Mushroom Biryani Recipe – A Vegetarian Biryani with Royal Flavors

Mushroom Biryani is a delicious, aromatic, and wholesome vegetarian biryani made with fresh mushrooms, long-grain basmati rice, and a blend of Indian spices. Known for its rich flavors and soft, meaty mushroom texture, it’s a perfect alternative to chicken or mutton biryani for vegetarians. This restaurant-style mushroom biryani is ideal for weekend dinners, festive celebrations, and lunchbox meals.

🛒 Ingredients for Mushroom Biryani (Serves 5–6)

For Marination

• Fresh mushrooms – 400 g (button or cremini, halved)

• Thick yogurt – ¾ cup

• Ginger-garlic paste – 2 tbsp

• Red chili powder – 1 ½ tsp

• Turmeric powder – ½ tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – 1 tsp

• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

For Rice

• Aged basmati rice – 3 ½ cups

• Water – as needed

• Salt – 1 tbsp

• Bay leaf – 1

• Green cardamom – 4

• Cloves – 5

• Cinnamon stick – 1-inch

• Black cardamom – 1

For Biryani Masala

• Ghee – 3 tbsp

• Oil – 3 tbsp

• Onions – 3 large (thinly sliced)

• Tomatoes – 2 medium (chopped)

• Green chilies – 3 (slit)

• Fresh mint leaves – ½ cup

• Fresh coriander leaves – ½ cup

• Garam masala – 1 tsp

• Biryani masala – 1 ½ tsp

• Saffron strands – a pinch (soaked in ¼ cup warm milk)

• Rose water – ½ tsp (optional)

For Garnish

• Fried onions – ½ cup

• Cashews – ¼ cup (fried in ghee)

• Raisins – 2 tbsp (fried in ghee)

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Marinate the Mushrooms

1. In a large mixing bowl, add yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, lemon juice, and salt.

2. Add mushrooms and coat them well.

3. Let them marinate for 20–25 minutes.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice

1. Rinse basmati rice 3–4 times until the water runs clear.

2. Soak for 30 minutes.

3. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, add salt, bay leaf, green cardamoms, cloves, cinnamon, and black cardamom.

4. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done.

5. Drain and keep aside.

Step 3 – Prepare the Mushroom Masala

1. Heat ghee and oil in a heavy-bottom pan.

2. Add sliced onions and fry until golden brown; remove half for garnish.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies, cook until soft.

4. Add mint and coriander leaves for freshness.

5. Add marinated mushrooms and cook on medium heat for 7–8 minutes, stirring gently.

6. Sprinkle garam masala and biryani masala.

Step 4 – Layer the Biryani

1. Spread half of the cooked rice over the mushroom masala.

2. Drizzle saffron milk, rose water, fried onions, cashews, and raisins.

3. Add the remaining rice and repeat the garnish layer.

Step 5 – Dum Cooking

1. Cover the pot tightly (seal with dough for authentic dum cooking).

2. Place on low heat for 20 minutes.

3. Switch off and let it rest for 10 minutes before opening.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with onion raita, cucumber salad, and roasted papad.

• For a more Hyderabadi mushroom biryani style, pair it with mirchi ka salan.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Tips for Perfect Mushroom Biryani

• Use button mushrooms for a firm texture.

• Avoid overcooking mushrooms; they release water and can make the biryani mushy.

• For extra flavor, add a few drops of kewra water before sealing for dum.

• Always use aged basmati rice for the best aroma and grain separation.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: South Indian with Mughlai Influence

• Place of Origin: Popular in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Hyderabad

• Cultural Significance:
  Mushroom biryani became popular in South India as a vegetarian spin on Hyderabadi dum biryani. While mushrooms were not traditionally used in Mughlai kitchens, their meaty texture and ability to absorb spices made them a favorite for biryani lovers who prefer plant-based dishes. Today, it’s a staple in many Indian restaurants and home kitchens.

Interesting Facts :-
This Mushroom Biryani Recipe is a spicy, aromatic, and hearty vegetarian dish perfect for family gatherings, festive feasts, or weekend indulgence. Whether you cook it in dum style or pressure cooker method, its royal flavor will make it unforgettable.