Hare Krishna Vegetable Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that combines basmati rice with a variety of vegetables, nuts, and dried fruits. This biryani is perfect for those who follow a sattvic diet, free from onions and garlic, making it suitable for offering to Krishna.
Prepared with love and devotion, Hare Krishna Biryani is a beloved dish among devotees and a delightful addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Hare Krishna Biryani can be enjoyed in various ways:
- As a Main Course: Serve Biryani with a side of plain yogurt or raita for a complete and satisfying meal.
- With Pickles: Add a tangy Indian pickle to enhance the flavors of the Biryani.
- With Papadums: Serve with crispy papadums for a delightful contrast in texture.
- With Chutney: Pair with a sweet or spicy chutney to complement the aromatic flavors of the Biryani.
These serving suggestions make for a balanced and satisfying meal, fostering a sense of community and togetherness when shared with fellow devotees.
History
Hare Krishna Biryani has a special place in the hearts of devotees. This recipe was developed to create a flavorful and satisfying meal that adheres to the principles of a sattvic diet, free from onions and garlic. Biryani is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, and this version, with its emphasis on purity and devotion, has become a staple in many Hare Krishna kitchens.
Bhakti Thought
Hare Krishna Biryani is more than just a dish; it is an expression of creativity, nourishment, and devotion. By preparing and offering this Biryani to Krishna, we engage in the sacred practice of bhakti, transforming the act of cooking into a spiritual journey. This dish serves as a reminder that even the simplest of ingredients, when combined with devotion and care, can create something extraordinary. Let this Biryani inspire you to cook with a heart full of love and to see each meal as an offering to Krishna, bringing us closer to Him with every bite.
PrintVegetable Biryani Recipe
Hare Krishna Biryani is a comforting and flavorful dish, inspired by the principles of bhakti yoga. This rich Biryani combines wholesome ingredients, creating a harmonious blend that enhances any meal. In the tradition of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, cooking and offering food to Krishna is an act of love and devotion, known as bhakti. Each dish is prepared with care, mindfulness, and a pure heart, making it not just a meal but a spiritual offering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté and Bake
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 1 cup mixed vegetables, steamed (peas, beans, carrots, cauliflower, etc.)
- 2 tbsp raisins
- 2 tbsp cashew nuts or slivered almonds
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1/4 tsp clove powder
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp asofoetida
- 1/4 tsp coriander powder
- 3 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Soak the Rice: Soak the basmati rice in water for 30 minutes and drain well.
- Sauté Nuts and Raisins: Melt 1 1/2 tbsp butter in a skillet and sauté the raisins and cashew nuts until they turn golden brown. Set aside.
- Sauté the Rice: Melt the remaining butter in the skillet and add the basmati rice. Fry until well coated and the rice grains don’t stick together.
- Add Spices: Add all the spices to the rice and mix well.
- Bake the Rice: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Empty the basmati rice into a baking pan, add salt and 1 1/2 cups of water. Cook for 20 minutes or until the rice is done.
- Combine and Serve: Add the still-warm steamed vegetables, raisins, and cashew nuts to the rice. Mix well and offer to Krishna.
Notes
- Dried Fruit Variations: You can also add other dried fruits (dried blueberries, date pieces, cranberries, etc.) to give it a slightly different presentation and taste. Adding blueberry raisins with yellow raisins adds a nice flavor combination.
- Alternative Cooking Method: You can avoid baking the rice by cooking the basmati rice separately and then chilling it so that the grains are completely separated. Then, fry the rice with the spices and add the dried fruits afterward.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish is also nicely served with a cucumber tomato raita.
- Protein Enhancement: To give it a bit more protein, you can temper some urad and chana dal and add to the biryani.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg