Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)

// This mildly flavored rice dish is known as Mushroom Pulao/Pilaf/Pulav. This is an easy one-pot rice dish made with mushroom and seasoned with spices.



This mildly flavored rice dish is known as Mushroom Pulao/Pilaf/Pulav. Mushroom Pulao or Pilaf is an easy one-pot rice dish made with button mushroom and mildly seasoned with various spices. This simple rice dish can surely elevate any meal.

The caramelized onions, sweetness from the aromatic spices and sautéed mushrooms make this plate of rice dish taste a little extra special.

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Knife Skills: Practice Precision

Exotic ingredients often require precise knife skills to handle and prepare them properly.

a plate of mushroom pulao tipped with pomegranate arils on a table

About Mushroom Pulao

This One Pot Mushroom Pulao is a very tasty and flavorful dish and can be made in just a few minutes of effective labor. This mushroom pulao is a quick and easy one pot dish which only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. This is a perfect weeknight dinner meal option when you don’t have much time to get dinner on the table and want some quick and nutritious meal with some carbs.

a plate of mushroom pulao on a table with bowls of chutneys and raitas

How to make mushroom pulao recipe

Rinse the rice under running cold water till water runs clear. Add enough water to the bowl and soak it for 25-30 minutes. After 30 minutes, drain the water from the soaked rice.

In this recipe some whole spices are sauteed in ghee/ oil first, then you add some sliced onions. (You can use oil/ghee for sautéeing mushrooms and onions.)

Now add crushed ginger and garlic to this. You sauté them for a few minutes and then you add sliced mushrooms and cook them together for 5 minutes. Then you add some green chilies for some hot flavors. Add soaked rice, some spices, salt, and lemon juice.

Pressure cook for 2 whistles and your delicious Mushroom pulao is ready to be served.

(Note: Video Tutorial on this post below)

two plates of food on a table with a glass of wine

How to make Mushroom Pulao in an Instant Pot

I have made this pulao in the pressure cooker but this can be made in an Instant Pot. I have given Instant Pot Mushroom Pulao recipe in the recipe box on this page.

a plate of mushroom pulao with a glass lemon water in background

How to clean mushrooms

Use a damp cloth/paper towel or a soft mushroom brush to wipe each mushroom, clean the black spots and to remove any dirt. Clean one mushroom at a time.

After cleaning the mushrooms, lightly rinse them for a few seconds with cold water. You can either rinse them under running water or in a bowl.

Drain the water and pat them dry with a clean towel. Mushrooms are ready for use.

Never soak the mushrooms in the water, because they soak up the water and mushrooms won’t turn nicely brown when cooked if they are full of water.

a bowl of mushroom pulao with lemon sliced on a table

Serving Suggestions

This mild and flavorful pulao is a complete meal in itself which is best served with some chilled raita, chutneys, a spoonful of Indian pickle and some papad. That’s how I like to eat it. But you can also have this with some dal. You can also have it with some plain yogurt.

someone is sprinkling a pomegranate seeds over a plate of mushroom pulao

Really, you can serve this pulao with any of your favorite raita. Following are some of the delicious raita recipes which go well with this pulao:

If you want to go for a spicier meal than you can serve this pulao also with some curry — the pairing choices are infinite. Some of these incredible pairings include:

someone is eating a plate of mushroom pulao with a fork and a glass of lemon water
a plate of mushroom pulao topped with cashews, and pomegranate seeds with a spoon on it

Can I pack Mushroom Pulao in the lunch box?

Yes, definitely. Like any other rice dish, this pulao makes a great lunch and it stays fresh for a long time.

a plate of mushroom pulao on a table with raita, chutney, and lemon water

**Love this pulao? Then you may also love these pulao/pulav recipes: Onion Capsicum Pulao, Gatta Pulav, Mushroom Pulao, Mint Pulav, Mushroom Peas Corn Pulav, matar pulao, and paneer pulao.

Importnt tips & tricks for making the best Mushroom Pulao Recipe

The water which you used to soak the rice is very nutritious, so instead of fresh water, you can use the same water for cooking pulao. This way your mushroom pulao would come out more flavorsome and delicious.

I have used olive oil for making this pulao, but you can replace it with the same amount of ghee or butter. This would make it taste richer and more aromatic.

If not serving the pulao right after cooking, then keep the pressure cooker covered with the lid. This way it would stay warm for a longer time.

I am sharing mushroom pulao recipe today, but if you are looking for Mushroom Matar Pulao Recipe, then you can simply make it by adding some green peas with mushrooms to this recipe. The rest of the recipe would be the same.

Addition of peas would definitely add more color and taste.

You can also make Mushroom Peas Corn Pulao by adding corn kernels and green peas. You can keep the rest of the recipe same, or you can also go through this recipe of Mushroom Peas Corn Pulav which I have already shared on the blog earlier.

Gather all whole spices in a single plate beforehand. This would make the cooking experience easy.

Addition of cashew is optional. You can completely omit it or replace it with some almonds and/or raisins.

Do not over pressure cook rice, because overcooking would make your pulao mushy. Pulao tastes good when each grain of rice is perfectly cooked and separated.

I cooked my pulao in a pressure cooker, but you can replicate the same recipe using any other pot, or a rice cooker. For making it in a rice cooker, you’ll have to sauté vegetables separately before cooking them with the rice and spices.

I have used Basmati rice for this pulao recipe but you can use brown rice, wild rice, or any of your favorite rice for making this pulao.

a woman that is eating from a a plate of mushroom pulao
someone is holding a spoon over a plate of mushroom pulao topped with pomegranates

Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot) (Step-by-step photo instructions)

Soaking Rice:

  1. Rinse the rice under running cold water till water runs clear.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-1 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  3. Add enough water to the bowl and soak it for 25-30 minutes.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-2 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  5. After 30 minutes, drain out the water from the soaked rice and set it aside. (You can store this water for cooking pulao.)
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-1-3 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)

Making Mushroom Pulao Recipe in a Pressure Cooker:

  1. Heat 2.5 tablespoons oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-1 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  3. Once hot add the whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and green cardamom), cashew nuts, and sauté for 40-45 seconds.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-2 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  5. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-3 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  7. Now add the sliced onions and sauté them for 5-7 minutes or till the onions get translucent or they turn light pink in color.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-4 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  9. Add the sliced mushroom and stir well. Sauté for 5 minutes.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-5 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  11. After that, add crushed ginger-garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
  12. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-6 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  13. Now add green chilies and mix well. Cook for another minute.
  14. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-7 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  15. Now add the soaked rice, mix and cook for a minute.
  16. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-8 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  17. Add salt, coriander powder, garam masala powder, black pepper powder, and lemon juice. Mix everything well.
  18. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-9 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  19. Add 3.5 cups of water and give it a mix.
  20. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-10 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  21. Add coriander leaves and mix well again.
  22. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-11 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  23. Let it come to a boil.
  24. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-12 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  25. Cover the pressure cooker with lid, put the weight on.
  26. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-13 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  27. Cook on high heat for 2 whistles. Then turn off the heat.
  28. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-14 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  29. Let the pressure go down completely before opening the lid.
  30. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-15 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  31. Gently fluff up the rice using a spatula or a fork.
  32. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-16 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  33. Serve hot with some raita, pickle, and chutney.
  34. Image of the recipe cooking step-2-17 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)

Making Mushroom Pulao Recipe in Instant Pot:

  1. Place the inner pot inside the instant pot.
  2. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-1 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  3. Start the instant pot in sauté mode and heat it.
  4. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-2 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  5. Once the screen displays hot, add 2.5 tablespoons oil to it.
  6. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-3 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  7. Once hot add the whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and green cardamom), cashew nuts to the pot, and sauté for 40-45 seconds.
  8. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-4 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  9. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
  10. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-5 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  11. Now add the chopped onions and sauté them for 5-7 minutes or till the onions get translucent or they turn light pink in color. (You can cover the Instant pot with the glass lid to make things faster. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.)
  12. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-6 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  13. Add the sliced mushroom and stir well. Sauté for 5 minutes.
  14. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-7 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  15. Now add green chilies and mix well. Cook for another minute.
  16. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-8 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  17. Now add the soaked rice, mix and cook for a minute.
  18. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-9 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  19. Add salt, coriander powder, garam masala powder, black pepper powder, and lemon juice. Mix everything well.
  20. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-10 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  21. Add 3.5 cups of water and give it a mix.
  22. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-11 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  23. Add coriander leaves and mix well again.
  24. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-12 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  25. Let it come to a boil.
  26. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-13 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  27. Switch off the saute mode.
  28. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-14 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  29. Change the instant pot setting to manual or pressure cook mode for 4 minutes at high pressure.
  30. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-15 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  31. Close the instant pot lid with the vent in the sealing position.
  32. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-16 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  33. When the instant pot beeps, do NPR (natural pressure release) for 5 minutes and then do QPR (quick pressure release).
  34. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-17 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  35. Once you open the lid, let the pulao rest for 5­-7 minutes.
  36. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-18 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  37. Take a fork or a spatula and fluff the rice gently.
  38. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-19 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)
  39. Serve hot with some raita, curry, and chutney.
  40. Image of the recipe cooking step-3-20 for Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot)

Recipe Card


Mushroom Pulao Recipe (Pressure Cooker – Instant Pot) [Recipe]

Recipe Image
This mildly flavored rice dish is known as Mushroom Pulao/Pilaf/Pulav. This is an easy one-pot rice dish made with mushroom and seasoned with spices.
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 32 reviews)

Prep time 🕐 Cook time 🕐 Total time 🕐
30 mins
Category ☶ Cuisine ♨ Serves ☺
Sides Indian 4-5
Nutrition Info ⊛ Serving size ⊚
385 calories 1 serving

INGREDIENTS

Mushroom Pulao:
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 2.5 tablespoons cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 bay leaf (tej patta)
  • 1 inch cinnamon stick (dalchini)
  • 1 star anise (chakra pool)
  • 2 cloves (laung)
  • 1 green cardamom
  • 6-7 cashew nuts (you can also use almonds)
  • 1.5 cups sliced onions
  • 1.5 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon freshly crushed ginger or ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon freshly crushed garlic or garlic paste (or use 2tablespoons ginger-garlic paste)
  • 2 green chilies, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder (dhaniya powder)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper powder (kali mirch powder)
  • 3/4 teaspoon garam masala
  • 2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 3.5 cups water

INSTRUCTIONS:

Soaking Rice:
  1. Rinse the rice under running cold water till water runs clear.
  2. Add enough water to the bowl and soak it for 25-30 minutes.
  3. After 30 minutes, drain out the water from the soaked rice and set it aside. (You can store this water for cooking pulao.)
Making Mushroom Pulao Recipe in a Pressure Cooker:
  1. Heat 2.5 tablespoons oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
  2. Once hot add the whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and green cardamom), cashew nuts, and sauté for 40-45 seconds.
  3. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
  4. Now add the sliced onions and sauté them for 5-7 minutes or till the onions get translucent or they turn light pink in color.
  5. Add the sliced mushroom and stir well. Sauté for 5 minutes.
  6. After that, add crushed ginger-garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
  7. Now add green chilies and mix well. Cook for another minute.
  8. Now add the soaked rice, mix and cook for a minute.
  9. Add salt, coriander powder, garam masala powder, black pepper powder, and lemon juice. Mix everything well.
  10. Add 3.5 cups of water and give it a mix.
  11. Add coriander leaves and mix well again.
  12. Let it come to a boil.
  13. Cover the pressure cooker with lid, put the weight on.
  14. Cook on high heat for 2 whistles. Then turn off the heat.
  15. Let the pressure go down completely before opening the lid.
  16. Gently fluff up the rice using a spatula or a fork.
  17. Serve hot with some raita, pickle, and chutney.
Making Mushroom Pulao Recipe in Instant Pot:
  1. Place the inner pot inside the instant pot.
  2. Start the instant pot in sauté mode and heat it.
  3. Once the screen displays hot, add 2.5 tablespoons oil to it.
  4. Once hot add the whole spices (bay leaf, cinnamon stick, star anise, cloves, and green cardamom), cashew nuts to the pot, and sauté for 40-45 seconds.
  5. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle.
  6. Now add the chopped onions and sauté them for 5-7 minutes or till the onions get translucent or they turn light pink in color. (You can cover the Instant pot with the glass lid to make things faster. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent it from burning.)
  7. Add the sliced mushroom and stir well. Sauté for 5 minutes.
  8. Now add green chilies and mix well. Cook for another minute.
  9. Now add the soaked rice, mix and cook for a minute.
  10. Add salt, coriander powder, garam masala powder, black pepper powder, and lemon juice. Mix everything well.
  11. Add 3.5 cups of water and give it a mix.
  12. Add coriander leaves and mix well again.
  13. Let it come to a boil.
  14. Switch off the saute mode.
  15. Change the instant pot setting to manual or pressure cook mode for 4 minutes at high pressure.
  16. Close the instant pot lid with the vent in the sealing position.
  17. When the instant pot beeps, do NPR (natural pressure release) for 5 minutes and then do QPR (quick pressure release).
  18. Once you open the lid, let the pulao rest for 5­-7 minutes.
  19. Take a fork or a spatula and fluff the rice gently.
  20. Serve hot with some raita, curry, and chutney.

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NOTES:

  1. No notes for this recipe.


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