Awadhi Vegetable Biryani Recipe: A Royal North Indian Feast
2 hours 20 minutes
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About Awadhi Vegetable Biryani Recipe: A Royal North Indian Feast
Experience the rich flavors of the Awadhi region with this decadent Vegetable Biryani. Aromatic basmati rice is slow-cooked to perfection with a medley of garden-fresh vegetables, infused with the warm fragrance of desi ghee, caramelized onions, and a blend of authentic whole spices. Each bite is a journey to the heart of North Indian culinary heritage.This layered biryani is a true masterpiece, showcasing the art of Awadhi cooking. The careful layering of fragrant rice, tender vegetables, and flavorful spices creates a symphony of tastes and textures. It's a dish fit for a king, or simply a special occasion at home.Traditionally served with a cooling yogurt raita (recipe not included), this vibrant biryani is perfect for a lavish lunch, dinner party, or family gathering. Prepare yourself for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
Recipe Time & More
Prep40 minutes
Cook1 hour 40 minutes
Total2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 400 gm Basmati Rice
- 8 cup Water for cooking rice, plus extra as needed
- 2 tsp Salt adjust to taste, for cooking rice
For the Vegetable and Spice Mixture
- 7 tbsp Clarified Butter
- 2 Onion large, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp Cumin black seeds
- 8 Cloves
- 2 inch Cinnamon stick
- 1 Mace whole
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg freshly grated
- 3 tbsp Ginger paste
- 3 tbsp Garlic paste
- 100 gm Peas green, shelled
- 100 gm Potato baby, halved or quartered, small
- 100 gm Cauliflower small florets
- 100 gm Beans green, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 100 gm Carrot peeled and sliced diagonally
- 1.5 tsp Salt adjust to taste
- 1 tsp Pepper black, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup Yogurt
- 4 Cardamom Pods black
- 4 Cardamom Pods also known as elaichi, green
- 2 Bay Leaf
- 1/2 cup Mint finely chopped, fresh leaves
- 1 tsp Rose Water or kewda water
- 2 tbsp Butter unsalted
- 1/2 cup Wheat Flour Dough for sealing the pot
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain well.
Caramelize the Onions
- Heat 4 tablespoons of desi ghee in a large pan over medium heat. Add half of the thinly sliced onions and cook in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Sauté the Spices
- In the same pan, add remaining ghee and sauté half of the black cumin seeds until fragrant. Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, half of the mace, the nutmeg, and black peppercorns. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Cook the Vegetables
- Add ginger and garlic paste and saute for 1 minute. Stir in the salt, remaining black cumin seeds, and all the vegetables. Saute on low heat for 1-2 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the yogurt and cook until the vegetables are almost tender.
Prepare the Spiced Water
- In a separate large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil with 2 teaspoons of salt. Tie the remaining cloves, cinnamon stick, mace, black cardamom, green cardamom, and bay leaves in a muslin cloth to create a spice bundle. Add this bundle to the boiling water. Simmer on low heat for 15-20 minutes to infuse the water with flavor.
Parboil the Rice
- Add the soaked and drained rice to the spiced water and cook until the rice is about halfway cooked. Remove from heat and drain. Stir in 2 tbsp remaining ghee and set aside.
Assemble and Cook the Biryani
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the fried onions at the bottom of a large, oven-safe casserole dish. Layer half of the cooked rice over the onions, then spread the vegetable mixture evenly over the rice. Top with remaining rice and the remaining fried onions.
Seal and Bake
- Drizzle rose water or kewda water over the top. Cover the casserole dish tightly with a lid and seal the edges with the wheat flour dough. Place the sealed dish in a preheated oven. Cook on a low flame for about 45-60 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the steam escapes. Remove from heat and let it stand for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing the seal and lid.
Serve
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve hot. Garnish with fresh cilantro or mint if desired. Serve with raita or your preferred side dishes.
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Awadhi Vegetable Biryani:
- For extra flavor, use homemade ginger and garlic paste.
- Don't overcook the vegetables; they should be tender-crisp.
- If you don't have kewda water, you can substitute with orange blossom water.
- Allow the biryani to rest after cooking for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Recipe Nutrition
Calories: 324kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 3gFat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gSodium: 2850mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
4 Comments
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This is wonderful! Can’t wait to taste it.
This is so tempting! Thank you.
What a delicious idea! Thanks for sharing.
This looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.