- September 19, 2025
Broccoli Biryani Recipe – A Nutritious Twist on Traditional Biryani
Biryani is one of the most cherished dishes in Indian cuisine, known for its rich aroma, spices, and irresistible taste. While chicken, mutton, or vegetable biryani are quite common, there’s a unique, wholesome, and healthy version that is slowly gaining popularity – the Broccoli Biryani Recipe.
Broccoli, a superfood packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, transforms the classic biryani into a power-packed meal. Whether you are health-conscious or simply want to try a new variation, healthy broccoli biryani is a perfect choice. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about preparing it – from broccoli biryani South Indian style to broccoli dum biryani, along with step-by-step cooking, serving suggestions, and nutritional value.
Why Broccoli in Biryani?
Broccoli is often referred to as the “green cauliflower,” but it’s even more nutritious. When combined with fragrant basmati rice and aromatic spices, broccoli becomes the star of a delightful broccoli biryani Indian style.
Health benefits of broccoli include:
Rich in Vitamins – Contains vitamin C, K, and folate.
High in Fiber – Keeps you full longer, making it perfect for weight management.
Low in Calories – Helps balance indulgent biryani flavors without guilt.
Antioxidant Boost – Fights inflammation and supports immunity.
Thus, this dish becomes not just tasty but also a super-healthy alternative to traditional biryani.
Ingredients for Broccoli Biryani
To prepare easy broccoli biryani recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
2 cups broccoli florets (cut into medium-sized pieces)
1 large onion – thinly sliced
2 medium tomatoes – chopped
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
2 green chilies – slit
½ cup curd/yogurt
3 tablespoons oil or ghee
Whole Spices
1 bay leaf
2 green cardamoms
1 cinnamon stick
2–3 cloves
1 star anise
1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Spice Powders
½ teaspoon turmeric powder
1 teaspoon red chili powder
1 ½ teaspoons biryani masala powder
½ teaspoon garam masala
Salt as required
Garnish
Fresh mint leaves
Fresh coriander leaves – chopped
Fried onions (optional)
Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Preparation of Broccoli Biryani
Here’s the broccoli biryani step by step method:
Step 1 – Preparing the Rice
Rinse and soak basmati rice for 30 minutes.
Boil water in a large pot with salt and whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves).
Add rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and keep aside.
Step 2 – Preparing the Broccoli
Blanch broccoli florets in hot salted water for 3 minutes.
Drain immediately and keep aside. This helps maintain color and removes raw taste.
Step 3 – Making the Masala
Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, followed by onions. Fry until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until raw smell disappears.
Add tomatoes, green chilies, and cook until soft.
Add turmeric, red chili powder, biryani masala, and salt. Mix well.
Add curd and stir until masala turns creamy.
Now add blanched broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes.
Step 4 – Layering the Biryani
In a heavy-bottomed pan, spread a layer of half-cooked rice.
Add the broccoli masala layer, then top with remaining rice.
Sprinkle mint, coriander, fried onions, and lemon juice.
Cover tightly.
Step 5 – Dum Cooking
Place the pan on low flame for 20–25 minutes.
Alternatively, keep a tawa under the pot to avoid burning.
Fluff gently before serving.
Your flavorful broccoli dum biryani is ready!
Variations of Broccoli Biryani
1. Broccoli Biryani South Indian Style
Add curry leaves, mustard seeds, and grated coconut for a southern flavor.
Use coconut milk instead of curd for a rich taste.
2. Broccoli Biryani Without Rice
Replace rice with quinoa, foxtail millet, or even rolled oats for a healthier version.
This makes it suitable for weight loss diets.
3. Quick Broccoli Biryani in Pressure Cooker
Prepare broccoli masala as above.
Add soaked rice, 1.5 cups water, and pressure cook for 2 whistles.
Fluffy biryani in less than 30 minutes!
4. Vegetable Broccoli Biryani
Along with broccoli, add carrots, beans, peas, and potatoes.
A wholesome vegetable broccoli biryani that’s colorful and nutrient-rich.
5. Spicy Broccoli Biryani
Increase red chili powder or add green chili paste.
Perfect for spice lovers who enjoy extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with cucumber or boondi raita.
Pair with papad, pickle, and onion-tomato salad.
For a festive touch, serve with mirchi ka salan or dal tadka.
For kids, serve with plain curd to balance spices.
Nutrition Value of Broccoli Biryani (per serving – 1 medium bowl)
Calories: 310–340 kcal
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 7 g
Vitamin C: 70% of daily requirement
Iron: 15% of daily requirement
Calcium: 10% of daily requirement
This shows why healthy broccoli biryani is a great lunch or dinner option – packed with nutrients while being light on calories.
Tips for Perfect Broccoli Biryani
Always blanch broccoli to retain color and avoid raw smell.
Do not overcook broccoli; it should remain slightly crunchy.
Use aged basmati rice for long, fragrant grains.
Add saffron milk for a royal touch.
Adjust spice levels according to taste – mild for kids, spicy for adults.
Interesting Facts
The Broccoli Biryani Recipe is a perfect fusion of health and flavor. This vegetarian twist on biryani is ideal for fitness enthusiasts, families, and anyone looking to try something unique yet nutritious. With options like broccoli biryani South Indian style, broccoli dum biryani, or broccoli biryani without rice, you can adapt the dish to your taste and lifestyle.
Next time you want a wholesome one-pot meal, try this broccoli biryani Indian style – a flavorful dish that proves healthy food can be just as indulgent as traditional biryani.
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