Mushroom & Spinach Biryani
Here's a delightful recipe for Mushroom & Spinach Biryani:
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, soaked for 30 minutes and drained
- 2 tablespoons oil or ghee
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2-3 green cardamom pods
- 2-3 cloves
- 1-inch cinnamon stick
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups spinach leaves, washed and chopped
- Fresh coriander leaves, chopped for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves, chopped for garnish (optional)
- Fried onions (optional, for garnish)
- Saffron strands soaked in warm milk (optional, for color and flavor)
Instructions:
Cook the Rice:
- Boil the soaked rice in plenty of water until it’s 70-80% cooked. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing Spices:
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep pan, heat oil or ghee over medium heat. Add cumin seeds, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
Cooking Onions:
- Add sliced onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
Adding Tomatoes:
- Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and mushy.
Adding Spices:
- Add ginger-garlic paste, turmeric powder, red chili powder, ground coriander, ground cumin, garam masala, and salt. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are well combined and fragrant.
Cooking Mushrooms:
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and release their moisture.
Adding Spinach:
- Add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts and blends with the mushrooms, about 2-3 minutes.
Adding Yogurt:
- Stir in the yogurt and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Layering Rice and Vegetables:
- Spread half of the partially cooked rice evenly over the vegetable mixture in the pot. Spread the remaining rice over the vegetables.
Adding Water:
- Pour 1 cup of water (adjust as needed based on rice quantity). Ensure that the water level is just below the rice surface. Bring to a boil.
Simmering:
- Reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice and vegetables are fully cooked and tender. Ensure the rice absorbs all the moisture.
Resting:
- Once done, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with fresh chopped coriander leaves, mint leaves (if using), fried onions (if using), and saffron-soaked milk (if using) for added flavor and color. Serve hot with raita and salad on the side.
Tips:
- You can add a handful of fried cashews and raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
- Ensure the rice-to-water ratio is appropriate to avoid overcooking or undercooking the rice.
- For extra fragrance, you can add a few drops of rose water or kewra water to the biryani.
Enjoy your Mushroom & Spinach Biryani!
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