Top view of wheat rava biryani garnished with mint and served in a white ceramic plate, highlighting South Indian flavors.
Biryani Recipes, Healthy Recipes, Lunch Recipes, Non veg Recipes, Recipes, Rice Recipes, South Indian recipes, Wheat Recipes

Wheat Rava Biryani, How to make Godhumai Rava Biryani

Wheat Rava Biryani is a guilt-free, hotel-style biryani made with wheat rava and a freshly ground biryani masala. Some days, all we want is biryani. Not a special-occasion biryani, not a heavy Sunday feast — just a warm, comforting bowl any day of the week.
But then the tiny voice inside whispers: “Maybe not rice again today…” 😅

That’s when this guilt-free Wheat Rava Biryani comes to the rescue!
Light, fluffy, and full of that hotel-style aroma thanks to kalpasi (black stone flower) and fresh ground masala — you’ll forget this is a healthier version.


Perfect for everyday lunchboxes, mid-week cravings, or when biryani calls you unexpectedly!

A Bite of History – Godhumai Rava Biryani

Did you know that biryani wasn’t always made with rice?
In ancient South Indian kitchens, cooks often used wheat granules, millets, and broken grains for hearty one-pot feasts — especially in regions where rice was scarce. These dishes were layered with meat or vegetables, gently spiced, and slow-cooked… very much like the biryani we love today!

And the secret ingredient that gave them a royal aroma?
A beautiful lichen called kalpasi (also known as dagad phool).

Used for centuries in traditional Chettinad and Mughal kitchens, kalpasi is famous for:
✨ Deep earthy fragrance
✨ Hotel-style biryani aroma
✨ A mysterious flavor that blooms only when roasted in oil or ghee

So this Wheat Rava Biryani is not just a modern healthy twist —
it’s actually a delicious throwback to a time when whole grains and aromatic masalas ruled the kitchen!

If you like, I can also add a fun fact call-out box, like:

Kalpasi Fun Fact:
It might look like a tiny piece of rock, but it’s an edible aromatic lichen that transforms into pure magic when heated!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredient Roles in Wheat Rava Biryani

IngredientPurpose in Recipe
Wheat rava / Samba godhumai ravaHealthier base that absorbs spices and stays fluffy
OnionAdds sweetness and depth to the masala
TomatoProvides moisture, acidity & helps bind the masala
Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potato)Texture, nutrition & color
Thick curdRichness and slight tang; keeps the biryani non-dry
Homemade biryani masala with kalpasiSignature hotel-style aroma and flavor backbone
Ginger-garlic pasteEnhances savory taste and fragrance
Oil or gheeFat to bloom spices & coat rava grains
Turmeric powderWarm color and earthy background flavor
Red chili powderHeat and biryani-style brightness
Mint leavesFresh, cooling aroma at the finish
Coriander leavesHerbal notes for garnish
SaltEnhances and balances all flavors
WaterHydrates rava for fluffy texture

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Wheat Rava Biryani, How to make Godhumai Rava Biryani
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Wheat Rava Biryani, How to make Godhumai Rava Biryani

Recipe by Sandhya Riyaz
0.0 from 0 votes
Course: Lunch / Dinner (Main Course)Cuisine: South Indian / Indian FusionDifficulty: Easy
Servings

3

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes

A light and flavorful Wheat Rava Biryani made with freshly ground homemade biryani masala — perfect for everyday cravings without the guilt.

Ingredients to make Wheat rava Biryani

  • Main

  • 1 cup, 1 Wheat rava / samba godhumai rava

  • 1½ tablespoon, 1½ Oil or ghee

  • 1 teaspoon, 1 Ginger garlic paste

  • 1 nos. 1 Large onion, sliced

  • 2 tablespoon, 2 Mint and Coriander leaves, chopped

  • 2 nos. 2 Green chili

  • 1 nos. 1 Tomato, chopped

  • 1 cup, 1 Mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas, potato)

  • 3 tablespoon, 3 Thick curd

  • 1¼ to 1½ cups 1¼ to 1½ Water (depending on rava texture)

  • Salt to taste

  • 2 tablespoon, 2 Homemade biryani masala

  • ¼ teaspoon, ¼ Turmeric

  • ½ teaspoon, ½ Red chili powder

  • Homemade biryani masala

  • 1 small piece, 1 Kalpasi

  • ½ teaspoon, ½ Fennel seeds

  • ½ teaspoon,, ½ Cumin seeds

  • ½ teaspoon, ½ Peppercorns

  • 2 nos. 2 Green cardamom

  • 2 nos. 2 Cloves

  • 1 inch, 1 Cinnamon

  • 1 nos. 1 Bay leaf

  • 1 nos. 1 Small star anise

  • 1 nos. 1 Dried red chili (optional)

  • ½ teaspoon, ½ Coriander seeds

Directions to make Wheat Rava Veg Biryani

  • Making Homemade Biryani Masala
    Dry roast everything on low heat for 2–3 minutes until aromatic. Cool and grind to a fine powder.
  • Roast the Wheat Rava
    Dry roast the rava for 3–4 minutes until it becomes slightly aromatic. Keep aside.
  • Make the Base
    Heat oil or ghee. Add onions, chopped mint, coriander and green chili and sauté until golden.
    Add ginger garlic paste and sauté until raw smell goes.
  • Add chili powder
    Add turmeric and red chili powder. Saute for 30 seconds. This gives good color.
  • Add Vegetables and Masala
    Add the chopped vegetables. Mix well. Add the homemade biryani masala.
    Add tomatoes and salt cook until mushy.
    Add curd and roast everything for 2 mins until it thickens.
  • Cook Under Pressure
    Add the roasted wheat rava to the cooked masala first and mix well. Then pour in hot water, stir to combine, and close the cooker. Cook on low heat for 1 whistle. Switch off and let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before opening and fluffing gently.
  • Finish
    Fluff gently. Serve it hot with raita.

Notes

  • 1 cup = 250 ml
PrintPrint

Directions to make Dalia veg biryani with step by step images

  • Making Homemade Biryani Masala
    Dry roast everything on low heat for 2–3 minutes until aromatic. Cool and grind to a fine powder.
  • Roast the Wheat Rava
    In a kadai or pressure cooker, dry roast the rava for 3–4 minutes until it becomes slightly aromatic. Keep aside.
  • Make the Base
    Heat oil or ghee. Add onions, chopped mint, coriander and green chili
    and sauté until golden.
    Add ginger garlic paste and sauté until raw smell goes.
  • Add chili powder
    Add turmeric and red chili powder. Saute for 30 seconds. This gives good color.
  • Add Vegetables and Masala
    Add the chopped vegetables. Mix well. Add the homemade biryani masala.
    Add tomatoes and salt cook until mushy.
    Add curd and roast everything for 2 mins until it thickens.
  • Cook Under Pressure
    Add the roasted wheat rava to the cooked masala first and mix well. Then pour in hot water, stir to combine, and close the cooker. Cook on low heat for 1 whistle. Switch off and let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before opening and fluffing gently.
  • Finish
    Fluff gently. Serve it hot with raita.

Pro Tips for the Best Wheat Rava Biryani

  • Roast the rava first → prevents stickiness and keeps grains separate.
  • Do not overdo vegetables → too much moisture = mushy texture.
  • Let it rest after cooking for 5 minutes before fluffing.
  • Ghee + kalpasi together create that classic restaurant aroma.
  • Use hot water when adding rava → faster cooking, better absorption.
  • Choose larger grain rava (samba) if you want a more “rice-like” feel.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Wheat Rava Biryani with:

  • Onion raita (classic pairing)
  • Cucumber or boondi raita for a cooling balance
  • Lemon wedges for fresh brightness
  • Simple roasted papad or fryums
  • Mint chutney if you want a spicy kick

Perfect for:
✔ Everyday lunchboxes
✔ Light dinner
✔ Busy weekday meals
✔ Potlucks and gatherings

FAQs — Wheat Rava Biryani

1️⃣ Can we use wheat rava instead of rice for biryani?

Yes! Wheat rava absorbs spices beautifully, cooks faster than rice, and is a healthier, lighter option for biryani lovers.

2️⃣ How do I prevent wheat rava biryani from turning mushy?

Roast the rava well and follow a lower water ratio (1:1.25). Always allow resting time before fluffing.

3️⃣ What does kalpasi do in biryani?

Kalpasi (dagad phool) gives the signature hotel-style biryani aroma — earthy, smoky, and unique to South Indian biryanis.

4️⃣ Can I make wheat rava biryani in a pressure cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes —
Pressure Cooker: 1 whistle on low heat
Instant Pot: 4 mins → NPR 5 mins
Keep the water ratio the same.

5️⃣ Is wheat rava biryani good for weight management?

Yes! Wheat rava has more fiber and digests slower than rice, making it a good everyday option.

6️⃣ Can I skip tomatoes in this recipe?

Absolutely — replace with a little extra curd or a squeeze of lemon at the end.

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