Vegan Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that brings together fragrant basmati rice, a blend of spices, and a variety of vegetables in a hearty and satisfying meal. This plant-based version of the classic Indian biryani replaces meat with colorful vegetables, making it a nutritious and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a vegan or simply looking to enjoy a healthier, vegetable-packed meal, vegan biryani delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures.
The base of this dish is the fragrant basmati rice, which is cooked with whole spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and bay leaves, infusing the rice with deep, aromatic flavors. The vegetables, such as carrots, peas, potatoes, and bell peppers, are sautéed with onions, garlic, and ginger to create a rich, flavorful base. A combination of spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and saffron (or turmeric for color) give the dish its signature warmth and complexity.
To make the biryani, the rice and cooked vegetables are layered together, then steamed until perfectly tender. This method of cooking ensures that the rice soaks up the spices, making every bite full of rich, deep flavor. Some variations also include fried onions or nuts like cashews and almonds for added crunch, as well as fresh cilantro or mint to brighten the dish.
Vegan biryani is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to your preferences. You can add extra vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or zucchini, or even toss in some plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a more substantial meal. The dish is traditionally served with a side of cooling raita or a tangy salad, which helps balance the richness of the spices.
This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients from the vegetables and aromatic spices, making it both a comforting and wholesome meal. Vegan biryani is perfect for a dinner party, a special occasion, or a flavorful weeknight meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes
- 1 cup Mixed vegetables chopped (carrots, peas, beans, potatoes)
- 1 medium Onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 2 teaspoons Ginger-garlic paste
- 2 pieces Bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon Garam masala
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon Red chili powder adjust to taste
- to taste Salt
- 3 cups Water
- 1 handful Cilantro leaves chopped, for garnish
- 1 handful Mint leaves chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
- Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another 2 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add bay leaves, garam masala, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly.
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Gently mix it with the vegetables and spices.
- Add water and bring it to a boil. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and water is absorbed.
- Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro and mint leaves. Serve hot.
Nutrition
I didn’t have bay leaves, but it still turned out good. Great recipe!
Turned out great, but my family didn’t enjoy it. They prefer the chicken version.
I’m sorry your family didn’t like it! Vegan food can be a tough sell for some. Maybe try adding some spices they enjoy more?
This is the best vegan biryani I’ve ever tried! So flavorful and easy to make.
Vegan? No way, but it actually turned out great! 😂 My meat-eating boyfriend loved it!
Super yummy and packed with veggies! I added some tofu for protein.
Yum! I’m not even vegan, but this was super tasty! I added some chickpeas for extra protein.
Wasn’t that great. The rice was too mushy, I might have cooked it too long.
I know the feeling! It’s easy to overcook rice. Try reducing the time next time!
Easy to follow! My kids loved helping out. Will make again!
Easy? Not sure about that. It took me ages to figure out the spices! Maybe I’m just not a great cook though…
So glad your kids enjoyed it! Cooking together is the best way to bond. What did they like the most?
Honestly, I found it a bit bland. Needs more spices!
My fam didn’t like it at all… What’s Biryani?? Taste like some wet rice 😞
Tasty! But I ran out of cumin, used chili flakes and it worked!
YAWN. Not impressed. Gave it a shot but didn’t live up to the hype.
Idk about this…just tasted like rice with veggies.
I’m not vegan, but I think this is really tasty. Good recipe!
Glad you liked it! The flavors are sooo good in this dish! Vegan or not, it’s a winner.
I dunno, it looks ok but I prefer my biryani with meat, ya know? Just personal taste.
I don’t know if I did it wrong, but mine turned out really mushy. I wish there were more tips for avoiding that.
Nice recipe, but you forgot to mention how to make it spicy! I love it when it burns a little haha! 🌶️🔥
Vegan? No thanks! I like my biryani with meat. This isn’t real food.
This is the best vegan biryani I’ve ever made! So flavorful and easy to follow. Will definitely make it again!
I followed the recipe but it came out too dry. Maybe I needed more water?
I messed up and used brown rice. Cooking time was way off! Still tasted decent.
Soo easy and quick! I added some raisins for sweetness, it was a hit!
Who knew rice could be so good? I just can’t get the water to rice ratio right sometimes.
I don’t know what I’m doing wrong but mine turned mushy. Help? 😩
This recipe is amazing! I’ve made it twice already and my family loves it!
I totally agree! This recipe is a hit in my house too! So flavorful!
Really? I found it kinda bland. Maybe I did something wrong?
Yum! I added some extra chili powder and it was fire!
Chili powder sounds like a great addition! I love a little heat in my biryani too. What other spices did you try?
Extra chili powder? I wouldn’t risk it! Biryani should be flavorful but not burning my mouth, lol!
Absolutely loved it but I forgot to soak the rice. Still turned out okay lol.
I also forgot to soak the rice once, and it still turned out great! Just goes to show, cooking can be forgiving sometimes.
I can’t cook rice, it always comes out mushy. This one was just OK for me. I guess vegan isn’t for me…
I didn’t have bay leaves, used oregano instead… still came out tasty but not quite the same.
Oregano is a great substitute! I’m glad it still turned out tasty. Sometimes, you gotta work with what you have!
But like, bay leaves are important for the flavor. Oregano might not be the same! Just saying…
This biryani is just as good as the meat version! Loved it!
So good! The spices make it really special. A bit spicy for me tho!
You call this biryani? 😂🤦♂️
I don’t know about vegan biryani. Biryani should have meat in it, right? Not a fan.
My friend said biryani has meat, but I think this is amazing as it is!
Yum! I added some cashews for crunch, definitely a keeper!
Why isn’t there chicken in this biryani? That’s not how you make biryani!
Easy to make, but I think it needs more spices! It was kinda bland for my taste.
This is the best biryani I’ve ever made! So flavorful and easy to prepare. Will definitely make it again.
I’m so glad you loved it! Biryani is such a comforting meal. Did you add any extra spices?
Best biryani? Really? My mom’s is way better, no offense. But glad it worked for you!
I don’t know… tasted kinda bland. Maybe I added too much water or not enough chili. Will try again but not impressed.
Just made this and I’m totally blown away by how good it tastes. SO good I could eat the whole pot!
Yum-yum!!! Super tasty and healthy! Who knew eating plants could be this good?!
This recipe was delish! Thanks for sharing. Can’t wait to try again!
Vegan biryani?! Sounds weird but it’s really good! I was shocked. My kids even liked it!
I was skeptical about vegan biryani too, but this one is a game-changer! Great recipe!
Okay but where’s the spice?? I thought it would be hot but it wasn’t.
This is an amazing recipe! The flavors are rich and it was super easy to make. My family loved it!
My mom makes better biryani. This one needs some improvement.
Nah, this recipe is too simple. Biryani is about layers and flavors. You can’t just mix stuff and call it biryani.
Well, every mom has her secret touch! Maybe you could add your favorite spices next time to make it more like her’s.