Vegetable dum biryani is a traditional dum biryani that is cooked with a mix of vegetables instead of meat. This is the vegetarian alternative to popular chicken dum biryani. Vegetable dum biryani is a delectable rice meal made using basmati rice, spices, herbs, and mixed vegetables.
Soak basmati rice in water for about 30 minutes. Wash the rice gently ensuring to take out only starch and not break the grains. Mean bring 3 liters of water to boil in a large pot. Once the water starts to boil, add about 1 teaspoon of cooking oil and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the soaked and washed rice, stir gently once, and cook until it is ¾ done for about 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on rice as some brands of basmati rice cook very fast and some take time. Drain the water immediately spread the rice on a large plate and let it cool.
In a deep-bottomed pan heat oil and ghee. Add all the whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom). Add ginger-garlic paste. Cook until the raw smell is gone.
Add onions and green chilies and cook till onions turn soft and pink. Add finely chopped tomato and cook till tomatoes turn soft and release the juices.
Add potatoes first and cook for about 2 minutes. Add all the other vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.
Add the spice powders (red chili powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder) and salt. Stir and mix well. Add curd and mix again. Add a little water (I added about 2 tablespoons) and cook until vegetables are ¾ cooked (about 8 minutes)
Reduce flame to low. Remove half the quantity of vegetable mix.
Layering - On top of the vegetable masala in the pan spread a half quantity of basmati rice. Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh coriander leaves. Spread the remaining half of the vegetable mix on top of the rice, and layer the remaining rice on top. Sprinkle coriander leaves.
Cover the pan tightly with a lid and cook in dum for about 10 to 12 minutes on low flame. Turn the heat off and let the biryani rest for about 15 minutes, and then sprinkle 1 teaspoon lime juice. Gently mix from the bottom and serve vegetable biryani hot with onion raita, and some salad.
Notes
Use long-grain rice (basmati rice) for making dum biryani.
Soak rice for 10 to 15 minutes before cooking. Rinse rice to remove excess starch. It helps cook rice perfectly.
Don't overcook the rice, the rice should be half done and it'll continue to cook in dum.
You may use any vegetable of your choice.
Don’t skip on fresh coriander leaves. Fresh herbs add tons of flavor to the biryani.
 Nutritional Info – Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided is only a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.