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Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani Recipe: Easy Steps to Perfection

Updated: Sep 25



Looking to make an authentic Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani at home? You’re in the right place. This delicious dish is makes it special is the dum cooking technique, which locks in flavors and creates an unforgettable experience. 


In this guide, you'll learn how to prepare veg dum biryani easily while mastering the nuances of this traditional dish. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, we promise this recipe will take your cooking skills up a notch.


By the end of this blog, you’ll have a perfectly cooked, flavorful Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani that will leave your family and friends asking for seconds. Let’s get started!



Table Of Contents

  1. What is veg dum biryani made of?

  2. What is the difference between biryani and dum biryani?

  3. Is veg dum biryani healthy?

  4. Why is biryani called dum?

  5. Veg Dum Biryani Recipe

  6. Final Say

  7. FAQs



What is Veg Dum Biryani Made Of?


A pot of hyderabadi biryani and other ingredients

Veg Dum Biryani is a delightful combination of fragrant basmati rice and a rich blend of vegetables, spices, and herbs. The primary ingredients include:


  • Basmati Rice: Long-grain rice adds fluffiness and fragrance.

  • Mixed Vegetables: Potatoes, carrots, peas, beans, and cauliflower.

  • Aromatic Spices: Whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves, and cloves.

  • Herbs: Fresh coriander and mint leaves to enhance the flavor.

  • Yogurt: Adds a creamy texture to the vegetable gravy.

  • Fried Onions: Known as barista, these crispy onions give the biryani its unique taste.

  • Saffron Milk: Infuses a golden color and a subtle aroma.

  • Ghee and Oil: Used for layering and cooking, giving the dish a rich flavor.


These ingredients come together to create layers of flavor, with each bite offering a burst of spices and well-cooked veggies.



What is the Difference Between Biryani and Dum Biryani?


veg hyderabadi biryani vs dum biryani

Although the terms "biryani" and "dum biryani" are often used interchangeably, there is a significant difference in cooking techniques. While a regular biryani can be made by cooking rice and vegetables separately and then mixing them together, dum biryani refers to a slow-cooking method.


In dum cooking, the ingredients are layered in a pot, sealed tightly with a dough or cloth to prevent steam from escaping, and cooked on a low flame. This method ensures that all the flavors are absorbed into the rice, making it more aromatic and flavorful. Dum biryani, like Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani, is renowned for this meticulous process, where the final result is a fragrant, well-mingled dish.



Is Veg Dum Biryani Healthy?


Absolutely! Veg Dum Biryani can be a nutritious meal, thanks to its balanced mix of vegetables, spices, and basmati rice. Here’s why:


  • Vegetable Powerhouse: It’s packed with nutrient-rich vegetables, providing vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

  • Good Carbs: Basmati rice, being a complex carbohydrate, offers energy without spiking blood sugar levels.

  • Spices for Health: The spices used in dum biryani, such as turmeric, cumin, and cardamom, are known for their anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

  • Controlled Fats: By using ghee and oil in moderation, you get the richness of fat without overdoing it.


For those looking to make it even healthier, you can reduce the oil and ghee or use brown basmati rice for added fiber.



Why is Biryani Called Dum?


The term dum refers to the slow-cooking process where food is sealed in a pot (traditionally clay) and cooked over a low flame. In Persian, "dum" means to breathe in, and this technique allows the ingredients to "breathe" and release all their flavors into the dish.

In Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani, the rice and vegetable gravy are layered in a pot, sealed, and left to cook in their own steam. This method locks in the moisture and aromas, resulting in a biryani where every grain of rice is infused with the richness of spices and vegetables. The dum process is what elevates this dish from regular biryani to a royal, flavorful delicacy.




Veg Dum Biryani Recipe: Step-by-Step


 veg dum biryani recipe

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the recipe for Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect biryani at home.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups basmati rice

  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrot, peas, beans, cauliflower, potato)

  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup yogurt

  • 2 tablespoons ginger-garlic paste

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • 2 teaspoons biryani masala

  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

  • 4-5 green chilies

  • Fresh coriander and mint leaves

  • A pinch of saffron, soaked in warm milk

  • 4 tablespoons ghee or oil

  • Salt to taste

  • Whole spices (4 cloves, 2 cardamom pods, 1 bay leaf, 1-inch cinnamon stick)


Method


  1. Prepare the Rice:Wash the basmati rice thoroughly and soak it for 30 minutes. Boil water in a large pot, add a teaspoon of salt, and cook the rice until it’s 70% done. Drain and set aside.

  2. Fry the Onions (Birista):Heat oil in a pan and fry the thinly sliced onions until golden brown. Set aside half of these crispy onions for layering later

  3. Cook the Vegetables:In the same oil, add cumin seeds, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste. Sauté until fragrant, then add the chopped vegetables. Stir in turmeric, biryani masala, and salt. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Add yogurt and cook for another 5 minutes until the gravy thickens.

  4. Layer the Biryani:In a large heavy-bottomed pan, start with a layer of the vegetable gravy, followed by a layer of rice. Add a few fried onions, mint, and coriander leaves. Repeat the layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients.

  5. Add Saffron Milk:Drizzle saffron milk over the top layer for that iconic golden hue.

  6. Dum Cooking:Seal the pot with a tight-fitting lid or cover it with dough to trap the steam. Place the pot on low heat and cook for 20-25 minutes. The slow cooking infuses the rice with all the flavors of the vegetables and spices.

  7. Serve:Let the biryani rest for 10 minutes before opening. Serve hot with raita or a side of your choice.



Final Say


Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani is more than just a meal—it’s a culinary experience. By following these easy steps, you’ll master the art of dum cooking and impress everyone with a dish that bursts with flavors. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a party, this veg dum biryani will surely be the star. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the perfect plate of Hyderabadi Veg Dum Biryani!



FAQs


1. Can I make Veg Dum Biryani without an oven?


Yes, you can make Veg Dum Biryani without an oven by cooking it on a stovetop in a heavy-bottomed pan or pressure cooker. Just ensure the pot is sealed tightly to retain the steam.


2. What vegetables are best for Veg Dum Biryani?


Carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower, and potatoes work best. You can also add bell peppers, mushrooms, or paneer for variation.


3. How can I make Veg Dum Biryani spicier?


To make the biryani spicier, increase the number of green chilies or add red chili powder to the vegetable gravy.


4. Can I prepare Veg Dum Biryani in advance?


Yes, you can prepare the biryani in advance and reheat it when needed. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.


5. Is Veg Dum Biryani gluten-free?


Yes, Veg Dum Biryani is naturally gluten-free as it uses rice and vegetables. Just ensure the yogurt and spices are gluten-free.




About Charcoal Eats

Savor the mouthwatering flavors of our authentic Veg Dum Biryani, which is made using only the best ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Your best place in Mumbai, Pune, and Delhi for amazing food experiences online is Charcoal Eats.


Order it now to experience the delicious taste of heaven.renowned for its aromatic spices, layered rice, and perfectly cooked vegetables. But what 


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