Yum! Yum! Yum!

Biryani.....the term itself makes my mouth water...! Who doesn't like Biryani? Whenever there is a talk about Biryanis you hear more Chicken or Mutton versions as these are pretty popular in Biryani's section. Well, That is disappointing for Veg Lovers!!! No worries, This meat less Mushroom Biryani will convince you that you will get the same great taste of biryani with out compromising on the flavors. This is very simple to make and considered as One Pot Meal and can be a delicious Sunday Special, will be ready in minutes and serves as a perfect lunch box item for the next Monday! Now Cheer Up, and try this recipe to make the Sunday lunch Special! Here is the recipe, Njoy!

Mushroom Biryani

Ingredients:
Adapted from: Padhu's Kitchen

Basmati Rice -  2 cups ( uncooked)
Mushrooms - 1 cup ( or 12 -15 medium)
Onion - 1/2 medium
Green Chili - 5
Tomato - 2
Mint - 1 Tbsp
Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tbsp
salt - 1 tsp
garam masala  - 1 tsp
Oil - 1 Tbsp
Butter - 1 Tbsp

Clove -  3
Cardamom - 1
Star Anise - 2
Cinnamon - 3
Shajeera - 1 tsp

Marinade:
Yogurt - 1/2 cup
salt - 1/2 tsp
red chili powder - 1 tsp
coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp

Serve it with Cool Raita

Preparatory Steps:

• Remove the stems from Mushrooms and clean the dirt with wet towel. Slice the mushrooms if they are big.
• Mix the ingredients under Marinade section and add the sliced mushrooms mix well and close the lid and keep it aside for 10 to 15 min. 
• Chop the tomatoes and grind into puree along with mint leaves in the small jar of mixie ( or blender or magic bullet)
• Soak the basmati rice for 10 min, then wash and drain.

Method:

1. Heat the Oil and Butter in the heavy bottom pan. (I have used my pressure cooker.) Once the oil is hot add Clove, Cardamom, Star Anise, Cinnamon and Shajeera. saute for 1 min.
2. Add ginger garlic paste. mix well and saute until the oil separates from it. Add chopped green chili and sliced onions. add salt and stir fry until the onions are cooked.
3. Add the tomato and mint puree to the pan and mix well. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 min. 
4. Add the mushroom marinade to the pan and cook until the mushrooms become soft ( aprox for 3 min)
5. Now add the basmati rice to the pan. mix well and add garam masala. 
6. Add 3 cups of water to the pan. taste and adjust the salt and seasonings. 
7. Now Close the lid and cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and becomes fluffy.
8. Serve it with Onion Raita to cool off the spices in this Biryani.

Take a close peek.....

Tips:

• If you are using pressure cooker, keep the heat low after 2 whistles and cook for 3 min and switch off the heat.
• Don't ever run the mushrooms under water, it makes them soggy in the curry or rice. always clean them with wet towel.
• I have used Bella Brown Mushrooms. You can use white mushrooms or button mushrooms. I like Bella mushrooms or crimini mushrooms. They are better than white mushrooms in nutrition value , in texture and in taste.

keep visiting, more yummy recipes are on the way..
-Mythreyi