Name: Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium red or yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup water; 1 medium carrot, peeled and sliced diagonally; 1 yukon gold potato, peeled and chopped small; 1 cup cauliflower florets; 1/2 cup frozen green peas; 1/2 cup frozen green beans; 15 ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup golden or regular raisins, optional; 2 teaspoons garam masala; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon coriander; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 cups vegetable broth; 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed well

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 12 reviews

If you love bold flavors and comforting dishes but want something plant-based and straightforward, you’re going to adore this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe. I remember the first time I made it—it filled my kitchen with warm aromas that practically hugged me. Plus, it’s effortless enough for weeknights but flavorful enough to impress guests. Stick with me here, and I’ll walk you step-by-step so you nail this vibrant, nourishing meal every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Flavor-packed yet simple: You get layers of aromatic spices without complicated steps or exotic ingredients.
Comfort in a bowl: The veggies and chickpeas create a hearty, satisfying texture that feels truly nourishing.
One-pot wonder: You cook everything in a single pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Great for meal prep: It keeps well, tastes even better the next day, and freezes beautifully for busy schedules.

Easy Vegan Biryani, vegan biryani recipe, plant-based biryani, vegetarian Indian biryani, healthy vegan dinner - A black round cast iron pot with red handles is full of a colorful mix of cooked rice and vegetables. The dish has three main layers: the bottom and middle layers are mixed with yellowish rice grains that look soft and fluffy, dotted with green peas, chunky light orange carrot slices, yellow potato pieces, cauliflower florets, and beige chickpeas. The top layer has more whole vegetables and dark raisins scattered around, adding texture and color contrast. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with a white and beige striped cloth beneath it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe combines colorful veggies, fragrant spices, and hearty chickpeas with perfectly steamed basmati rice. Each component plays a role—whether to add texture, flavor, or balance—which makes this dish both exciting and approachable. Let’s dive into what’s going on in your shopping basket and kitchen!

Easy Vegan Biryani, vegan biryani recipe, plant-based biryani, vegetarian Indian biryani, healthy vegan dinner - Flat lay of fresh red onion thinly sliced with deep purple and white layers, peeled orange carrot slices cut diagonally showing vibrant texture, pale yellow Yukon gold potato chunks with smooth skin, creamy white cauliflower florets with natural curvy shapes, bright green frozen peas and green beans adding crisp freshness, light beige chickpeas with a round, matte surface, small golden raisins scattered for a touch of sweetness, fresh ginger root with knobby, light brown skin and fibrous texture, and plump garlic cloves with papery white skin arranged naturally in clusters, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Onion: Adds sweetness when sautéed, building the biryani’s flavor base.
Fresh ginger: Brings that zingy warmth that wakes up your palate.
Garlic: Essential for savory depth and aroma.
Olive oil: A light, healthy fat that helps soften veggies and bloom spices.
Carrot, Yukon gold potato, cauliflower: These vegetables add earthiness and varied textures.
Frozen green peas & green beans: Convenient, vibrant pops of color and nutrition.
Chickpeas: Protein-packed and filling, they make this more than just a side.
Golden raisins (optional): A little sweetness to balance the spices—don’t skip if you like a complex flavor profile.
Garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon: Each spice contributes to that signature biryani warmth and spice blend.
Vegetable broth: Infuses the rice with savory richness.
Basmati rice: Long, fragrant grains soak up the flavors perfectly without getting mushy.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about biryani is how you can tweak it to fit your mood or pantry. Whether you want it hotter, milder, or packed with different veggies, this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe is a fantastic canvas for your creativity.

Variation: I sometimes swap the chickpeas for tofu cubes for an extra protein boost; it’s equally delicious and a fun texture change.
Spice level: Feel free to add more cayenne or a bit of chili powder if you like it fiery, or tone it down for gentle warmth.
Seasonal veggies: Swap in your favorites like bell peppers, peas, or even sweet potatoes depending on what’s fresh and available.
Grain swap: I’ve even tried quinoa in place of basmati—different but tasty and speedy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First things first, chop all your veggies and rinse the rice really well—that’s a key step to get fluffy, separate grains. Also, mixing all the spices beforehand into a little bowl saves you from scrambling once the veggies are sizzling. Pro tip: if your garlic or ginger smells too strong when minced, rinse your knife between chops to keep the flavors balanced.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Warm up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your sliced onions. Keep them moving so they soften and get translucent—this takes about 5 minutes and is where the magic starts. Then toss in the ginger and garlic; you’ll smell that lovely garlic-ginger combo instantly. I add a splash of water here to keep them from browning too quickly—that little trick keeps the flavors bright, not bitter.

Step 3: Add the Veggies & Spices

Next, stir in the carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, peas, green beans, chickpeas, and optional raisins. Give it all a good mix so they start to mingle. Sprinkle the spice blend, salt, and pepper evenly over everything. Stir well to coat—this step really wakes up all those vegetables and chickpeas with warmth and depth.

Step 4: Cook the Rice and Bring It All Together

Pour in your vegetable broth and carefully stir in the rinsed basmati rice. Bring the skillet to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently—no peeking for about 15-20 minutes—until the rice is tender and all the broth is absorbed. After turning off the heat, fluff the rice with a fork, cover again, and let it rest for another 5 minutes. This restful step is crucial; it lets the flavors settle and the rice finish steaming to perfection.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Rinsing Basmati Rice: I always rinse my rice until the water runs clear—this prevents stickiness and gives those signature fluffy grains.
Don’t Skip the Resting: Letting the biryani sit off-heat lets the moisture redistribute; you’ll notice the texture is way better, trust me.
Layer Your Spices: Adding spices to the oil and later to the veggies deepens their aroma instead of throwing everything in at once.
Avoid Burning Garlic/Ginger: If your pan starts getting too hot, splash in a bit of water to keep it from burning while keeping the flavors fresh.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe

Easy Vegan Biryani, vegan biryani recipe, plant-based biryani, vegetarian Indian biryani, healthy vegan dinner - A close-up of a decorative plate with a gold and black outer rim, filled with a layered mix of yellow rice, orange carrot slices, chickpeas, small green beans, potatoes, and light yellow cauliflower pieces. The top layer is scattered with dark raisins, sliced almonds, and fresh green cilantro leaves, adding texture and vibrant colors to the dish. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with some fresh cilantro on the side and a small bowl of sliced almonds visible in the corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping my biryani with fresh chopped cilantro for a bright herbiness and toasted sliced almonds for crunch. You can also sprinkle some fried onions on top if you want that gorgeous golden touch. These finishing touches elevate the dish from everyday meal to something a little special.

Side Dishes

This Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe pairs beautifully with cooling vegan raita made from coconut yogurt or cucumber salad to balance the spices. For a cozy meal, some warm vegan naan bread or simple papadums make fantastic sides that soak up every last bit of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served this biryani layered in individual small bowls to reveal vibrant layers of rice and veggies when turned upside down on the plate—instant wow factor! Adding edible flowers or a drizzle of vegan mint chutney also makes it feel extra festive and colorful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I pop leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to five days. It’s a fantastic meal prep standby because the flavors deepen overnight, so you actually get a tastier dish on day two or three.

Freezing

If I want to stash biryani longer, freezing works great. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, and when you thaw it, the texture holds up surprisingly well. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge for even reheating.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stove with a splash of water or vegetable broth to keep things moist, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it covered and stirred halfway through, though stovetop reheating preserves that freshly cooked vibe best.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe?

While basmati rice is ideal because of its aroma and light, fluffy texture, you can substitute other long-grain rice varieties if needed. Just keep in mind the cooking time and water ratio might need adjustment to avoid mushiness or undercooked grains.
Is it important to rinse the rice before cooking?

Yes! Rinsing removes excess starch, which prevents the rice from sticking together and keeps the grains separate and fluffy—crucial for a great biryani texture.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! All ingredients in this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your vegetable broth and any packaged spices to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.
What can I substitute if I don’t have garam masala?

If you’re missing garam masala, you can mix ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and a touch of cloves or nutmeg to mimic its warm, spicy profile. Though garam masala has a unique blend, this homemade shortcut works in a pinch.
How spicy is this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe?

This version has a gentle kick from cayenne and warming spices, but it’s not overpowering. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less cayenne pepper or serving it with cooling sides like vegan yogurt raita.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, colorful, and full of heart. It’s become my go-to crowd-pleaser when friends come over or when I want a nourishing solo dinner with minimal fuss. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple in your kitchen too. Don’t forget to sprinkle those almonds on top and savor every bite!