Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani Recipe: A Flavorful, Healthy One-Pot Delight
Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani is a wholesome, aromatic, and satisfying dish that combines the goodness of barnyard millet (also known as Samvat, Kuthiraivali, Udalu, or Oodalu) with the earthy flavors of button mushrooms. This dish, a popular choice during fasting seasons in India, is packed with rich spices, fresh herbs, and a tangy touch from yogurt, making it the perfect comfort meal for lunch. Easy to make and deliciously filling, it is not only nutritious but also a great gluten-free option for those following specific dietary needs.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients for Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani
The following ingredients will help you create a flavorful and wholesome Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani. Prepare them ahead of time to make cooking smoother and more enjoyable.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Barnyard Millet | 1-1/2 cup, washed and soaked in water |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 1 |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1-inch piece |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Curry leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit |
| Garlic | 6 cloves, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 2-inch piece, finely chopped |
| Onions | 2, sliced |
| Button mushrooms | 300 grams, cut into halves |
| Salt | To taste |
| Coriander (Dhania) Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Curd (Dahi / Yogurt) | 1/2 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 1/4 cup, finely chopped |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Instructions for Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani
Follow these easy steps to create a flavorful Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani that is sure to become a family favorite. From preparing the ingredients to the final step, we’ve broken down each stage to ensure your dish is perfectly cooked.
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Prep the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients and chopping the garlic, ginger, onions, mushrooms, and herbs. Soak the barnyard millet in water for a few hours before cooking to ensure it cooks well and absorbs the flavors.
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Heat Oil & Toast the Spices: Heat a pressure cooker on medium heat and add the oil. Once the oil is hot, add the whole spices: bay leaf, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and star anise. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their aromatic oils.
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Sauté the Aromatics: Add the curry leaves, ginger, garlic, onions, and slit green chilies to the pot. Sauté them on medium-low heat until the onions become slightly caramelized and soft.
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Cook the Mushrooms: Add the quartered button mushrooms to the pot, followed by salt, black pepper powder, and garam masala powder. Sauté the mushrooms for about a minute to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Add Yogurt & Fresh Herbs: Lower the heat and stir in the curd (yogurt), finely chopped coriander leaves, and mint leaves. These ingredients will add a creamy texture and fresh flavor to the dish.
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Cook the Millet: Drain the soaked barnyard millet and add it to the pressure cooker along with 1-1/2 cups of water. Stir everything together to ensure the millet is well coated with the spices and yogurt.
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Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook the mixture for 2 to 3 whistles on medium heat. Afterward, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 more minutes. Turn off the heat and allow the pressure to release naturally.
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Fluff & Serve: Once the pressure has released, open the cooker and fluff the Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani with a fork to separate the grains and give it a light, airy texture.
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Serve: Serve the Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani hot, garnished with additional coriander or mint leaves if desired. Pair it with a cooling side like Spinach Raita or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani
- Soak the Millet: Soaking the millet helps it cook faster and results in a softer texture. Make sure to drain the water completely before adding it to the pressure cooker.
- Spice Level: Adjust the quantity of green chilies based on your preferred spice level. For a milder version, you can reduce the number of chilies or remove the seeds.
- Mushroom Variations: While button mushrooms work wonderfully, you can also experiment with other varieties like cremini, shiitake, or portobello mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: To make this dish vegan, simply replace the curd (yogurt) with a plant-based alternative like coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
The following is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Sodium | 180 mg |
| Potassium | 200 mg |
| Vitamin A | 8% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 10% of daily value |
| Calcium | 3% of daily value |
| Iron | 10% of daily value |
Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani is not just a fulfilling and nutritious meal but also a celebration of aromatic spices and earthy vegetables. Whether you’re fasting or simply craving a wholesome, vegetarian dish, this recipe is sure to impress. It brings together the goodness of millet with the warmth of spices, making it a perfect lunch option for any day of the week.
