Introduction:
Biryani is a popular Indian dish that is made with rice, spices, and meat or vegetables. It is a versatile dish that can be made with different types of proteins, including seafood, poultry, and meat. However, for those who are vegan or vegetarian, there is a way to enjoy this delicious dish without sacrificing their dietary preferences. In this post, we will discuss how to make a vegan prawn biryani recipe that is both flavorful and nutritious.
What is Vegan Prawn Biryani?
Vegan prawn biryani is a version of the classic Indian dish that is made without any animal products. Instead of using real prawns, it is made with plant-based prawns made from konjac powder, potato starch, and pea protein. This gives the dish a similar texture and flavor to traditional prawn biryani, but without harming any animals.
Benefits of Vegan Prawn Biryani
There are several benefits to making and eating vegan prawn biryani. First and foremost, it is a cruelty-free alternative to traditional prawn biryani, which is made with real prawns. Additionally, it is a healthier option as it is lower in cholesterol and saturated fat. It is also a great way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet, as the plant-based prawns are made with pea protein. Furthermore, this dish is packed with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices, making it a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Ingredients for Vegan Prawn Biryani
To make vegan prawn biryani, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup of plant-based prawns
- 1 tbsp of ginger paste
- 1 tbsp of garlic paste
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 1 tsp of coriander powder
- 1 tsp of turmeric powder
- 1 tsp of garam masala
- 1 bay leaf
- 2-3 cardamom pods
- 2-3 cloves
- 2-3 black peppercorns
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Salt to taste
- 3-4 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 4 cups of water
- Handful of chopped coriander leaves
Method for Making Vegan Prawn Biryani Here are the steps to make vegan prawn biryani:
1
Soak the basmati rice in water for 30 minutes.
2
Heat the vegetable oil in a pot or large pan.
3
Add the cumin seeds, bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, black peppercorns, and cinnamon stick to the oil and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
4
Add the chopped onion to the pot and fry until golden brown.
5
Add the ginger paste and garlic paste to the pot and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
6
Add the chopped tomato and bell pepper to the pot and fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are soft.
7
Add the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala to the pot and fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
8
Add the plant-based prawns to the pot and fry for a few minutes until they are cooked through.
9
Drain the water from the soaked rice and add it to the pot.
10
Add the water and salt to the pot and bring it to a boil.
11
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
12
Let the rice cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is cooked through.
13
Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
14
Fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top.
15
Serve hot with your favorite side dish, such as raita or pickle.
Tips for Making the Perfect Vegan Prawn Biryani
- Soak the rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
- Use a large pot or pan with a tight-fitting lid to ensure that the rice cooks evenly.
- Use high-quality spices and herbs for maximum flavor.
- Adjust the spice level according to your preference. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices used.
- Don’t overcook the plant-based prawns as they can become rubbery and lose their texture.
- Use fresh vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Experiment with different types of vegetables to add more variety to the dish.
- Vegan prawn biryani is a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional prawn biryani. It is a cruelty-free, healthier option that is packed with plant-based protein, vegetables, and aromatic spices. With this recipe, you can enjoy a classic Indian dish without sacrificing your dietary preferences. So, give it a try and let us know how you liked it!
