Gobhi Masala Biryani

Gobhi masala biryani is a version of vegetable biryani. This cauliflower veg biryani is a whole meal that takes only 20 minutes to get cooked. A delightful way to save some time during lunch or dinner without compromising on taste. This is a very polite dish that takes less effort and a few minutes. It fills your stomach well, saves time and satisfies your taste buds!

Ingredients per plate:

1. Rice - 1 cup
2. Cauliflower - 6 florets
3. Ginger-garlic paste - 1 tablespoon
4. Curd/Yogurt - 1/2 cup
5. Chopped coriander leaves - 1/4 cup
6. Red chili powder - 1 teaspoon
7. Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
8. Green Cardamom - 2
9. Cloves - 2
10. Bay leaf - 2
11. Garam masala - 1 teaspoon
12. *My Special Masala (Optional) - 1 teaspoon
13. Refined Oil - 3 tablespoons
14. Salt to taste

*Please note the below mentioned ingredients and procedure to make 'My Special Masala'.


Okay, let's start!

• Wash the cauliflower florets
• Heat oil in a cookware, add green cardamom, bay leaf and cloves into the oil
• After a minute, add cauliflower florets and saute for 2 minutes
• Add all the other spices one by one and cook the cauliflower florets with these spices for a minute
• Now add curd and stir it well
• Add the washed cup of rice along with two cups of water
• Cover the lid and cook until all the water gets evaporated
• Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve it hot

Most importantly, rice and water ratio should be 1:2. More water will make the recipe soggy and less water won't let the rice cook properly.

I use ready made ginger garlic paste for this recipe to save time but if that's not available or you prefer to use home made ginger-garlic paste, go ahead with that! Equal amount of ginger paste and garlic paste would be preferable for this recipe.

Last but not the least, the special masala I add to this recipe, enhances the flavor. The best way to save time is, prepare this masala in your free time and keep it in an airtight container. That way whenever you want to use this masala, you can!

*Ingredients for "My Special Masala": 

1. 8 Cardamom 
2. 2 Cloves  
3. Half inch long cinnamon stick
4. 2 Dry red chilies

Roast these spices for 5 minutes, let it cool down and then grind it. You can use this masala in various other recipes. It adds a special flavor that's why I call it "My Special Masala".

Good Luck and enjoy the recipe!