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· 4.8 from 5 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s plant-based and incredibly easy to make, you’re going to love this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe. It’s packed with vibrant veggies, fragrant spices, and fluffy basmati rice, all coming together in one pot to create a fan-freaking-tastic meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. Stick with me—you’ll want to bookmark this for dinner rotation!

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Simplicity: You cook everything together, which means less cleanup but no compromise on flavor.
Flavorful but Mildly Spiced: The blend of spices strikes a perfect balance that pleases both spice lovers and milder palates.
Versatile Veggie Mix: A colorful array of vegetables that are easy to swap based on what you have on hand.
Great for Meal Prep: This biryani stays delicious for days and freezes beautifully for busy weeknights.

Vegan Biryani, vegan rice dish, plant-based biryani, vegan dinner ideas, easy vegan recipes - 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 shines because of its thoughtful ingredient combo — aromatic spices, textured chickpeas, and just the right veggies that absorb flavor without getting mushy. Plus, rinsed basmati rice creates that classic fluffy biryani base every time.

Vegan Biryani, vegan rice dish, plant-based biryani, vegan dinner ideas, easy vegan recipes - 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, ginger, and garlic: These create the savory and fragrant foundation—you really can’t go wrong with fresh ginger here.
Olive oil: Keeps the vegetables from sticking and adds a mild richness.
Carrot, potato, cauliflower: These veggies hold texture well and soak up the spices delightfully.
Frozen peas and green beans: Easy additions that bring sweetness and a pop of color.
Chickpeas: They boost protein and heartiness, making this meal super satisfying.
Golden raisins (optional): Add a subtle burst of sweetness balancing the spice.
Spices (garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon): The soul of the recipe—layering warm, earthy flavors with just a hint of heat.
Vegetable broth: Instead of water, broth intensifies flavor in the rice.
Basmati rice: Long grain rice perfect for biryani—fluffy and aromatic when cooked right.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best things about this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often switch up the veggies depending on the season or what’s in my fridge—feel free to make it your own and have fun experimenting!

Variation: I sometimes add roasted cashews for crunch and creaminess, which my family loves.
Spice level: Adjust cayenne pepper to your heat preference—or swap it for smoked paprika for a milder, smoky twist.
Grain swap: If you don’t have basmati, jasmine rice can work, but the texture will be different.
Protein boost: Toss in some baked tofu cubes or tempeh for extra protein if chickpeas aren’t your thing.

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

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

First, chop all your veggies evenly—carrot slices and small potato chunks cook at roughly the same rate, so keeping sizes consistent helps everything finish at once. Rinse your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear; this removes excess starch and ensures fluffy grains. I always mix the spices in a small bowl before starting, so you’re ready to go when the time comes.

Step 2: Sauté Onions, Ginger & Garlic

Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they turn translucent—about 5 minutes—while stirring often to avoid browning them too much. Then stir in the minced ginger and garlic; sauté for just a minute to unlock their aroma. Adding a splash of water at this point prevents the garlic from burning and sticking.

Step 3: Add Vegetables, Chickpeas & Spices

Pour the carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, peas, green beans, chickpeas, and raisins if you’re using them into the skillet. Stir everything well so the veggies mingle with the fragrant base. Sprinkle your spice blend over the veggies and mix thoroughly, making sure every bite will deliver that warm, spiced flavor you’re craving.

Step 4: Cook Rice and Simmer

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed rice. Give everything a good stir, then cranking the heat up until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes. No peeking during this stage—trust me! Your patience here pays off with perfectly cooked rice.

Step 5: Final Fluff and Rest

After the rice has absorbed all the broth, fluff it gently with a fork—this lifts the grains without mashing. Then cover it again and let it sit for 5 minutes off the heat; this helps the biryani steam to perfect tenderness. At this point, you’re just moments away from a delicious feast.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe

Rinse Your Rice Thoroughly: This removes starch, preventing clumped, sticky rice and helping those fluffy grains.
Don’t Skip the Rest Step: Resting after cooking lets steam finish the rice’s texture—so your biryani isn’t soggy.
Use Vegetable Broth for Depth: Water works, but broth amplifies flavor in every bite.
Watch the Heat: Medium-low simmer prevents burning and ensures even cooking without drying out.

How to Serve Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe

Vegan Biryani, vegan rice dish, plant-based biryani, vegan dinner ideas, easy vegan recipes - 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 like to sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and some lightly toasted sliced almonds on top to add freshness and a little crunch—classic and simple. Some toasted cashews or pistachios work beautifully too, especially if you want that nutty vibe in every bite.

Side Dishes

This biryani pairs perfectly with cooling vegan raita made from coconut yogurt and cucumber, and some warm, soft naan or pita bread. If you want extra greens, a side of lightly spiced sautéed spinach or a fresh cucumber salad balances the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this biryani in a beautiful serving dish, garnished it with edible flowers, and served it with small bowls of raita and chutneys on the side. Guests love being able to customize their plates, and it makes the meal feel extra festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover biryani in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I usually reheat portions for lunch the next day, and it still tastes fresh and delicious. If it looks a bit dry, adding a splash of water before microwaving works wonders.

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Just note that depending on your veggies, texture might slightly soften after freezing, but the flavors hold up beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer gently warming on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to refresh moisture and stir occasionally to heat evenly. You can also microwave but cover loosely to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Feel free to swap in vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms depending on your preferences and what’s in season. Just keep in mind veggies with high water content might change the texture, so cook accordingly.
Is it necessary to soak the rice before cooking?

While this recipe doesn’t require soaking, rinsing the rice thoroughly is important to remove excess starch. Soaking can help shorten cooking time and make the rice extra fluffy, but it’s optional here since cooking times account for unsoaked rice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check your vegetable broth and any optional ingredients like raisins or spices for gluten contamination. Always go for certified gluten-free products if you have a sensitivity.
What’s the best way to adjust the spice level?

Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether to make the biryani mild. You can also add fresh green chilies if you want more heat. Remember, you can always add more spice, but you can’t take it away once it’s in!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Vegan Biryani Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something cozy but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s an all-in-one meal that tastes like you put in way more effort than you did—and that’s a total win in my book. Give it a try, tweak it your way, and I promise it’ll become a family favorite as it did for me!