Savory Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani: A Wholesome Vegetarian Delight
Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani Recipe
Experience the delightful fusion of textures and flavors in this Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani, a wholesome and aromatic dish that brings together the earthy goodness of barnyard millet and the rich umami of button mushrooms. Perfect for a satisfying lunch, this vegetarian dish not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body with its healthy ingredients. Follow along as we guide you through each step, creating a beautiful biryani that is as delicious as it is nutritious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Barnyard Millet (soaked) | 2 cups |
| Button Mushrooms (quartered) | 300 grams |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Onions (sliced) | 2 |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 2 |
| Garlic (chopped) | 4 cloves |
| Ginger (chopped) | 1 inch |
| Red Chilli Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander Powder (Dhania) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garam Masala Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Bay Leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 2 inch |
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Cardamom Pods/Seeds (Elaichi) | 1 |
| Star Anise | 1 |
| Stone Flower | 2 |
| Green Chilli (chopped) | 2 |
| Coriander Leaves (Dhania) | 5 sprigs |
| Mint Leaves (Pudina) | 5 sprigs |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 10-12 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 60-65 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 8-10 grams |
| Fat | 8-10 grams |
| Sodium | 200-300 mg |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
Instructions
To embark on this culinary journey of creating the Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani, start by preparing a fine paste from the ingredients mentioned. This forms the aromatic base that will elevate the dish to new heights.
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Prepare the Spice Base: In a kadai (wok), heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Begin by adding the whole spices: bay leaves, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom, star anise, and stone flower. Allow these spices to sizzle for about 10 seconds, releasing their fragrant oils into the oil.
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Sauté Aromatics: Introduce the curry leaves and let them splutter, which adds an intense aroma to the oil. Next, add the sliced onions, chopped ginger, and garlic to the pan, sautéing them until the onions soften and turn translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
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Cook the Tomatoes: Once the onions are softened, add the chopped tomatoes along with a pinch of salt. This salt will help the tomatoes cook faster and break down into a luscious sauce. Stir occasionally, and cook until the tomatoes are completely mushy, which will take about 5-7 minutes.
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Integrate Spices: At this point, add your prepared green paste and all the spice powders, including red chilli powder, turmeric powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir well, allowing the masala to bubble and meld together for a couple of minutes.
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Add Mushrooms: Toss in the quartered button mushrooms, ensuring they are well coated with the aromatic mixture. Pour in about ¼ cup of water to help the mushrooms cook thoroughly. Allow them to simmer and absorb the flavors for about 5 minutes.
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Combine with Millet: Once the mushrooms are tender, add the soaked barnyard millet to the pan, followed by 2 cups of water. Stir to combine, and taste for salt, adjusting as necessary.
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Cook to Perfection: Cover the kadai with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the biryani cook for approximately 15 minutes. The millet will absorb the flavorful broth, becoming fluffy and aromatic.
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Final Touches: After 15 minutes, carefully lift the lid and gently mix the millet with the masala, ensuring an even distribution of flavors. The biryani should be fragrant and beautifully colored.
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Serve: Serve the Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani warm, accompanied by a cooling spinach raita and a refreshing cucumber salad. These sides balance the richness of the biryani perfectly, creating a wholesome meal that is both satisfying and nourishing.
Conclusion
This Barnyard Millet Mushroom Biryani not only exemplifies the essence of Indian cuisine with its rich flavors and aromatic spices but also serves as a perfect healthy option for any meal of the day. As you delve into this delicious dish, you’ll find it not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
