Aromatic, rich and bursting with flavour, Hyderabadi Veg Biryani is a classic dish that brings together fragrant basmati rice, perfectly spiced vegetables and delicate layers of saffron and herbs. This traditional recipe ensures each grain of rice is infused with the essence of whole spices and slow-cooked for the perfect dum biryani experience. Serve it with raita or mirchi ka salan for a truly authentic meal.

By Executive Chef Sanjay Kumar, The Tivoli Hotel, Chattarpur

Rice

• 2 cups basmati rice (soaked)
• 6 cups water, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp lemon juice
• 2 bay leaves, 3 green cardamoms, 4 cloves, 1-inch cinnamon stick, 1 star anise, 1 black cardamom

Veggies

• ½ cup each: carrots, beans, peas, potatoes, cauliflower
• ½ cup paneer (optional)

Masala:

• 3 tbsp oil, 2 tbsp ghee, 2 onions (sliced)
• 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste, 2 green chillies (slit), 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• ½ cup curd, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp red chilli powder, 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tbsp biryani masala, ½ tsp garam masala, ½ cup mint and coriander leaves
• ¼ tsp saffron in ¼ cup warm milk

Layering:

• ½ cup fried onions, 2 tbsp ghee, and saffron milk
• ½ tsp rose water, ½ tsp kewra water

Method

Cook Rice: Boil water with spices, salt, and lemon juice. Add rice, cook till 70% done, then drain.

Prepare Masala: Sauté onions in oil and ghee. Set half aside. Add ginger-garlic paste, chillies, tomatoes, spices, curd, and vegetables. Cook until soft. Stir in mint and coriander.

Layer: In a pan, layer rice, masala, fried onions, saffron milk, rose and kewra water, and ghee. Repeat.

Dum Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 20-25 minutes. Let it rest.

Serve: Fluff and enjoy with raita or mirch

Chef's Tips

• Maintain a rice-to-water ratio of 1:3 for perfect texture.
• Adding a few drops of ghee before serving enhances the aroma.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent the biryani from burning at the base.
• For an extra smoky flavour, place a hot charcoal piece in a bowl, pour a few drops of ghee over it, and cover the pan for 5 minutes before serving.

This Hyderabadi Veg Biryani is a royal treat that captures the essence of authentic Mughlai cuisine. Enjoy it as a centrepiece for festive occasions or a comforting weekend meal.