Savory Vegetable Biryani with Lentils and Almonds
Experience the rich and aromatic flavors of this Savory Vegetable Biryani, a delightful vegetarian dish perfect for family meals or gatherings. This recipe combines hearty green lentils, fresh vegetables, and fragrant basmati rice, all simmered in a flavorful curry paste. The addition of raisins adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the spiciness of the curry, making it an all-time favorite in our house. With a sprinkle of toasted almonds for crunch, this biryani is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrients. Perfect as a main dish or a side, it's a versatile recipe that you will turn to again and again. Serve it with yogurt or a simple salad for a complete meal!
N/A
Servings
108
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry green lentils
3/4 cup (rinsed)
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
onion
1 (chopped)
carrots
3 (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (minced)
curry paste
1 tablespoon (mild or medium)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
small cauliflower florets
2 cups (none)
basmati rice
1 cup (rinsed)
raisins
1/4 cup (none)
vegetable stock
2 1/4 cups (none)
green peas
1 cup (frozen or fresh)
toasted sliced almonds
1/4 cup (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil and cook the lentils for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
2
In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 6 minutes, or until it turns deep golden brown.
3
Stir in the chopped carrots, minced garlic, curry paste, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
4
Add in the cauliflower florets, rinsed basmati rice, raisins, and cooked lentils, stirring to combine everything thoroughly and coat with the spices.
5
Pour in the vegetable stock, increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover with a lid, and let it cook for about 20 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are tender.
6
Gently fold in the green peas and allow to warm through for an additional 4 minutes.
7
Serve the vegetable biryani hot, garnished with toasted sliced almonds if desired.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
18g
Carbs
3g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Vegetable Biryani with Lentils and Almonds?
It is a nutrient-packed vegetarian dish combining green lentils, fresh vegetables, and fragrant basmati rice simmered in a flavorful curry paste.
How many calories are in this biryani recipe?
Each serving of this biryani contains approximately 108 calories.
Is this vegetable biryani recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is marked with a vegan option tag as it uses vegetable stock and plant-based ingredients.
How much fat is in one serving of this dish?
There are 3g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this biryani?
Each serving contains 18g of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 3g of protein per serving.
How much fiber does this biryani contain?
There are 3g of fiber per serving.
What type of lentils should I use?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of rinsed dry green lentils.
How long should I cook the lentils initially?
Boil the lentils in a saucepan for about 10 minutes until they are tender.
What kind of rice is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of rinsed basmati rice.
How do I prepare the onions for this biryani?
Chop the onion and sauté it in olive oil for about 6 minutes until it turns deep golden brown.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The ingredients include carrots, garlic, cauliflower florets, and green peas.
How much cauliflower is needed?
You will need 2 cups of small cauliflower florets.
What type of curry paste is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of mild or medium curry paste.
Why are raisins added to the biryani?
Raisins are added to provide a touch of sweetness that balances the spiciness of the curry.
How much vegetable stock is required for the rice?
The recipe requires 2 1/4 cups of vegetable stock.
Can I use fresh or frozen peas?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of either frozen or fresh green peas.
How long does the rice and vegetable mixture need to simmer?
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes.
What is the suggested garnish for this dish?
Garnish the hot biryani with 1/4 cup of toasted sliced almonds for extra crunch.
What oil is best for sautéing the vegetables?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
How many carrots are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3 chopped carrots.
How much garlic is needed for the biryani?
One minced garlic clove is used to add flavor.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, this is categorized as a one-pot meal, making it easy to cook and clean up.
What are the primary seasoning ingredients?
The dish is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, and curry paste.
What cuisine is this dish inspired by?
This recipe is inspired by Indian cuisine.
How should I serve the vegetable biryani?
Serve it hot, optionally with yogurt or a simple salad for a complete meal.
When do I add the peas to the pot?
Gently fold in the green peas after the rice and vegetables are tender and let them warm through for 4 minutes.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are a total of 14 ingredients in this recipe.
What is the first step in making this biryani?
The first step is to bring water to a boil and cook the lentils for 10 minutes.
What makes this biryani aromatic?
The combination of basmati rice, curry paste, garlic, and sautéed onions creates its rich and aromatic flavor profile.