Chettinad Vegetable Biryani
Aromatic basmati rice and mixed vegetables cooked in a fiery, freshly ground spice blend from the Chettinad region. This one-pot meal is a flavor explosion, perfect for those who love a spicy and fragrant biryani.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 45 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Rice and Chettinad Masala
- b.Rinse 1.5 cups of basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in fresh water for 30 minutes, then drain completely.
- c.While the rice soaks, prepare the masala. In a dry, heavy-bottomed pan, add all ingredients listed 'for Chettinad masala' (coriander seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, peppercorns, cloves, cinnamon, star anise, kalpasi, and dried red chillies).
- d.Dry roast on low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the spices are fragrant. Do not let them burn.
- e.Remove from heat, let the spices cool down completely, and then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder. Set your fresh Chettinad masala aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Parboil the Basmati Rice
- b.In a large pot, bring 6 cups of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tsp of salt.
- c.Add the drained basmati rice to the boiling water. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the rice is 70% cooked. To check, a grain should break easily when pressed but still have a firm, white core.
- d.Immediately drain the rice in a colander to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Vegetable Gravy
- b.Heat the sunflower oil and ghee together in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- c.Add the sliced onions and sauté for 8-10 minutes until they turn soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chilies. Sauté for 1 minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- e.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 4-5 minutes until they become soft and mushy.
- f.Stir in the freshly ground Chettinad masala powder and turmeric powder. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the spices release their aroma.
- g.Add the mixed vegetables and 1.5 tsp of salt. Mix well to coat the vegetables thoroughly with the masala.
- h.Reduce the heat to low. Add the whisked curd and mix quickly and continuously to prevent it from splitting. Cook for 2 minutes.
- i.Pour in 1/2 cup of water, mix, cover the pot, and let the vegetables cook for 8-10 minutes until they are almost tender but still have a slight bite.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Layer and 'Dum' Cook the Biryani
- b.Once the vegetable gravy is ready, spread half of the chopped mint and coriander leaves over it.
- c.Gently spread the 70% cooked rice in an even layer over the vegetable gravy.
- d.Sprinkle the remaining mint and coriander leaves on top of the rice. You can also drizzle a little ghee or sprinkle lemon juice at this stage.
- e.Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. To create a good seal ('dum'), you can place a clean kitchen towel under the lid or seal the edges with dough.
- f.Place the pot on a tawa (flat griddle) over the lowest possible heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes. This ensures gentle, even heating and prevents the bottom from burning.
- g.After 15-20 minutes, turn off the heat. Let the biryani rest, undisturbed, for at least 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the rice to finish cooking in the steam.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve the Biryani
- b.Open the lid and enjoy the aroma. Use a fork or a thin spatula to gently fluff the rice from the sides of the pot, mixing the layers lightly without breaking the grains.
- c.Serve the hot and fragrant Chettinad Vegetable Biryani with a side of cooling onion raita or a simple cucumber salad.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use freshly ground Chettinad masala. Do not skip the kalpasi (stone flower) as it provides a unique, earthy aroma.
- 2Use aged, long-grain basmati rice for the best results, as it yields fluffy, separate grains.
- 3To prevent the curd from splitting, ensure it's at room temperature and whisked well. Always add it on low heat.
- 4Placing the pot on a tawa (griddle) during the 'dum' process provides indirect heat and prevents the biryani from scorching at the bottom.
- 5Let the biryani rest for at least 10 minutes after cooking. This step is crucial for the flavors to settle and the rice grains to firm up.
- 6For a richer taste, you can garnish with fried onions (birista) and fried cashews before serving.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Rich
Add 200g of paneer cubes, fried tofu, or boiled soya chunks along with the vegetables for a protein boost.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
Replace the 1/2 cup of water in the gravy with 1/2 cup of thin coconut milk for a richer, creamier texture.
Milder SpiceMilder Spice
To reduce the heat, decrease the number of dried red chillies to 2-3 and black peppercorns to 1/2 tsp in the masala blend.
Nutty GarnishNutty Garnish
Fry a handful of cashews in ghee until golden and sprinkle over the biryani before serving for a delightful crunch.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
The variety of vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas provides a good amount of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Boosts Metabolism
The signature Chettinad spice blend contains ingredients like black pepper, cinnamon, and chillies, which are known for their thermogenic properties that can help boost metabolism.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and cloves are packed with antioxidants and possess natural anti-inflammatory properties that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Wholesome Plant-Based Meal
This biryani is a complete and satisfying plant-based meal, providing complex carbohydrates for energy, essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables, and a host of benefits from traditional Indian spices.
Frequently asked questions
Kalpasi is a type of lichen that grows on rocks and trees. It has a unique, earthy, and woody aroma that is the hallmark of Chettinad cuisine. While the biryani will still be tasty without it, using kalpasi provides the most authentic flavor.