- Sprinkle fried onions, coriander, and mint
- Repeat until everything is used
- Add saffron milk on top (optional)
4. Dum Cooking (Final Step)
- Cover the pot tight—use foil or a heavy lid
- Cook on low flame for 15–20 minutes
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving
Your kitchen should smell like a dream by now 😍
🌿 Veg Biryani Variations to Try
⭐ 1. Paneer Biryani
Add fried paneer cubes to the masala for a rich, protein-packed twist.
⭐ 2. Mushroom Biryani
Earthy mushrooms + biryani spices = heavenly combination.
⭐ 3. Cauliflower Biryani (Gobi Biryani)
Perfect if you love veggies that soak up flavors beautifully.
⭐ 4. Soya Chunk Biryani
High-protein, super filling, and fabulous for meal prep.
⭐ 5. Instant Pot Veg Biryani
Busy day? Dump all ingredients and cook in 7 minutes—done!
🍽️ Tips for the Perfect Biryani
- Always use long-grain basmati rice
- Don’t skip mint and fried onions
- Cook rice only till 80%—rest happens during dum
- Use a heavy-bottom pan to avoid burning
- Let biryani rest before serving
😋 Serving Suggestions
Pair your veg biryani with:
- Onion raita
- Cucumber raita
- Mirchi ka salan
- Simple salad
Trust me, it completes the experience.
🥄 Final Thoughts
Veg biryani is honestly one of the most satisfying meals you can make at home. It’s colorful, wholesome, and incredibly aromatic. Plus, once you master the layering and dum technique, you’ll be making biryani like a pro!