### Mushroom Pulao Recipe: A Simple, Quick, Fragrant, and Delicious Vegetarian One-Pot Dish
Mushroom pulao is a straightforward, easy-to-prepare vegetarian rice meal that is both aromatic and savory. This Indian-style rice dish is fragrant thanks to Indian basmati rice, mint leaves, and an array of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. It makes for an excellent dinner option or a lunchbox meal when served alongside raita or korma. The addition of mushrooms, which provide a meatless source of protein, contributes a rich earthy taste to the pulao.
#### Quick One-Pot Meal
This incredibly quick one-pot dish requires minimal ingredients and preparation, making it perfect for hectic days. Utilizing a pressure cooker, combined with clarified butter or desi ghee and toasted cashew nuts, enhances the flavor of this otherwise modest dish.
#### Ingredients
For making mushroom pulao, gather the following ingredients:
– **Main Ingredients**:
– Mushrooms
– Basmati rice or any long-grain rice
– Sliced onions
– Green chilies
– Chopped fresh mint
– Coriander leaves
– Ginger garlic paste
– Yogurt or coconut milk
– Cashew nuts
– **Spices**:
– Cloves
– Cinnamon
– Star anise
– Mace
– Nutmeg powder
– Black cardamom
– Green cardamom
– Bay leaf
#### Preparation Steps
1. **Heat Oil and Ghee**: In a pressure cooker, heat the oil and ghee. Add the bay leaf, spices, and cashew nuts. Sauté until the cashews turn golden brown.
2. **Sauté Onions and Chilies**: Introduce the sliced onions and green chilies, sautéing until the onions take on a pink hue.
3. **Add Ginger Garlic Paste**: Mix in the ginger garlic paste and sauté until its raw flavor vanishes.
4. **Incorporate Mushrooms**: Add the sliced mushrooms along with fresh mint and coriander leaves, ensuring the mushrooms are well cooked and gain color.
5. **Add Rice**: Gently mix in the soaked and drained basmati rice without breaking the grains.
6. **Combine Yogurt and Water**: Stir in the yogurt and salt, mixing thoroughly. For a dairy-free version, replace yogurt with coconut milk and adjust the water according to the moisture from the mushrooms.
7. **Cook**: Add 1 ¾ cups of water for every cup of rice. Pressure cook for up to 3 whistles, then turn off the heat. Let the pressure release naturally before opening the lid.
8. **Serve**: Lightly fluff the rice and transfer it to a serving bowl. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
#### Tips for Perfect Mushroom Pulao
– If basmati rice is not available, any long-grain rice may be used.
– Fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of nutmeg powder greatly improve the flavor and scent of the pulao.
– The flavor balance is achieved through the heat from the green chilies and the earthy essence of the mushrooms.
Mushroom pulao is more than just a meal; it’s an aromatic vegetarian rice recipe that can appeal even to those who are typically not mushroom enthusiasts. Savor this delightful recipe as a treasure among Indian mushroom dishes.
