- 1
To prepare the recipe for mushroom biryani, start by rinsing 250 gms of basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear to reduce the excess starch. Soaking rice in water for 30 minutes helps the grains to be soft and cook fluffy and long.
- 2
After soaking, drain all the water and keep it aside.
- 3
Heat 2 Tbsp of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 Tsp cumin seeds, two bay leaves, three cloves, two green cardamoms, and 1-inch cinnamon stick. Let the whole spices saut for about a minute until they release their aroma into the oil and infuse its flavours.
- 4
Add one chopped onion into the pan and saut until golden brown. Stir frequently so that it will be evenly cooked. When the onions turn golden and caramelised, add 200 gmsof sliced mushrooms.
- 5
You will cook those mushrooms for 5-6 minutes till their moisture is released. Mushrooms will become tender by shrinking while they are being cooked.
- 6
Once the mushrooms are soft, put 1 Tsp ginger-garlic paste, and cook for two more minutes when the paste blends with the mixture.
- 7
Now add the turmeric powder, red chilli powder, biryani masala, and salt to taste.
- 8
Now mix all the spices well with mushrooms so that they coat all the mushrooms, and cook for 2-3 minutes till spice flavours meld into the dish.
- 9
Once mushroom masala is ready, you can add the soaked and drained rice, blending all the spices into the rice nicely without breaking grains.
- 10
Add 500 ml of water to the pan and let it boil. Boil, then reduce the heat to a low level, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the water. You don't want to remove the lid too often so that the steam stays inside and cooks it evenly.
- 11
Once the rice is done and fluffy, turn off the heat and let the biryani rest for a few minutes before serving. The top layer will puff up slightly. Use a fork to fluff the rice so that the grains separate before bringing the dish to the table.
- 12
Sprinkle the mushroom biryani with fresh coriander leaves and fried onions. Serve hot. Pair it with a cooling raita or a fresh salad and enjoy it hot.