Peppery Mushroom Biryani Recipe: A Delicious Vegetarian Delight
Peppery Mushroom Biryani is a simple and quick-to-make recipe that brings together the rich flavors of aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and succulent mushrooms. This dish is not only bursting with flavor but also healthy, thanks to the use of nutrient-packed ingredients like button mushrooms and Basmati rice. When made with high-quality Basmati rice and the right mix of spices, the biryani offers a satisfying balance of warmth, heat, and a fragrant depth of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for a delicious lunch or a comforting dinner, this recipe is a must-try for all vegetarian food lovers.
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Basmati rice | 1-1/2 cups |
| Tomato | 1, finely chopped |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 6 cloves, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Green Chillies | 2, slit into halves |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves | 2 sprigs |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Button mushrooms | 200 grams, thinly sliced |
| Salt | To taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 4 tablespoons |
Ingredients for the Biryani Spice Mix:
| Spice | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cloves (Laung) | 2 |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon Stick (Dalchini) | 1 inch |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2 |
| Bay leaves (Tej Patta) | 2 |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Asafoetida (Hing) | A pinch |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Biryani Spice Mix:
- Begin by preparing the Biryani Spice Mix. In a small pan, dry roast the cloves, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, black peppercorns, cinnamon stick, fennel seeds, cardamom, and bay leaves on medium heat. Keep roasting until they become aromatic, about 1-2 minutes.
- Once roasted, transfer the spices to a spice grinder and grind them into a fine powder. Set this spice mix aside for later.
-
Sautéing the Base Ingredients:
- Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped ginger and garlic. Sauté them for a minute until they release their fragrance.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Stir in the slit green chillies and sauté for an additional minute, allowing the heat to infuse.
-
Cooking the Vegetables:
- Add the finely chopped tomato to the pan and cook it on medium heat until it becomes tender, and the oil starts separating from the mixture.
- Stir in the sliced button mushrooms and increase the heat to high. Allow the mushrooms to cook for 3-4 minutes. As they cook, they will shrink and change color, releasing their natural juices.
-
Adding the Spice Mix and Rice:
- Once the mushrooms have cooked, add the prepared Biryani Spice Mix powder and stir well to coat the vegetables and mushrooms evenly with the spices.
- Now, add the Basmati rice to the pan, followed by 3 cups of water. Stir everything together to ensure the rice is well-mixed with the vegetables and spices.
-
Simmering the Biryani:
- Add the lemon juice and salt to taste. Stir the mixture again.
- Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and cook the biryani on medium heat until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is cooked. This should take about 15-20 minutes.
-
Garnishing and Serving:
- Once the rice is cooked and all the water is absorbed, remove the pan from heat. Let the biryani sit, covered, for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves, or you can also add roasted raisins and cashews or caramelized onions for an extra touch of flavor and texture.
Serve the Peppery Mushroom Biryani warm with a side of Beetroot Raita or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for a weekday lunch or a special dinner with family and friends.
Tips:
- Mushrooms: You can substitute button mushrooms with any variety of mushrooms like cremini or portobello for a more earthy flavor.
- Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chillies according to your preference for spice.
- Rice: Be sure to rinse the Basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which helps keep the grains fluffy and separate during cooking.
Enjoy this hearty and flavorful Peppery Mushroom Biryani that’s sure to become a favorite in your vegetarian recipe collection!
