Saffron-Infused Vegetable Biryani with Crispy Onions

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-11 · Updated 2026-07-11

A fragrant Indian rice dish layered with spiced vegetables, saffron, and topped with golden, crispy fried onions for texture and aroma. This indian-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs water, vegetable oil, large, thinly sliced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups, rinsed and soaked 30 minutes basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 large, thinly sliced yellow onion
• 2 cups, chopped mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, green beans)
• 1 tbsp ginger paste
• 1 tbsp garlic paste
• 1 small, slit lengthwise green chili
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk saffron threads
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup, crispy store-bought or homemade fried onions

Instructions

1. Step 1: Drain 1.5 cups rinsed and soaked basmati rice. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a large pot. Add rice and 1 tsp salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender. Fluff with fork and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add 1 large thinly sliced yellow onion and sauté for 10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Remove half for garnish.
3. Step 3: Add 1 tbsp ginger paste, 1 tbsp garlic paste, and 1 small slit green chili to the pan with remaining onions. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in 2 cups chopped mixed vegetables, 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp garam masala, and 1 tsp salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.
5. Step 5: Layer cooked rice over the vegetable mixture evenly. Drizzle 1/4 tsp saffron threads soaked in 2 tbsp warm milk evenly over the rice. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves on top.
6. Step 6: Cover tightly and cook on the lowest heat for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Step 7: Garnish with reserved caramelized onions and 1/2 cup crispy fried onions before serving hot.