Dairy-Free Biryani Rice

Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors, Dairy-Free Biryani Rice is a plant-based twist on the classic Indian comfort dish. This one-pot recipe combines aromatic basmati rice with a medley of fresh vegetables, fragrant whole spices like cinnamon and cardamom, and a perfectly balanced blend of turmeric, garam masala, and coriander. Instead of relying on dairy, olive oil lends richness, while herbs like cilantro and mint brighten the dish to perfection. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this dairy-free biryani is as wholesome as it is satisfying, making it an ideal choice for vegans, vegetarians, or anyone seeking a lighter variation of traditional biryani. Serve it as a standalone weeknight meal or pair it with a cooling cucumber raita for a delightful feast!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3.5 cups Water
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 sliced Large onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 1 tablespoon grated Fresh ginger
• 1 large, chopped Tomato
• 1.5 cups Mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 2 teaspoons Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons Garam masala
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 inch Cinnamon stick
• 3 Cardamom pods
• 0.25 cup, chopped Fresh cilantro
• 0.25 cup, chopped Fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then soak the rice in enough water to cover it for about 20 minutes, drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3

Add the sliced onion to the pot, and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 1 minute.

Step 5

Add the chopped tomato and cook until it softens and releases its juice.

Step 6

Stir in the mixed vegetables and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

Step 7

Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Stir to combine all the spices evenly.

Step 8

Mix in the drained basmati rice, ensuring it gets well coated with the spices and vegetables.

Step 9

Pour in 3.5 cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.

Step 10

Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 11

Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro, mint leaves, and drizzle with lemon juice before serving hot.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2100.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1361.6

Total Fat 48.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 5486.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 202.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 32.4g	0%
Total Sugars 42.1g
Protein 36.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 588.3mg	0%
Iron 26.7mg	0%
Potassium 2201.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.4%

Protein: 10.6%

Carbs: 58.1%