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    Cooking Gorgeous » All Recipes » World Cuisine

    Mushroom Rice (Mushroom Pilau)

    Published: Mar 3, 2022 · Modified: Jun 5, 2022 by Ayla Clulee · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This is the perfect Mushroom Rice (Mushroom Pilau) Recipe if you are after a fluffy, vibrant, and aromatic rice dish to serve with your curry.

    Fragrant and delicious, this Indian mushroom rice is ready in just 25 minutes. And believe me, it's better than your favorite takeaway restaurants!

    Indian style mushroom rice
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works?
    • Ingredients and Substitutes
    • How to Make Pilau Rice?
    • Top Tips From the Chef
    • What to Serve with Mushroom Pilau Rice?
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Related Recipes
    • Mushroom Rice (Mushroom Pilau)

    This Indian restaurant-style vibrant yellow mushroom pilau has a mild aromatic flavor and only takes 5 minutes to prepare.

    The technique I use for preparing this mushroom rice dish is very similar to my Turkish Rice Pilaf (Sehriyeli Pilav) recipe.

    I wash and soak the rice in cold water, fry the aromatics in butter (or olive oil), add the water along with the rice, cook, and rest before serving.

    Same as Yellow Rice (Indian Turmeric Pilau Rice), this 1 pot dish is very simple, and straightforward yet extremely delicious.

    rice pilaf with mushrooms

    Why This Recipe Works?

    • Making this pilau rice with mushrooms only takes 5 minutes longer to make than regular boiled rice.
    • It tastes much better and is cheaper than store-bought or takeaway rice!
    • This dish is versatile. You can vary the spices and adjust them to your taste. Or you can add leftover chicken or lamb to turn it into a substantial meal.
    • You can store the leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Ingredients and Substitutes

    Labelled picture of ingredients for mushroom rice
    • Rice - Basmati is a fragrant long-grain rice variety that is ideal for dishes like biryani, fried rice, or other pilaf dishes. I prefer basmati rice for this recipe but any other long-grain rice will work. Make sure you don’t use a quick or easy cook or minute rice type as they might turn into a mash or sticky mess. 
    • Mushroom - Chestnut mushrooms work great in this rice pilau as they tend to hold their shape much better than other mushrooms when cooked and retain their meaty bite. Alternatively, you can use white button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms.
    • Onions - Use white, brown, or yellow onions. Shallots are also great for this recipe. Avoid using red onions as they might affect the color of your dish.
    • Ghee - I prefer using ghee or clarified butter as they elevate the flavor of the rice. You can use vegetable oil or olive oil to make this dish vegan.
    • Bay leaves – This aromatic leaf adds so much flavor to rice so try not to skip it. Remove them from the pan before serving.
    • Turmeric - This spice gives the pilau rice its vivid golden color. Alternatively, you can use saffron infused in milk.
    • Stock - It adds great flavor to the rice. Use Basic Homemade Vegetable Stock for the vegan option. Chicken Stock (Bone Broth) also works perfectly with pilaf dishes. Alternatively, you can use stock cubes or store-bought stock.
    • Green Cardamom - You can add them whole to the pan or you can split them. Remove them from the pan before serving.
    • Cinnamon stick - It adds extra aromatic flavor to this vibrant rice dish. Split it in half before adding it to the rice for extra cinnamon flavor.
    • Salt - Adjust it to your taste. Add less salt if using store-bought stock or stock cubes.

    How to Make Pilau Rice?

    Mushroom Rice Pilau is easy to make and you can experiment with other pilaf alternatives once you’ve mastered the basics.

    There are a few easy steps that you need to follow to achieve the best results:

    Wash the rice under running cold water until the water coming from the rice is clear, and soak in cold water for 20 minutes.

    This step is optional and you can skip it if you are in a hurry.

    However, it totally worth the soaking for the perfect fluffy mushroom pilau rice.

    Also, soaking the rice reduces cooking time!

    rice is washed and soaked in cold water

    Melt the ghee in a pan on medium heat and sauté the onions with garlic until translucent.

    sautéing the onions with ghee in a pan

    Add the mushrooms and sauté for another five minutes.

    Sautéing the mushrooms

    Stir in the cardamoms, turmeric, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.

    Sauté for 45 seconds, and keep stirring to avoid burning.

    the aromatics and spices are added to sautéed mushrooms

    Pour in the stock and deglaze the pan.

    Add the seasoning and adjust it to your taste.

    stock is added to the pan

    Add the rice and stir just enough to mix the rice with other ingredients and close the lid.

    rice is added to the pan

    Lower the heat and gently simmer the rice for 20 minutes without opening the lid.

    Remove from the heat and keep the lid closed to rest the pilaf for about 6 to 8 minutes.

    Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving.

    fluff the cooked rice with a fork

    Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

    Top Tips From the Chef

    • Use basmati rice for this dish and avoid using easy cook rice.
    • Wash the rice under cold running water until the water coming from the rice is completely clear.
    • Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes if you have time.
    • Use the right amount of rice to water ratio which might differ from the type of rice you are using. This recipe is for basmati rice only. Check the packaging for the right rice-to-water ratio if using different rice.
    • Cook the rice on low heat and gently simmer it. Don’t open the lid or stir the rice while cooking. Let it rest for 6 to 8 minutes before opening the lid.
    • Gently fluff the rice using a fork before serving.

    What to Serve with Mushroom Pilau Rice?

    Mushroom Pilau Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that you can serve on its own or as a side dish with a variety of main courses. Here are some options to consider:

    Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry, Tandoori Chicken, Onion Bhaji (Onion Pakora), Onion Raita, and Dal Palak (Spinach Dal).

    There are many options to choose from when it comes to serving Mushroom Pilau Rice. Feel free to mix and match to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is Mushroom Pilau gluten-free?

    Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. It also can be made vegan and dairy-free when the ghee is substituted with vegetable oil and is made with vegetable stock or water.

    How many calories are in Indian-style Mushroom Rice?

    This recipe makes 4 large portions and each portion has 382 kcal with 71 grams of carbohydrates.

    Can you freeze pilau rice?

    Yes, you can freeze it as long as you are careful with the rice. Cool it quickly and place it in an airtight container before freezing it. You can keep it frozen for up to 3 months. Don’t reheat it and then chill it again after defrosting the rice.

    How to store the leftovers?

    Let this Indian Mushroom Rice cool within 1 hour of cooking. Store the leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

    Related Recipes

    For more delicious rice dishes why not try:

    • Sutlac - Turkish Rice Pudding
    • Spicy Egg Fried Rice
    • Rice Stuffed Chicken
    • Turkish Rice Pilaf (Sehriyeli Pilav)

    Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

    I hope you enjoy the process of making this delicious and colorful Indian Mushroom Rice as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂 

    Bon appétit! / Afiyet olsun!

    rice pilaf with mushrooms

    Mushroom Rice (Mushroom Pilau)

    Ayla Clulee
    This is the perfect Mushroom Rice (Mushroom Pilau) Recipe if you are after a fluffy, vibrant and aromatic rice dish to serve with your curry.
    5 from 17 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 25 mins
    Course Side Dish
    Cuisine Asian, Indian
    Servings 4 People
    Calories 382 kcal

    Equipment

    • 1 kitchen scale
    • 1 measuring spoons
    • 1 Sharp knife
    • 1 Measuring cups
    • 1 Rubber spatula

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 300 g basmati rice or long grain rice (washed and soaked for 20 minutes)
    • 1 tablespoon ghee
    • 1 onion (finely chopped)
    • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
    • 200 g button or chestnut mushrooms (sliced)
    • 3 green cardamoms (lightly crashed)
    • 2 bay leaves
    • ½ tablespoon turmeric
    • 1 small cinnamon stick
    • 450 ml chicken stock or vegetable stock
    • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Instructions
     

    • Wash the rice under running cold water until the water from the rice is clear and soak in cold water for 20 minutes.
    • Melt the ghee in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic on medium heat until translucent.
    • Add the mushrooms and sauté for another five minutes.
    • Add the cardamoms, turmeric, bay leaves and the cinnamon stick and sauté for 45 seconds, keep stirring to avoid burning.
    • Pour in the stock and deglaze the pan.
    • Add salt and pepper, check and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
    • Add the rice, stir just enough to mix and let it gently simmer on low heat for 20 minutes with the lid on.
    • Let it rest for 6 to 8 minutes without opening the lid.
    • Fluff the rice using a fork before serving.

    Video

    Notes

    • This dish is versatile. You can vary the spices and adjust them to your taste. Or you can add leftover chicken or lamb to turn it into a substantial meal.
    • Use basmati rice for this dish and avoid using easy cook rice.
    • Wash the rice under cold running water until the water coming from the rice is completely clear.
    • Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes if you have time.
    • Use the right amount of rice to water ratio which might differ from the type of rice you are using. This recipe is for basmati rice only. Check the packaging for the right rice-to-water ratio if using different rice.
    • Cook the rice on low heat and gently simmer it. Don’t open the lid or stir the rice while cooking. Let it rest for 6 to 8 minutes before opening the lid.
    • Gently fluff the rice using a fork before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 71gProtein: 10gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 751mgPotassium: 456mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 11IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 53mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookingorgeous or tag #cookingorgeous!

    This post use affiliate links. This means that if you click on them and then buy something, we get a small amount of commission to keep the site running, but it doesn’t cost you anything more.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rabia

      March 11, 2022 at 2:31 pm

      5 stars
      I made this recipe for our curry night. The colour and texture was great as well as the taste. Perfect rice dish for curries.

      Reply
    2. Paulina

      March 23, 2022 at 5:30 am

      5 stars
      That’s the best rice recipe so far! I also added some peas for colour, so good.

      Reply
    3. Tariq

      March 24, 2022 at 6:27 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe with detailed instructions. Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Seyide

      March 26, 2022 at 3:41 am

      5 stars
      Absolutely delicious, turned our just perfect!

      Reply
    5. Nia

      March 27, 2022 at 4:26 am

      5 stars
      I could finally make a nice rice dish thanks to your clear instructions, thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
    6. Joyce

      March 28, 2022 at 4:36 am

      5 stars
      This is better than I even anticipated and quick to make. I will definitely be making it again.

      Reply
    7. Rezan

      April 05, 2022 at 4:26 am

      5 stars
      I want to say that this recipe, in it's simplicity: THE BEST! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
    8. Diana

      April 08, 2022 at 4:11 am

      5 stars
      So easy to make and really tasty. I had pilau rice with a takeaway recently and it was nowhere near as tasty as this recipe.

      Reply
    9. Ian

      April 09, 2022 at 4:57 am

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe. I doubled the amount of the mushrooms.

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        April 09, 2022 at 5:22 am

        I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Ian!
        Best wishes
        Ayla x

        Reply
      • Jason Pughe

        November 10, 2022 at 6:30 pm

        5 stars
        Fantastic recipe, great clear instructions and amazing taste

        Reply
        • Ayla Clulee

          November 10, 2022 at 6:37 pm

          Thank you for your lovely comment, Jason! I am so glad you enjoyed it.
          Best Wishes
          Ayla

          Reply
    10. Sarah

      April 10, 2022 at 5:06 am

      5 stars
      Smelt wonderful as it was cooking and tasted just as good. Thanks for sharing the recipe everyone in my house appreciated it and it’s definitely something I’ll be making again.

      Reply
    11. Jessica

      April 11, 2022 at 4:59 am

      5 stars
      I love how quickly this is made! My family loved it and is already requesting it again!

      Reply
    12. Kate

      April 18, 2022 at 6:04 am

      5 stars
      This looks so wonderful! Can’t wait to try it!

      Reply
    13. Antonia

      May 06, 2022 at 4:28 pm

      5 stars
      Omg this rice was delicious!

      Reply
    14. Kisha

      May 14, 2022 at 4:38 am

      5 stars
      Made it this week. Everyone loved it.

      Reply
      • Ayla Clulee

        May 16, 2022 at 7:11 am

        Hi, Kisha! So glad you all enjoyed this recipe!
        Best wishes
        Ayla x

        Reply
    15. Ana

      May 16, 2022 at 4:42 am

      5 stars
      This was delicious. Your spice combination and amounts was perfect. There was no overwhelming flavour. They blended perfectly. Thanks for the recipe.

      Reply

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    Welcome to Cooking Gorgeous, where delicious recipes and culinary inspiration await you! I'm Ayla, a passionate and professional chef based in the UK, and I'm thrilled to have you here. The kitchen is my happy place and cooking is my therapy. To me, food is more than ingredients and nutrition; it is a language of love, a way of expressing compassion.

    More about me →

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