Vegan Tofu Biryani Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Start by marinating the tofu in a mixture of spices, lemon juice, and yogurt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
• STEP 2.In the meantime, cook the basmati rice until it is 70% cooked. Drain and set aside.
• STEP 3.Heat oil in a large pan and sauté onions, ginger, and garlic until golden brown. Add the marinated tofu and cook until it is lightly browned.
• STEP 4.Add the spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala to the pan and cook for a minute until fragrant.
• STEP 5.Add the partially cooked rice to the pan and gently mix everything together. Cover the pan and let it cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and flavors are well combined.
• STEP 6.Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with raita or cucumber salad.

Cooking Tips

• Press the tofu to remove excess moisture before marinating to ensure it absorbs the flavors better.
• For extra flavor, you can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the biryani.
• Adjust the spice levels according to your preference by adding more or less chili powder.
• To make the biryani more fragrant, you can add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm milk to the rice before cooking.

Storage and Serving

• Leftover tofu biryani can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat the biryani in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
• Serve the vegan tofu biryani as a main dish with a side of raita or cucumber salad for a complete meal.