Craving biryani on a busy weeknight but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This one-pot vegetable biryani is the perfect solution! It’s fragrant, flavorful, and wholesome, yet easy enough to make in under an hour. With aromatic basmati rice, colorful veggies, and a blend of spices, this dish is comfort food at its best.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Biryani
Quick & Convenient
Traditional biryani can be time-consuming, but this one-pot method saves effort while keeping the flavors intact.
Healthy & Wholesome
Packed with mixed vegetables, rice, and spices, it’s a complete meal on its own.
Minimal Cleanup
Since everything cooks in one pot, you’ll have fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 mins)
- 2 tbsp oil or ghee
- 1 bay leaf
- 2–3 cloves, 1 cinnamon stick, 2 cardamoms
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans, cauliflower, potatoes)
- 2 tomatoes (chopped)
- ½ cup yogurt
- 2 tsp biryani masala (or garam masala)
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 3–4 cups water (depending on rice type)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander & mint leaves for garnish
- Fried onions (optional, for topping)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base
Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pot. Add whole spices (bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon, cardamom) and let them sizzle. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Stir in ginger-garlic paste and sauté until aromatic. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until soft. Mix in the vegetables, yogurt, turmeric, chili powder, and biryani masala. Cook for a few minutes until the veggies absorb the spices.
Step 3: Add Rice & Water
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Pour in water and add salt. Mix gently, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat until rice is fluffy and fully cooked.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Fluff the biryani gently with a fork. Garnish with fresh coriander, mint, and fried onions (if using). Serve hot with raita or salad.
Tips for the Best Weeknight Biryani
Use Long-Grain Rice
Basmati rice gives the biryani its signature fragrance and fluffy texture.
Don’t Skip Yogurt
It adds richness and helps the spices coat the vegetables.
Add a Saffron Touch
If you want extra restaurant-style flavor, drizzle saffron milk over the rice before cooking.
What to Serve with Vegetable Biryani
- Cucumber Raita – Cool and refreshing yogurt dip.
- Onion Salad – Simple sliced onions with lemon and salt.
- Papad or Pickle – Adds crunch and tang to the meal.
Final Thoughts
This one-pot vegetable biryani is the perfect weeknight dinner—easy, flavorful, and satisfying. It brings all the joy of traditional biryani without the long prep time. Make it once, and it might just become a weekly favorite in your home.
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