Mushroom Pulao

Manisha Mishra
by Manisha Mishra
3 Servings
40 min

Mushroom Pulao is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish that combines the earthy taste of mushrooms with aromatic spices and basmati rice. It is a popular one-pot meal, easy to make and loved by both kids and adults. This dish is a great option for a quick weekday lunch or dinner and can also be served on special occasions with raita or salad.


I love preparing Mushroom Pulao for my daughter because it’s one of her favorite dishes. She absolutely adores the flavorful mix of fragrant basmati rice and tender mushrooms. The combination of warm spices like cumin, cloves, and cinnamon with the earthy taste of mushrooms makes the dish comforting and delicious.


Every time I cook it, I make sure to use fresh mushrooms, which add a great texture that my daughter loves. She enjoys the slight kick from the green chilies, but I always balance it just right to suit her taste. The aroma that fills the kitchen while the pulao is simmering always brings her running in, excited for dinner.


It’s not only tasty but also nutritious, so I feel good knowing she’s getting a wholesome meal that she enjoys. I often serve it with a side of cucumber raita, which she loves dipping into, making it a complete and satisfying meal for her. Seeing her enjoy the Mushroom Pulao so much makes it all the more special for me to prepare it.

The key ingredient, mushrooms, adds a delicious umami flavor to the dish. Mushrooms are rich in nutrients, particularly vitamins B and D, and provide a meaty texture, making this pulao a healthy and satisfying meal. The other core component, basmati rice, brings a delicate fragrance and light, fluffy texture to the dish. Soaking the rice beforehand ensures that it cooks evenly and each grain remains separate.


To prepare mushroom pulao, start by sautéing whole spices such as cumin seeds, cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon in oil or ghee, which helps release their essential oils and aromas. Sliced onions are then added and cooked until golden brown, followed by ginger-garlic paste and green chilies for a spicy kick. The mushrooms are the star of the dish, so they are sautéed until their moisture evaporates, concentrating their flavor. Tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, and garam masala are added to create a robust masala that coats the mushrooms.

After the mushrooms and spices are well blended, the soaked and drained basmati rice is added, gently mixing with the masala. Water or vegetable broth is used for cooking the rice, enhancing the pulao’s flavor. The dish is then simmered until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Optional ingredients such as green peas can add color and a touch of sweetness.


Mushroom pulao is versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments, like yogurt-based raita, pickles, or papad. It’s also a great option for lunchboxes, as it reheats well and retains its flavors. This dish is perfect for those who love the richness of mushrooms combined with the lightness of rice and the warmth of Indian spices.

With its simplicity and delightful taste, mushroom pulao is a must-try dish that combines nutrition and comfort in every bite.


Try my delicious Mushroom Pulao recipe! 🍄🍚 It's a flavorful blend of mushrooms, spices, and basmati rice that's perfect for any meal. Quick, easy, and packed with taste, this one-pot wonder is a must-try. Let me know how you like it! 💛

Recipe details
  • 3  Servings
  • Prep time: 15 Minutes Cook time: 25 Minutes Total time: 40 min
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 200g mushrooms (sliced)
  • 1 medium onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 medium tomato (chopped)
  • 1 green chili (slit)
  • 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
  • 1/4 cup green peas (optional)
  • 2 tbsp oil or ghee
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2-3 cloves
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2-3 cardamom pods
  • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp garam masala
  • 1/2 tsp red chili powder (adjust to taste)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions

Rinse basmati rice under running water until the water runs clear. Soak it for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat oil or ghee in a large pot or pressure cooker over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon stick, and cardamom pods. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add sliced onions and cook until golden brown, stirring occasionally.
Add ginger-garlic paste and slit green chili. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté on medium heat. The mushrooms will release water. Cook until they shrink slightly and the water evaporates.
Stir in chopped tomatoes, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and oil starts to release from the masala.
Add the soaked and drained rice to the pot. Gently mix to coat the rice with the spices and masala.
If using, add green peas at this stage.
Add 2 cups of water or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
If using a pressure cooker, cook for 1 whistle on medium heat, then let the pressure release naturally.
Once done, turn off the heat and let the pulao rest for 5 minutes before opening.
Gently fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Tips
  • Soaking the basmati rice ensures that each grain cooks long and separate, giving the pulao a fluffy texture.
  • Use fresh, firm mushrooms like button or cremini for the best texture. Wipe mushrooms clean instead of washing to avoid them becoming soggy.
  • Using whole spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves gives a fragrant aroma to the pulao. Don’t skip these!
  • For basmati rice, a 1:2 ratio of rice to water works well for fluffy rice. If using vegetable broth, reduce salt accordingly.
  • Add a few saffron strands soaked in milk or sprinkle some fried onions (barista) on top for a richer flavor.
  • You can make this pulao in an Instant Pot using the “Rice” or “Pressure Cook” function for about 6 minutes.
  • Serve with raita, papad, or a simple salad for a wholesome meal.
Manisha Mishra
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