Looking for a vegetarian biryani that feels just as indulgent as the meaty versions? Try this Jackfruit Biryani (also known as Kathal Biryani in India)— a bold, flavorful dish where tender jackfruit chunks soak up aromatic spices and layer beautifully with fragrant basmati rice. Often dubbed the “vegetarian’s meat,”raw jackfruit has a meaty texture that makes it a brilliant stand-in for chicken or mutton.

Pair it with a cooling, zesty raita — like raw mango or mint — and you’ve got a complete, satisfying meal that impresses on both flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re exploring plant-based eating or just looking for something different, this recipe brings royal biryani vibes with a refreshing twist.

 Why Try This Jackfruit Biryani Instead of Meat-Based Versions? 🧠 

💙Plant-Based Power: Jackfruit mimics the texture of meat while being 100% plant-based and cruelty-free.

💙Lower in Fat: Compared to lamb or chicken biryani, this version is significantly lower in saturated fats and cholesterol-free.

💙Gut-Friendly: Jackfruit is a great source of dietary fiber, supporting better digestion.

💙Rich in Micronutrients: It contains potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support immunity and heart health.

💙Budget-Friendly & Sustainable: Raw jackfruit is more affordable than meat and has a lower environmental footprint.

💙Festive Yet Light: Perfect for celebrations where you want rich flavors without the heaviness of meat.

Detailed Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)

💡 Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

 Ingredients For the Jackfruit Biryani 

For Rice:

🔺2 cups basmati rice (soaked 30 mins)

🔺5–6 cups water

🔺Salt – as needed

🔺1 bay leaf

🔺2 green cardamoms

🔺3 cloves

🔺1 small piece cinnamon

For Kathal:

🔺500g raw jackfruit (cleaned, cut, and boiled till 70% cooked)

🔺1 cup thick curd (yogurt)

🔺2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste

🔺1 tsp red chili powder

🔺½ tsp turmeric

🔺1 tsp coriander powder

🔺1 tsp garam masala

🔺½ cup fried onions 

🔺2 tbsp chopped mint

🔺2 tbsp chopped coriander

🔺Salt – to taste

🔺1 tbsp lemon juice

🔺2 tbsp oil or ghee

For Layering:

🔺Remaining fried onions

🔺Few mint + coriander leaves

🔺2 tbsp warm milk with saffron (optional)

🔺1 tbsp ghee

👩‍🍳 Instructions For Jackfruit Biryani:

🌸Boil Rice:

🔸Cook soaked rice in boiling water with salt and whole spices until 80% done. Drain and set aside.

🌸Marinate Kathal:

🔸Mix boiled kathal with curd, ginger-garlic paste, spices, fried onions, herbs, lemon juice, and oil. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

🌸Cook Kathal:

🔸In a pan, cook marinated kathal for 10–15 mins until it releases oil and becomes tender.

🌸Layering:

🔸In a heavy pot, layer half of kathal, then half rice. Sprinkle fried onions, herbs, saffron milk, ghee. Repeat the layers.

🌸Dum Cook:

🔸Cover tightly and cook on low flame for 20 minutes. Or place on a tawa for indirect heat.

🌸Rest & Serve:

🔸Let it sit for 10 minutes. Gently mix and serve hot with raita or salad

🔸Enjoy with your friends and family 😉

Also try Paneer Shawarma Wraps Recipe -Homemade & Easy (in 2 ways) –Quick, Flavor-Packed ,High protein & Lunchbox-Friendly!!

🥣 Raita Pairing Ideas for Jackfruit Biryani

While mint raita and raw mango raita are excellent options, here are a few more flavorful and easy raita varieties that pair beautifully with jackfruit biryani:

1. Zesty Raw Mango Raita 🥭 

While the classic mint raita is always a winner, try this Raw Mango Raita for a tangy, zesty upgrade. It adds a cooling, citrusy punch that beautifully balances the rich spices of jackfruit biryani.

📝 Ingredients:

• 1 small raw mango (peeled and finely grated)
• 1 cup thick curd (fresh yogurt)
• 1 green chili (finely chopped – optional)
• 1/2 tsp roasted cumin powder
• 1/4 tsp black salt
• A pinch of regular salt
• 1/4 tsp sugar (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander or mint

👩‍🍳 Method:

1. Whisk the curd until smooth and creamy.
2. Add grated raw mango, chili, cumin powder, salts, and sugar.
3. Mix well and refrigerate for 10 minutes.
4. Garnish with chopped coriander or mint before serving.

🍴 Why This Works:

• The raw mango adds a natural tang that lifts the entire meal.
• It pairs excellently with rich and spicy dishes like jackfruit biryani.
• Quick, unique, and seasonal—this raita is a conversation starter at any table

🌿 2.Mint-Coriander Raita

Fresh and herby, this classic raita complements the rich, spiced biryani with a refreshing zing.

🧅 3.Onion-Tomato Raita

A crunchy, savory raita with a hint of spice – perfect for those who love texture and bold flavor.

🥒 4.Cucumber Raita

Cool and hydrating, this yogurt-based raita tones down the heat from the biryani, ideal for summer meals.

🍍 5.Pineapple Raita

Sweet and spicy, this tropical raita is a fun, festive pairing that cuts through the richness of biryani.

💡 Raita Tip: Always serve raita chilled and garnish with roasted cumin, herbs, or a drizzle of mustard oil for that gourmet finish.

🧠 Pro Tips for Perfect Jackfruit Biryani:

🔸Use young raw jackfruit for the best meaty texture.

🔸Soak rice for at least 30 minutes for fluffier grains.

🔸Fry onions till deep golden brown for authentic flavor.

🔸For extra flavor, add kewra water or rose water in the final layering.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

🔸Serve hot jackfruit biryani with chilled raita, onion salad, and lemon wedges.

🔸Accompany with papad or pickle for a full Indian meal experience.

🔸Add a cooling dessert like kheer or gulab jamun for festive occasions.

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @The_modern_foodie_05 for the recipe reel.

💬 FAQs( Frequently Asked Questions):

Q1. Can I use canned jackfruit?

Yes, but rinse thoroughly to remove brine taste. Fresh raw jackfruit gives better texture and flavor.

Q2. Can this be made vegan?

Absolutely! Replace ghee with oil and use plant-based yogurt for both biryani and raita.

Q3. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use sauté mode for steps 1–3, then pressure cook for 5 minutes on high with natural pressure release.

Q4. Is jackfruit healthy?

Yes, jackfruit is low in fat, rich in fiber, and packed with antioxidants.

📝 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply exploring plant-forward meals, this Jackfruit Biryani is proof that going meatless doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or indulgence. With its rich layers of spice, hearty jackfruit, and a refreshing raita on the side, it’s a showstopper worthy of any festive table.

Try it once, and you’ll see why this plant-powered biryani deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s comforting, exciting, and totally satisfying — all while being kinder to your body and the planet.

Don’t forget to tag me in your creations or drop a comment 💬 below with your favorite raita combo. Sharing is caring — so pass this recipe along to your fellow foodies and let’s get more people excited about plant-powered cooking!

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