- September 19, 2025
Spinach Biryani Recipe – A Nutritious & Flavorful One-Pot Delight
Biryani is one of the most celebrated dishes in Indian cuisine, blending spices, rice, and vegetables into a fragrant, irresistible meal. While traditional biryani recipes often include meat or mixed vegetables, a healthier, green twist comes in the form of Spinach Biryani Recipe. Known as Palak Biryani in many households, this dish combines the richness of basmati rice with the earthy goodness of spinach, making it not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to prepare healthy spinach biryani, variations like spinach biryani South Indian style and spinach dum biryani, and even quicker versions like spinach biryani in pressure cooker. We’ll also include tips, serving ideas, and nutritional value, so you can enjoy this wholesome meal with confidence.
Why Spinach Biryani?
Spinach (palak) is a powerhouse of nutrition, rich in iron, fiber, and essential vitamins. Incorporating it into biryani not only enhances flavor but also transforms the dish into a nutrient-dense meal.
Health benefits of spinach biryani:
Rich in Iron & Folate – Helps improve hemoglobin levels.
Low in Calories – Great for weight management.
Antioxidant-Rich – Boosts immunity and reduces inflammation.
High in Fiber – Supports digestion and keeps you full longer.
With these benefits, the spinach biryani Indian style becomes an ideal dish for both festive occasions and everyday meals.
Ingredients for Spinach Biryani Recipe
Main Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
3 cups fresh spinach leaves (washed & chopped)
1 large onion – thinly sliced
2 tomatoes – chopped
2 green chilies – slit
1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
½ cup curd (yogurt)
3 tablespoons oil or ghee
Whole Spices
1 bay leaf
2–3 green cardamoms
3 cloves
1 cinnamon stick
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 to taste
Garnish
Fresh mint leaves
Fresh coriander leaves – chopped
Fried onions (optional)
Lemon juice – 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Preparation of Spinach Biryani
Here’s the spinach biryani step by step method for a perfect outcome.
Step 1 – Preparing the Rice
Wash and soak basmati rice for at least 30 minutes.
Boil water in a large vessel with salt and whole spices (bay leaf, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon).
Cook rice until 70% done. Drain and keep aside.
Step 2 – Preparing Spinach Puree
Blanch spinach leaves in hot water for 2 minutes, then transfer to ice-cold water.
Blend spinach into a smooth puree. This adds a rich green color to the biryani.
Step 3 – Making the Masala
Heat oil or ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan. Add cumin seeds and let them splutter.
Add onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add ginger-garlic paste and green chilies. Fry until fragrant.
Add tomatoes and cook until they turn soft.
Mix in turmeric powder, chili powder, biryani masala, and salt. Stir well.
Add the spinach puree and cook for 5 minutes until it blends with the spices.
Stir in curd and simmer until oil separates from the masala.
Step 4 – Layering the Biryani
In a deep pot, spread half of the cooked rice.
Add a layer of spinach masala over it.
Top with the remaining rice.
Garnish with mint, coriander, fried onions, and lemon juice.
Step 5 – Dum Cooking
Cover tightly with a lid. Cook on low flame for 20 minutes (or place the pot on a tawa to avoid burning).
Gently fluff with a fork before serving.
Your flavorful spinach dum biryani is ready!
Variations of Spinach Biryani
1. Spinach Biryani South Indian Style
Temper mustard seeds, curry leaves, and dry red chilies before adding onions.
Add a splash of coconut milk for a rich, South Indian touch.
2. Spinach Biryani Without Rice
Replace rice with quinoa, foxtail millet, or even oats.
This version is great for diabetics and fitness enthusiasts.
3. Quick Spinach Biryani in Pressure Cooker
Prepare spinach masala as above.
Add soaked rice, 1.5 cups water, and cook for 2 whistles.
A fast and fuss-free method.
4. Vegetable Spinach Biryani
Add vegetables like carrots, beans, and peas along with spinach.
This makes a colorful and nutrient-packed vegetable spinach biryani.
5. Spicy Spinach Biryani
Increase the quantity of green chilies and red chili powder.
Garnish with fried green chilies for extra spice lovers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with cucumber raita, boondi raita, or plain yogurt.
Pair with papad, pickle, or onion salad for extra crunch.
For festive occasions, serve with mirchi ka salan or dal tadka.
Nutrition Value of Spinach Biryani (per serving – 1 medium bowl)
Calories: 300–330 kcal
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Protein: 9 g
Fat: 7 g
Fiber: 6 g
Iron: 25% of daily requirement
Calcium: 12% of daily requirement
Vitamin A & C: Over 50% of daily requirement
This proves why healthy spinach biryani is perfect for lunch or dinner – it’s balanced, fiber-rich, and nutrient-packed.
Tips for the Perfect Spinach Biryani
Blanch spinach before pureeing to preserve its bright green color.
Do not overcook rice – it should be slightly firm while layering.
Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for the best flavor.
Adjust chili levels based on preference – mild for kids, spicy for adults.
Dum cooking enhances aroma and brings authentic biryani flavors.
Interesting Facts
The Spinach Biryani Recipe is a wholesome fusion of traditional biryani and superfood spinach. With the perfect balance of rice, spices, and nutrients, it makes a delightful meal for all occasions. Variations like spinach biryani South Indian style, spinach dum biryani, and spinach biryani without rice make it versatile for every kitchen.
Next time you crave a hearty yet healthy dish, try this spinach biryani Indian style. It’s quick, nutritious, and delicious – a dish that proves healthy food can also be indulgent.
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