Dairy-Free Nasi Briyani

Indulge in the rich, aromatic flavors of this Dairy-Free Nasi Briyani, a delightful spin on the classic South Asian favorite that's perfect for those with dietary restrictions. Tender basmati rice takes center stage, infused with a symphony of whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, complemented by a fragrant spice blend of turmeric, garam masala, and coriander. Caramelized onions, juicy tomatoes, and your choice of succulent chicken or protein-packed tofu round out this one-pot wonder. Garnished with fresh cilantro, mint, and crispy onions, this wholesome dish is free from dairy yet bursting with authentic briyani flavor. Easy to prepare in under an hour, it’s an enticing meal for family dinners or festive occasions.

Nutriscore Rating: 77/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3 tablespoons Cooking oil
• 2 medium Onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Ginger, minced
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 4 Cardamom pods
• 4 Cloves
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon Coriander powder
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Garam masala
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 500 grams Chicken or tofu, cubed
• 2 large Tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups Water
• 0.5 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
• 0.5 cup Fresh mint, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Soak the rice in water for 30 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the cooking oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and fry until golden brown and caramelized. Remove half of the onions and set aside for garnishing.

Step 3

To the pot, add minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 4

Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, bay leaves, and cumin seeds to the pot, stirring for another minute until they become aromatic.

Step 5

Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook the spices for 1 minute.

Step 6

Add the cubed chicken or tofu to the pot. Stir to coat with the spices, cooking until the chicken is browned on all sides or the tofu is heated through.

Step 7

Mix in the chopped tomatoes and cook until they are softened and start to break down, about 5 minutes.

Step 8

Add the drained rice, mixing gently with the chicken mixture to combine everything evenly.

Step 9

Pour in the 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 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 another 5 minutes to finish steaming.

Step 11

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with the reserved crispy onions, chopped cilantro, and mint.

Step 12

Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2798.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2062.1

Total Fat 68.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 11.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 425mg	0%
Sodium 4051.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 185.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.7g	0%
Total Sugars 28.5g
Protein 187.9g	0%

Vitamin D 25IU	0%
Calcium 891.6mg	0%
Iron 32.8mg	0%
Potassium 4165.3mg	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: 29.4%

Protein: 35.6%

Carbs: 35.1%