South African Vegetable Biryani Recipe

Name: South African Vegetable Biryani
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 each onions sliced; 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter); 6 each hot chili peppers crushed into a paste OR 2 ts cayenne; 1 each ginger 2 inch piece; 10 each garlic cloves; 1/2 cup lentils dried; 1/2 pound green peas shelled; 1/2 pound carrots chopped; 1/2 pound green beans chopped; 3 each tomatoes chopped; 6 each cloves, whole; 1 each cinnamon sticks 4 inch piece; 6 each cardamom pods crushed; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 3 each mint sprigs pounded OR 1/2 ts dried mint; 2 cups rice long grained white; 6 each potatoes chopped; 2 teaspoons salt

Servings: persons

3 each onions sliced
4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
6 each hot chili peppers crushed into a paste OR 2 ts cayenne
1 each ginger 2 inch piece
10 each garlic cloves
1/2 cup lentils dried
1/2 pound green peas shelled
1/2 pound carrots chopped
1/2 pound green beans chopped
3 each tomatoes chopped
6 each cloves, whole
1 each cinnamon sticks 4 inch piece
6 each cardamom pods crushed
1 teaspoon turmeric
3 each mint sprigs pounded OR 1/2 ts dried mint
2 cups rice long grained white
6 each potatoes chopped
2 teaspoons salt

1
In a large, heavy skillet, fry the onions in the ghee until golden.
2
With a slotted spoon, remove 13 of the slices & set aside.
3
Add to the pot, the ginger, garlic & chili paste.
4
Fry for 5 or 6 minutes, stirring constantly.
5
Add the lentils, peas, carrots & beans.
6
Reduce heat & cook for 15 minutes.
7
Add more ghee if necessary.
8
Add tomatoes, spices & mint.
9
Stir for 5 minutes.
10
Pour in 1 cup of very hot water, cover & simmer until the vegetables are half-cooked.
11
Add the rice, potatoes, salt & another 4 to 5 cups of hot water.
12
Cover & cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is done & the water is absorbed.
13
Garnish with the reserved onion slices.

1111

kcal

Calories

Fat

248

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 18 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 each onions sliced, 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter), 6 each hot chili peppers crushed into a paste OR 2 ts cayenne, 1 each ginger 2 inch piece, and more.

Yes, South African Vegetable Biryani falls under the Soups & Stews category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

South African Vegetable Biryani

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions