Want to make an easy Mushroom Pilau rice at home? Try this super simple and delicious Indian mushroom rice made with fragrant basmati rice, spices, and mushrooms. What’s more, this restaurant-style pilau rice recipe takes only 5 minutes more than plain rice, with aromatic flavors. And it tastes way better than takeaway!
About this easy Mushroom Pilau rice recipe – Tastes better than the takeaway!
We love one-pot seasoned rice for quick dinner options just like this mushroom pilau rice, vegetable pilau rice, Thai pineapple fried rice, or Nandos restaurant copycat spicy rice. It takes only 5 minutes of prep overall.
The Indian-style pilau recipe with mushrooms is simple, and straightforward and can be made in just 1 pot. The aromatic flavors in the recipe come from whole spices, mushrooms, onion, and garlic.
Soak the rice for 30 minutes and drain. This step is optional if you are in hurry. But totally worth it for the perfect fluffy mushroom pilau rice. Did I tell you – soaking helps in cooking the rice faster?
First, saute the whole spices until fragrant in butter/ghee or oil. Then add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Saute until the mushrooms are golden. Next, add the soaked rice, salt, spices, and boiling water from the kettle, and bring it to a boil.
When most of the water is absorbed, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Turn off the flame. Allow the rice to stand for another 5 minutes. Fluff and enjoy!
The recipe is Vegan if you are using Vegan butter or Oil at the initial stage.
Tips to make the Best Mushroom Pilau rice
Soak – The secret to making fluffy pilau rice is soaking the white basmati rice for at least 30 minutes. The cooking time also reduces by a couple of minutes.
Basmati rice – Extra long basmati rice makes the best pilau rice. I always use Tilda’s extra-long basmati rice for my seasoned rice dishes. You can also buy basmati rice at grocery stores near you like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, or M&S. I would not settle for any easy cook rice to make pilau rice.
Oil or Butter Ghee -Either of them works in the recipe. However, butter or ghee adds richness to the dish. Use Vegan butter for Vegan Pilau rice or Ghee in the recipe. They make so much of a difference.
Spices -The aromatic flavors from the whole spices come from bay leaf, cardamom, cinnamon, cumin, and cloves upgrading the pilau rice multifold. Along with whole spices, I have used turmeric powder for color.
If you like, you can also use 1/2 a teaspoon of curry powder or biryani masala
How to make Mushroom Pilau rice step by step?
Wash the rice at least 5-6 times in cold water, swirling the rice in a single direction. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat ghee in the pan and add the whole spices. Saute for a minute or two until fragrant.
Now add diced onions, and garlic and saute for 2 minutes until it softens.
Add the mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Now add the drained basmati rice and fry for about 2 minutes until toasty.
Add boiling water from the kettle, turmeric, salt, and pepper. if you like add 1/2 a teaspoon of biryani masala or curry powder or pulao masala powder at this stage. Stir and allow the rice to boil on medium heat. When the water has evaporated to the level of rice, place a lid on the pan and reduce the heat to low.
Cook for 6-7 minutes. Once the rice has cooked, turn the heat off. Leave the lid on for a few more minutes and then fluff the rice with a fork. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.
What to serve with this easy mushroom pilau rice?
Mushroom rice is delicious with cucumber raita and onion salad for a quick Sunday meal.
They are delicious with my easy chickpeas spinach curry, Easy paneer curry, Easy black dal, or a quick tarka dal too.
Store leftover Mushroom Pilau rice
Fridge – Cool this Indian Mushroom rice within 1 hour of cooking. Store the leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer – Transfer the pilau rice to a freezer-safe container, label and place it straight into the freezer. Defrost in the fridge overnight. Heat thoroughly in the microwave and serve.
FAQ’s
What’s the best mushroom to make Mushroom rice pilaf?
Chestnut Mushrooms are best to make this Indian Mushroom Pilau rice as they tend to hold the shape better than other mushrooms. Alternatively, you can use white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms.
Can I freeze this Mushroom pilau?
Cool the rice quickly and transfer the pilau rice to a freezer-safe container. Then place it into the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. Heat thoroughly in the microwave and serve.
How many calories are there in this Mushroom Pilau rice?
There are 292 calories in Mushroom Pilau rice with 52.8g of carbohydrates.
If you love Vegetarian seasoned rice recipes, you will also love
Easy Peasy Mushroom Pilau rice recipe below
Ingredients
- 300 g Basmati rice 1.5 cup rice
- 2 tbsp oil / butter/ghee
- 150 g Chestnut Mushrooms
- 1 medium white onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 bay leaf
- 3 cardamom bashed
- 1- inch cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- salt to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 450-470 ml water
Instructions
- Wash the rice until clear and soak for 30 minutes in cold water. Drain and set aside.
- Heat ghee in the pan and add the whole spices. Saute for a minute or two until fragrant.
- Now add diced onions, garlic and saute for 2 minutes until it softens.
- Add the mushrooms and saute for 5 minutes until lightly golden.
- Now add the rice and fry for 2 minutes until toasty.
- Add 1 1/2 Cup Boiling Water, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Stir and allow the rice to boil on medium heat. When the water has evaporated to the level of rice, place a lid on the pan and reduce the heat to low.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes. Once the rice has cooked, turn the heat off. Leave the lid on for a few more minutes and then fluff the rice with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh coriander and serve hot with raita and salad.
Ray Blanc says
Thank you for a fantastic recipe. We enjoy this Mushroom pilau with your cucumber raita.
Jack Wetwood says
Recipe forgets to mention how much turneric to add and it’s not part of the ingredients, but this did make a tasty pilau to go with some leftover curry
Sandhya's Kitchen says
Thank you for bringing to my notice. I have added it in the list. So glad to know enjoyed our easy Mushroom pilau.