Cauliflower Biryani | Gobi Biryani

Cauliflower Biryani, also known as Gobi Biryani, is a delightful and aromatic rice dish that hails from the rich culinary traditions of South India. This vegetarian version of the classic biryani incorporates cauliflower florets along with a medley of fresh vegetables, infused with a blend of spices that elevate its flavor to perfection. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is both versatile and easy to prepare using a pressure cooker or a rice cooker, making it convenient for everyday cooking. Additionally, you can customize this biryani by adding other vegetables of your choice, enhancing both its nutritional value and taste. The flexibility in the type of rice used allows you to experiment and find the perfect match for your palate.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes
Course: Main
Cuisine: South Indian
Serves: 4

1 bowl measurement: 250 ml

Quick Navigation:

• Ingredients:
• Procedure:
• Cleaning Cauliflower
• Step 1: Sauté Whole Spices
• Step 2: Add Onions and Green Chillies
• Step 3: Incorporate Mint Leaves and Ginger Garlic Paste
• Step 4: Add and Sauté Vegetables
• Step 5: Add Turmeric Powder and Salt
• Step 6: Add Garam Masala
• Step 7: Incorporate Rice
• Step 8: Add Water
• Step 9: Cook the Biryani

Ingredients:

Cauliflower florets: 2 bowls

Vegetables: A variety of your choice
Carrot: 1/2 bowl

Beans: 1/4 bowl

Peas: 1/4 bowl

Onion: 1 large, finely sliced

Green chillies: 5-6, slit

Cloves, cardamom, bay leaf, cinnamon: 4-5 cloves, 2-3 cardamom pods, 1 bay leaf, 1-2 inches cinnamon

Coriander leaves: A handful, chopped

Mint leaves: A handful, chopped

White rice: 1.5 bowls

Ginger & garlic paste: 1 tbsp

Garam masala (step by step recipe): 1 tbsp

Turmeric powder: 1/2 tbsp

Salt: As required

Water: 3 bowls

Oil: 2-3 tbsp

Clarified butter (Ghee): 2-3 tbsp

Flame used: Medium

Procedure:

Cleaning Cauliflower

Begin by adding salt to boiling water and soaking the cauliflower florets in this salted water for at least 15 minutes. This step helps in cleaning the cauliflower and reduces any unwanted aroma. Note: Washing cauliflower florets with food vinegar can further eliminate any bad odors.

Step 1: Sauté Whole Spices

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium flame. Add cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and bay leaf. Sauté these whole spices for about 30 seconds until they release their aromatic flavors.

Step 2: Add Onions and Green Chillies

Next, add the finely sliced onions and slit green chillies to the pan. Sauté them together for about a minute until the onions become translucent and start to soften.

Step 3: Incorporate Mint Leaves and Ginger Garlic Paste

Mix in the chopped mint leaves and ginger garlic paste. Continue to sauté for another minute, allowing the flavors to meld together and the raw aroma of ginger and garlic to cook out.

Step 4: Add and Sauté Vegetables

Now, add the prepared vegetables including carrots, beans, and peas. Sauté them for about a minute to ensure they are well coated with the spice mixture and start to soften.

Step 5: Add Turmeric Powder and Salt

Incorporate 1/2 tablespoon of turmeric powder and 1 tablespoon of salt into the vegetable mixture. Cook for another minute, stirring continuously to evenly distribute the spices.

Step 6: Add Garam Masala

Add 1 tablespoon of homemade garam masala to the mixture. Stir well to ensure the spices are thoroughly combined, enhancing the depth of flavor in the biryani.

Step 7: Incorporate Rice

Add the cleaned and drained white rice to the pan. Mix gently to ensure the rice is well coated with the spiced vegetable mixture. Allow it to cook for about a minute to absorb the flavors.

Step 8: Add Water

Pour in 3 bowls of water to the pan, which is the appropriate amount for 1.5 bowls of rice when cooking in a pressure cooker or pan. Stir the mixture to ensure even distribution of water.

Step 9: Cook the Biryani

Close the lid of the pressure cooker or cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook the biryani on medium flame until you hear two whistles if using a pressure cooker. After the whistles, turn off the flame and let the biryani rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Healthy and tasty cauliflower biryani is now ready to serve! This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with a side of onion raita, adding a refreshing contrast to the rich spices of the biryani.

Tastes good with onion raita :)

Enjoy your homemade Cauliflower Biryani, a perfect blend of spices and fresh vegetables that brings a burst of flavor to your dining table. Whether for a family meal or a special occasion, this biryani is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and appealing presentation.