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Mushroom Biryani Recipe

Mushroom biryani is a fragrant one-pot rice dish made with basmati rice, mushrooms, and aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala. Cooked together with onions and tomatoes, it absorbs rich flavors and is often garnished with fresh cilantro. Served with raita or salad, it’s a satisfying meal for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Rice
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Biryani:

  • 1 ½ Cup Basmati rice
  • 2 Cup Mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 Large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 Tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 Cup Plain yogurt
  • 2 tablespoon Ginger-garlic paste
  • 2-3 Green chilies, slit
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon Red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon Biryani masala (optional)
  • ¼ Cup Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • ¼ Cup Fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 3 tablespoon Cooking oil or ghee
  • 2 Cup Water
  • 1-2 tablespoon Saffron strands soaked in 2tbsp warm milk (optional)
  • Salt to taste

For Garnishing:

  • Fried onions
  • Fresh cilantro and mint leaves

Instructions
 

Preparing the Rice

  • First, wash and soak basmati rice for at least 30 minutes. This ensures fluffy, non-sticky grains.
  • Next, cook the rice to 90% done (parboiled). The key is to avoid overcooking, as it helps in layering without turning mushy.

Preparing the Mushroom Masala

  • Firstly, temper whole spices, then sauté onions, ginger-garlic paste, and mushrooms.
  • After that, add tomatoes and let the mushrooms release moisture, absorbing the spices in the process. This makes the masala flavorful and aromatic.

Layering the Biryani

  • Once the mushroom masala is cooked, layer it with the parboiled rice in a sealed pot (using the traditional dum method).
  • This method gives the biryani its signature texture and flavor as the layers infuse together.

Cooking the Biryani (Dum)

  • At this point, cook the biryani on low heat to allow all the flavors to blend.
  • To seal, use dough or a heavy lid to trap the steam, ensuring even cooking and a rich aroma.

Garnishing

  • Finally, garnish with fried onions, mint, coriander leaves, and saffron milk.
  • This step not only enhances the flavor but also adds a vibrant touch to the dish.

Notes

Creative Twists: Unique Variations of Mushroom Biryani 

1. Mushroom & Paneer Biryani 
    • Not only does this variation add cubes of paneer, but it also introduces extra protein and richness to the dish. 
    • Especially for vegetarian biryani lovers, this option provides a richer texture that elevates the flavor. 
2. Mushroom & Vegetable Biryani 
    • In addition to the mushrooms, you can incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables like carrots, peas, green beans, and potatoes. 
    • As a result, the dish becomes more nutritious and visually appealing, adding both flavor and health benefits. 
3. Coconut Mushroom Biryani 
    • Furthermore, adding coconut milk or grated coconut gives the biryani a subtle sweetness and creamy texture. 
    • This variation is great because the coconut flavor enhances the earthiness of the mushrooms, making each bite more delicious. 
4. Spicy Mushroom Biryani 
    • For those who enjoy a little more heat, you can add extra green chilies, black pepper, or cayenne. 
    • Consequently, the biryani gains a spicy kick, making it perfect for those who love bold, fiery flavors. 
5. Mushroom Pulao 
    • If you are looking for a quicker version, then try making a Mushroom Pulao by sautéing mushrooms and spices and mixing them with pre-cooked rice. 
    • Afterward, the result is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that skips the layering process but still delivers great taste. 

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Mushroom Biryani 

1. Use Ghee for Extra Flavor: Although you can use oil, ghee (clarified butter) adds an irresistible richness and nutty flavor to the biryani, making it more authentic and flavorful. 
2. Choosing the Right Mushrooms: To start, button mushrooms are the most commonly used in biryani, but feel free to experiment with shiitake, portobello, or even oyster mushrooms. Each variety offers a unique texture and flavor, elevating the dish in different ways. 
3. Don’t Overcook the Mushrooms: It’s important to note that mushrooms release water when cooked. Therefore, be careful not to overcook them, as this can make the biryani soggy. Cook them just right to keep the texture firm and delicious. 
4. Soak the Rice: Moreover, always soak basmati rice for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This step helps the rice remain fluffy and separate, making your biryani light and perfect. 
5. Avoid Overmixing: After cooking, let the biryani rest for a few minutes. This way, the flavors settle, and when you fluff the rice with a fork, it maintains its delicate texture without becoming mushy. 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Mushroom Biryani Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
420
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
15
g
23
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
10
g
Cholesterol
 
10
mg
3
%
Sodium
 
300
mg
13
%
Potassium
 
450
mg
13
%
Carbohydrates
 
62
g
21
%
Fiber
 
4
g
17
%
Sugar
 
5
g
6
%
Protein
 
10
g
20
%
Vitamin A
 
500
IU
10
%
Vitamin B1
 
0.2
mg
13
%
Vitamin B2
 
0.2
mg
12
%
Vitamin B3
 
2.5
mg
13
%
Vitamin B5
 
0.7
mg
7
%
Vitamin B6
 
0.3
mg
15
%
Vitamin C
 
10
mg
12
%
Vitamin E
 
1
mg
7
%
Vitamin K
 
10
µg
10
%
Calcium
 
80
mg
8
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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