Cauliflower Pistachio Biryani
By Emma Kitchen
Certified Culinary Professional
•
Recipe tested & approved
Long grain rice and veggies simmered with warming spices, nuts, and dried fruit. A quick version, under an hour, no dairy or gluten. Onions caramelized, then ginger and curry powder hit the pan. Cauliflower florets and diced sweet potato replace traditional veggies. Swaps peas for green beans. Pistachios and golden raisins add crunch and sweetness. The pot simmers gently until grains absorb flavorful broth. Resting time allows the last steam to fluff the rice. Every bite a mix of textures and subtle heat, simple ingredients, elevated.
Prep:
20 min
Cook:
35 min
Total:
55 min
Servings:
6
#Indian cuisine
#vegan
#gluten free
#quick meals
Onions sliced thick, caramelizing slow. The pop of garlic. Dry toasted rice. Warmth from curry powder. Vegetables swapped from the usual—sweet potato not carrot, green beans replace peas. Golden apricots instead of raisins, pistachios still crackle in the mix. Broth simmered down, absorbing every grain. Let it rest, steam fluffing rice. Layers of textures, nutty, sweet, soft, and crispy. This one cooks under an hour, easy timing. No eggs, no dairy, strictly veggie-based but hearty. Quick in process but deep in flavor build. A different twist, rustic in style. Fits gluten free and dairy free needs easy too. A bowl of varied bites, each mouthful a mini adventure.
Ingredients
- 3 onions sliced
- 60 ml vegetable oil
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 180 g (3/4 cup) basmati rice rinsed
- 20 ml finely grated fresh ginger
- 10 ml curry powder
- 600 ml vegetable broth
- 130 g cauliflower florets
- 70 g diced sweet potato
- 45 g fresh green beans cut in 1-inch pieces
- 50 g dried apricots chopped
- 45 g shelled pistachios
About the ingredients
Use basmati rice rinsed well to keep grains separate. Onions need low heat and patience to brown slowly; that’s key for depth. Fresh ginger grated finely releases vibrant punch in the dish. Curry powder—not just any spice—adds the warm base, pick a quality one. Swap cauliflower size to bite chunks, sweet potato gives sweetness instead of carrot. Green beans offer snap contrasting softness. Dried apricots chopped bring fruity tang, pistachios shelled for crunch. Vegetable broth if you want it plant-based; chicken broth can swap if preferred. Oil quantity bumped slightly for cooking longer onions. No need for salt here; broth and spices cover flavor. Avoid stirring rice during cooking to keep texture light and fluffy.
Method
- Heat oil over medium-low in heavy saucepan
- Add onions cook slowly till golden brown, about 12 minutes
- Toss in garlic stir 1-2 minutes, fragrant
- Add rice, ginger, curry powder, stir until rice coated and aromatic, around 2 minutes
- Pour in broth, add cauliflower, sweet potato, green beans, dried apricots, nuts
- Bring to boil, lower heat
- Cover, simmer gently 25 minutes no stirring
- Turn off heat let rest 10 minutes without lid
- Fluff rice gently with fork before serving
Cooking tips
Begin by heating oil on medium low for gradual onion caramelization; rushing this step yields less color and sweetness. Garlic added briefly after, just enough to release aroma without burning. Rice tossed in with ginger and curry powder, coating grains slowly to toast lightly before adding liquid. Adding all veggies and nuts at once means they cook evenly without disintegrating. Bring to full boil, then slow simmer is critical: too high heat burns bottom, too low leaves rice gummy. No peeking or stirring during cook time preserves structure. Resting time off heat lets steam finish cooking rice uniformly. Fluff gently with fork, not spoon, to keep grains airy. Serve warm or room temp for best texture.
Chef's notes
- 💡 Caramelizing onions, low heat. Patience essential. Slow cooking, 12 minutes for a deep, rich color. Garlic next. Just 1-2 minutes.
- 💡 Rinse basmati rice well. Keep it separate. Grains light, fluffy. Curry powder quality matters. Choose wisely for flavor base.
- 💡 Cauliflower, sweet potato vary size. Bite-sized pieces cook better. Green beans for snap, contrast. Apricots add tangy sweetness.
- 💡 Broth choice is key. Vegetable for plant-based. Chicken if preferred. No salt needed. Spices and broth give full flavor. Keeps meal light.
- 💡 No stirring during cook. Essential to avoid gummy texture. Allow it to rest after. Steam finishes cooking the rice uniformly.
Common questions
How to adjust spice level?
Add more curry powder or fresh ginger. Start with small amounts. Taste as it cooks. Adjust if needed.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, in fridge up to 4 days. Reheat, add splash water. Microwaving helps steam it back. Don't freeze.
What if I don't have all ingredients?
Swap veggies as you like. Peas or carrots instead of green beans. Sub nuts for taste.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Cook ahead, store in airtight container. Reheat portions as needed. Easy and flavorful.
