Recipe for Mushroom Pulao: A Flavorful Delight

If you're craving a simple yet delicious meal, Mushroom Pulao is the perfect recipe to try. With its aromatic flavors and earthy mushrooms, this dish is a comfort food and a wholesome, balanced meal. Here's a step-by-step guide to making this quick and tasty Mushroom Pulao.

Ingredients:
●    1 cup basmati rice (rinsed and soaked for 20 minutes)
●    200 grams mushrooms (sliced)
●    1 large onion (sliced thin)
●    2 tomatoes (finely chopped)
●    1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
●    2 green chilies (slit)
●    1 teaspoon cumin seeds
●    1 bay leaf
●    4-5 black peppercorns
●    1-inch cinnamon stick
●    2-3 cloves
●    1 teaspoon garam masala
●    1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
●    1 teaspoon red chili powder
●    Salt to taste
●    2 tablespoons ghee or oil
●    2 cups water or vegetable stock
●    Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparation
1.    Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 20 minutes and drain.
2.    Slice the mushrooms and onions, chop the tomatoes, and slit the green chilies.

Step 2: Sautéing the Mushrooms
1.    Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee or oil in a large pan or pressure cooker.
2.    Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them on medium heat until they release water and turn golden brown. Set them aside.

Step 3: Cooking the Pulao
1.    In the same pan, heat another tablespoon of ghee or oil. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns. Let them crackle for a few seconds.
2.    Add sliced onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown.
3.    Mix in the ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
4.    Add the chopped tomatoes, green chilies, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and salt. Cook the tomatoes until they become soft and the oil starts to separate.
5.    Add the sautéed mushrooms and mix well with the masala.

Step 4: Adding Rice and Cooking
1.    Add the drained rice to the mushroom mixture. Gently stir to coat the rice with the masala.
2.    Pour 2 cups of water or vegetable stock into the pan and bring it to a boil.
3.    Once it starts boiling, lower the heat, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
1.    Once the pulao is ready, sprinkle garam masala on top and fluff the rice gently with a fork.
2.    Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
Tips:
●    Serve the Mushroom Pulao with a side of raita or a light salad for a complete meal.
●    You can add vegetables like peas or carrots to make it more nutritious.
Enjoy this fragrant and hearty Mushroom Pulao with your loved ones! It’s a perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or special occasions.