Morel Mushroom Pilau (Kashmiri Gucchi Pilau)
A delightful blend of fragrant basmati rice, earthy morel mushrooms, and a medley of spices, this Kashmiri Gucchi Pilau is an elegant, flavorful dish that will transport your taste buds to the enchanting valley of Kashmir. Known for its aromatic and rich flavors, this vegetarian dish combines the unique texture of morel mushrooms with the warmth of saffron, garam masala, and aromatic spices. Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it serves six and takes only 25 minutes to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| White basmati rice | 300g |
| Saffron strands | ¼ tsp |
| Screw pine water (or rosewater/jasmine flower water) | 1 tsp |
| Fresh morel mushrooms | 150g |
| Ghee (or rapeseed oil) | 75g (or 3-4 tbsp) |
| Onion, sliced | ½ |
| Fresh ginger, sliced into thin strands | 3 cm |
| Black cardamoms, lightly crushed | 4 |
| Green cardamoms, lightly crushed | 6 |
| Cassia bark, broken | 10 cm piece |
| Cloves | 6 |
| Dried bay leaves | 3 |
| Almond slivers | 75g |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Cold water | ¾ liters |
| Garam masala | 1 tsp |
| Fresh coriander leaves, chopped | To garnish |
Instructions
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Prepare the Rice: Rinse the white basmati rice thoroughly with cold water until the water runs clear. Set the rice aside to drain.
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Soak the Saffron: Soak the saffron strands in the screw pine water (or rosewater or jasmine flower water). Set it aside to infuse the delicate flavors.
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Prepare the Mushrooms: Rinse the fresh morel mushrooms thoroughly. Cut them in half lengthways to allow them to cook evenly.
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Cook the Spices: Heat the ghee or rapeseed oil in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Add the black and green cardamoms, cassia bark, cloves, and dried bay leaves to the hot oil. Stir the spices for a few minutes until they release their fragrance, filling the kitchen with a warm, aromatic scent.
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Sauté Onions and Ginger: Add the sliced onions to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become translucent. Add the sliced ginger and continue to sauté for another minute.
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Add the Mushrooms and Almonds: Toss in the prepared morel mushrooms and almond slivers. Sauté the mixture for a few minutes until the almonds begin to brown and the mushrooms soften slightly.
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Incorporate the Rice: Add the washed basmati rice to the pan. Gently stir the rice into the mushroom and spice mixture, ensuring that the rice grains become shiny and coated with the fragrant ghee and spices.
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Add the Saffron Mixture and Water: Pour the saffron-infused screw pine water (or flower water) into the rice mixture along with the salt. Add the cold water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
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Simmer the Pilau: Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 15 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to ensure the steam stays trapped.
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Check for Doneness: After 15 minutes, check the rice by pressing a couple of grains between your fingers. If they are soft and fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat and set it aside for a few minutes to rest.
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Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the pilau with garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves. This adds a final layer of flavor and a touch of freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 300 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Allergen Information
- Contains: Nuts (almonds)
- May contain traces of: Gluten (from cross-contamination)
- Dietary Preferences: Suitable for Vegetarians, Halal (depending on ghee used).
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: This dish is fully vegetarian, using plant-based ingredients like basmati rice, morel mushrooms, and fresh spices.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally free of gluten, making it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Nut-Free Option: Omit the almond slivers to make the recipe nut-free, while still maintaining a delightful texture and flavor profile.
Helpful Tips
- Substitute for Ghee: If you prefer a lighter version, rapeseed oil or any other neutral-flavored oil can be used in place of ghee. However, using ghee adds a rich, authentic flavor to the pilau.
- Morel Mushrooms: If fresh morel mushrooms are unavailable, you can substitute with dried morels. Just be sure to rehydrate them before use, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Saffron Substitution: Saffron can be replaced with a small amount of turmeric for color, but the distinct fragrance and delicate flavor of saffron are what truly elevate this dish.
- Spice Level: This recipe has a very mild spice profile, but you can increase the amount of garam masala or add a dash of chili powder to spice things up to your liking.
Conclusion
Morel Mushroom Pilau, or Kashmiri Gucchi Pilau, is a stunning and aromatic dish that brings together the earthy richness of morel mushrooms with the subtle floral notes of saffron and aromatic spices. This fragrant pilau is perfect for a family meal or when you want to impress guests with something both unique and flavorful. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression.
