Just the name "biryani" is enough to make your mouth water. The smoky and aromatic aroma of this evergreen classic can make anyone feel hungry. Though the process of cooking biryani requires a lot of effort and patience, the result is definitely worth it. When the layers of steaming hot biryani are gently mixed together, it's impossible to resist.
Made with chicken (or any meat), basmati rice, yoghurt, onions, herbs, and various whole spices, there are a variety of biryanis popular in the country. Some of them are Hyderabadi biryani, Awadhi biryani, Thalassery biryani, and so on. Largely cooked in dum pukht style, this lip-smacking dish has vegetarian versions as well, and yes, vegetarian biryani is definitely not a pulao. Made with fresh vegetables and other delicious ingredients like paneer and chickpeas, veg biryanis are perfect for lunch as well as dinner.
From kathal to mushroom, have a look at some amazing veg biryani recipes you must try:
Kathal Biryani
Made with raw jackfruit, this aromatic and super-filling dish has an amazing, juicy flavour. Kathal biryani is mildly spiced and dum-cooked with basmati rice and lots of herbs and spices. As unripe jackfruit has a soft, meaty texture, this biryani is perfect for hard-core non-vegetarians as well. It is comforting, healthy, and gluten-free.
Veg Dum Biryani
This is the most popular vegetarian version of biryani. Made with basmati rice and fresh vegetables, veg dum biryani gets its flavour from various whole spices. As the name suggests, it is prepared in dum style, i.e., trapping the steam inside the vessel while cooking on a low flame.
Vegetable Biryani
This is very similar to vegetable dum biryani, but comparatively, vegetable biryani is easier to make. If you are looking for an easy, quick, and wholesome meal, then this delicacy is perfect for you. The best part about vegetable biryani is that you can add vegetables of your choice and that they can be cooked in a pressure cooker as well.
Mushroom Biryani
If you are a mushroom lover, then this biryani is a must-try. It is made by marinating mushrooms with spice powders and cooking them with rice, coconut milk, and whole spices. This one-pot meal is delicious and has a high nutritional content. Another great thing about this dish is that it cooks quicker than most of the other biryanis.
Paneer Biryani
Talking about vegetarian recipes, how can we miss the ultimate paneer? Cottage cheese is considered to be the best alternative to meat for vegetarians. Paneer biryani is mildly spiced and delicately cooked in dum style with soft and spongy cubes of paneer and rice. It mainly has a yoghurt-based gravy with an essence of saffron and rose water.
Veggie biryanis contain a low amount of saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium as compared to the non-vegetarian versions, hence making them perfect to fit into your healthy diet. Try them all and let us know which one was your favourite.