๐ฅ๐ฅฅ๐ Vegetable Biryani
(Udupi / Karnataka Style)
A gentle, fragrant Karnataka-style biryani made with coconut-yogurt masala, soft vegetables,
ghee, herbs, and basmati rice โ a comforting one-pot vegetarian classic.
Spice Level: ๐ถ๏ธ Mild
Prep Time: 25 mins | Cook Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 55 mins
Serves: 4โ6
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
๐ One Pot, Thousand Stories
๐ฟ Introduction
Udupi Vegetable Biryani is a mild, coconut-fragrant, temple-style dish โ where vegetables simmer in a creamy masala of coconut, yogurt, and warm spices, then embrace fluffy basmati rice in a comforting one-pot harmony.
Itโs wholesome, gentle, and deeply aromatic โ perfect for family meals and festivals alike.
โSoft vegetables, coconut warmth, and fragrant rice โ a biryani that tastes like kindness in every spoon.โ
Vegetable Biryani
(Udupi / Karnataka Style)
Photo by Stirred By Spice
๐ Ingredients
Coconut Masala Paste (Udupi Style)
ยพ cup Grated coconut
1 small Onion
1 Tomato
1-inch Ginger
4โ5 Garlic cloves
2โ3 Green chilies
1 tsp Fennel seeds
1 tsp Coriander seeds
ยฝ tsp Cumin
4โ5 Black peppercorns
1-inch Cinnamon
2 Cloves
ยฝ tsp Turmeric
(Grind to a smooth paste.)
Vegetables
(Use your preferred mix โ classic Udupi style includes all.)
1 cup Carrots, chopped
1 cup Beans, chopped
1 cup Potatoes, cubed
ยฝ cup Peas
1 cup Cauliflower florets
Vegetable Base
3 tbsp Ghee or oil
2 Onions, thinly sliced
2 Green chilies, slit
ยฝ cup Yogurt
Salt to taste
ยฝ cup Mint
ยฝ cup Cilantro
Rice
2 cups Basmati rice (soaked 20 mins)
3ยฝ 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
๐ฝ๏ธ Instructions
1. Prepare Coconut Masala
Grind coconut, spices, tomato, ginger, garlic, and chilies into a smooth paste.
2. Sautรฉ Aromatics + Whole Spices
Heat ghee.
Add bay leaf, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon.
Add onions + green chilies โ sautรฉ until soft & fragrant.3. Cook Vegetables with Masala
Add the coconut masala paste โ sautรฉ 5 mins.
Add yogurt + salt.
Add mixed vegetables โ cook until halfway tender.4. Add Rice + Water
Add soaked basmati + 3ยฝ cups water.
Add mint + cilantro.
Mix gently.5. One-Pot Cooking
High flame: 3 mins
Medium flame: 10 mins
Low flame: 10โ12 mins
Rest covered 5 mins.
6. Finish
Fluff gently.
Add a drizzle of ghee + mint.
If you enjoyed this rice dish, try my
๐ท Optional Serving Notes
Pairs beautifully with raita (especially cucumber-mint) or kosambari.
๐ฌ Soulful Note
This is biryani with gentleness โ soft spices, coconut warmth, and vegetables cooked with care, just like in Udupi temple kitchens.
๐ Cookโs 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.
๐ Nutrition (Per Serving โ Approx.)
Calories 420
Protein 9g
Carbs 62g
Fat 14g
๐๐ถ๐ The Bottom Line
A light, fragrant Karnataka biryani โ wholesome, coconut-rich, and deeply comforting.
๐งก Meet the Heart Behind the Spice
Hi, Iโm Maya Shetty โ cook, storyteller, and spice lover.
Through Stirred By Spice, I share recipes that warm both the kitchen and the heart โ where simple ingredients and warm flavors turn everyday meals into moments of connection.
๐ฌ Iโd Love to Hear From You!
Your words, memories, and reflections mean the world to me.
Share your thoughts using the form below โ I read every message.
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