π₯π₯₯π Vegetable Biryani
(Udupi / Karnataka Style)
A gentle, fragrant Karnataka-style biryani made with coconut-yogurt masala, soft vegetables,
ghee, herbs, and basmati rice β a comforting one-pot vegetarian classic.
Spice Level: πΆοΈ Mild
Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 55 mins
Serves: 4β6
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
π One Pot, Thousand Stories
πΏ Introduction
Udupi Vegetable Biryani is a mild, coconut-fragrant, temple-style dish β where vegetables simmer in a creamy masala of coconut, yogurt, and warm spices, then embrace fluffy basmati rice in a comforting one-pot harmony.
Itβs wholesome, gentle, and deeply aromatic β perfect for family meals and festivals alike.
βSoft vegetables, coconut warmth, and fragrant rice β a biryani that tastes like kindness in every spoon.β
Vegetable Biryani
(Udupi / Karnataka Style)
Photo by Stirred By Spice
π Ingredients
Coconut Masala Paste (Udupi Style)
ΒΎ cup Grated coconut
1 small Onion
1 Tomato
1-inch Ginger
4β5 Garlic cloves
2β3 Green chilies
1 tsp Fennel seeds
1 tsp Coriander seeds
Β½ tsp Cumin
4β5 Black peppercorns
1-inch Cinnamon
2 Cloves
Β½ tsp Turmeric
(Grind to a smooth paste.)
Vegetables
(Use your preferred mix β classic Udupi style includes all.)
1 cup Carrots, chopped
1 cup Beans, chopped
1 cup Potatoes, cubed
Β½ cup Peas
1 cup Cauliflower florets
Vegetable Base
3 tbsp Ghee or oil
2 Onions, thinly sliced
2 Green chilies, slit
Β½ cup Yogurt
Salt to taste
Β½ cup Mint
Β½ cup Cilantro
Rice
2 cups Basmati rice (soaked 20 mins)
3Β½ cups Water
Whole Spices for Frying
1 Bay leaf
4 Cloves
4 Cardamom
1 small Cinnamon stick
Garnish
Fried onions (optional)
Mint + cilantro
Ghee drizzle
π½οΈ Instructions
1. Prepare Coconut Masala
Grind coconut, spices, tomato, ginger, garlic, and chilies into a smooth paste.
2. SautΓ© Aromatics + Whole Spices
Heat ghee.
Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon.
Add onions + green chilies β sautΓ© until soft & fragrant.3. Cook Vegetables with Masala
Add the coconut masala paste β sautΓ© 5 mins.
Add yogurt + salt.
Add mixed vegetables β cook until halfway tender.4. Add Rice + Water
Add soaked basmati + 3Β½ cups water.
Add mint + cilantro.
Mix gently.5. One-Pot Cooking
High flame: 3 mins
Medium flame: 10 mins
Low flame: 10β12 mins
Rest covered 5 mins.
6. Finish
Fluff gently.
Add a drizzle of ghee + mint.
π· Optional Serving Notes
Pairs beautifully with raita (especially cucumber-mint) or kosambari.
π¬ Soulful Note
This is biryani with gentleness β soft spices, coconut warmth, and vegetables cooked with care, just like in Udupi temple kitchens.
π Cookβs Wisdom / FAQs
Cook's Wisdom
Tip: Using ghee and fresh mint/cilantro also adds that signature rich aroma and freshness
Why coconut?
It gives Karnataka biryani its signature mellow richness.Why yogurt?
It adds creaminess and binds the masala beautifully.Why mild spices?
Udupi cuisine prioritizes aroma, not heat.
π Nutrition (Per Serving β Approx.)
Calories 420
Protein 9g
Carbs 62g
Fat 14g
ππΆπ The Bottom Line
A light, fragrant Karnataka biryani β wholesome, coconut-rich, and deeply comforting.
𧑠Meet the Heart Behind the Spice
Hi, Iβm Maya Shetty β cook, storyteller, and spice lover.
Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart β where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.
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