Mushroom Biryani is a flavourful and satisfying vegetarian take on the classic Indian rice dish. Layers of aromatic basmati rice are cooked with a mouthwatering blend of spices, tender mushrooms, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of ghee (clarified butter) for richness.
About the Recipe
If you’re a mushroom lover or merely looking to try a new vegetarian dish, this mushroom biryani is a must. The combination of earthly mushrooms with warm spices and herbs creates an incredibly satisfying meal. Plus, it’s packed with aromatic flavours that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this delicious mushroom biryani. The flavours are bold yet balanced, with a perfect blend of spices that tingle your taste buds. The mushrooms provide a wonderful meaty texture, while the fluffy basmati rice soaks up all those divine flavors. It’s also a one-pot dish, making cooking and cleanup a breeze.
Mushroom Biryani
Cooking Tips
For maximum flavour, use fresh spices and aromatics. Toasting the whole spices briefly before grinding enhances their warmth. Don’t skip soaking the rice – this ensures even cooking. And be generous with the ghee – it adds incredible richness.
Serving and Storing Suggestions
This mushroom biryani makes a fabulous vegetarian main course, serving 4-6 people. It’s best enjoyed freshly made, but leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated gently. Some cooling raita (yogurt sauce) on the side is the perfect accompaniment. Total prep time is around 45 minutes.
Similar Recipes
- Vegetable Biryani
- Paneer Biryani
- Egg Biryani
- Shahi Tukda (Bread Pudding)
Nutrient Benefits
Mushrooms are packed with nutrients like B vitamins, selenium, copper and antioxidants. Basmati rice provides complex carbs, while the warming spices offer anti-inflammatory benefits. With protein from the mushrooms, this biryani makes a well-rounded vegetarian meal.
Mushroom Biryani
Ingredients
- 250 gms Basmati Rice (soaked for 15 minutes)
- 1 Onion (finely chopped)
- 10 Button Mushrooms (chopped)
- 2 Tomatoes (chopped (optional))
- Mint Leaves (chopped)
- Coriander Leaves (chopped)
- 3 tsp Oil
- 2 tsp Ghee
- Salt as per taste
Grind together:
- 1 tsp Saunf
- 1 tsp Cumin Seedss
- 1/2 inch Ginger
- 2 Bay Leaf
- 10 cloves Garlic
- 2 Cloves
- 1/2 tsp Black Peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 2 tsp Coconut (grated)
- 1/4 tsp Turmeric Powder
- 2 Cardamoms
Instructions
- Heat a pan over medium flame.
- Add ghee and oil.
- Saute the onions till golden.
- Add the ground paste, tomatoes, mushrooms, salt, mint leaves, coriander leaves and stir well.
- Cook till the oil starts to separate.
- Pour 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
- Add the soaked rice and cover with a lid.
- Cook till the rice is done.
- Remove from flame and mix well.
- Transfer to a plate and serve hot with onion raita.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of mushrooms?
Without a doubt. While button mushrooms are traditional, feel free to use cremini, portobello, oyster or a mix. The earthy flavors pair beautifully with the spices.
How do I get fluffy, separated rice?
Make sure to soak the basmati rice for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Rinse it until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Then cook using the proper rice-to-water ratio.
Is this dish spicy?
The level of heat is quite mild and family-friendly as written. If you prefer more of a kick, merely increase the amount of red chili powder or add some chopped green chilies.
What sides go well with biryani?
Raita (yogurt sauce) is a classic accompaniment to help cool the palate. Other tasty options include a fresh kachumber salad, papad (crispy lentil wafers) or a vegetable curry like aloo gobi.
Can this be made vegan?
Yes, just swap out the ghee (clarified butter) for a neutral oil like avocado or grapeseed oil. Use plant-based yogurt for the raita instead of dairy yogurt.
3 comments
twice i prepared this dish and it was awesome, got really good comments…. !!
its really so good…. it tried it, it came so well
thanks
This is the first biryani I have made and it was very easy and very delicious, thanks very much! Lisa