A plate filled with amber tinged basmati rice, pierced with vibrant green asparagus tips and dotted with earthy mushrooms and garnets of pomegranate. The dish is adorned with sprigs of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lively lemon.

Asparagus Mushroom Biryani

Name: Asparagus Mushroom Biryani
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Ingredients: Asparagus, 1lb washed, trimmed, and cut into 2-inch pieces; Basmati Rice, 2 cups soaked for 30 mins and drained; Mushrooms, 8 oz sliced; Clarified Butter (Ghee), 3 tbsp; Red Onions, 2 medium thinly sliced; Green Cardamoms, 4 lightly crushed; Cinnamon Stick, 2 inch; Turmeric Powder, 1/2 tsp; Garam Masala Powder, 2 tsp; Salt, to taste; Water, 4 cups; Pomegranate Seeds, 1/2 cup for garnish; Fresh Cilantro, handful chopped for garnish; Lemon Wedges, to serve

Category Main Course

Prep 15 minutes

Cook 30 minutes

Style Indian

Technique Sautéing

Diet Friendly Vegetarian

Daily Recipe: March 19, 2025

This creative twist on an Indian favorite features asparagus as the star ingredient, which beautifully matches with the vibrant flavors and remains crunchy and fresh. The full-bodied spices and ingredients not only enhance the taste but also underline their health benefits, adding comfort, warmth, and a dash of exotica.

Ingredients (for 4)

Asparagus - 1lb - washed, trimmed, and cut into 2-inch pieces
Basmati rice - 2 cups - soaked for 30 mins and drained
Mushrooms - 8 oz - sliced
Clarified butter (ghee) - 3 tbsp
Red onions - 2 medium - thinly sliced
Green cardamoms - 4 - lightly crushed
Cinnamon stick - 2 inch
Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam masala powder - 2 tsp
Salt - to taste
Water - 4 cups
Pomegranate seeds - 1/2 cup - for garnish
Fresh cilantro - handful - chopped for garnish
Lemon wedges - to serve

Preparation

Step 1 - 🥘🧈🧅

In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, melt the ghee. Add in the onions, cardamoms, and cinnamon stick, stir until onions are golden brown.
Step 2 - 🍄🥘🌱

Add the mushroom and asparagus into the pot. Sauté until vegetables are slightly tender.
Step 3 - 🥄🍚🌶️

Stir in the turmeric, garam masala, and salt. Add in the rice and stir well ensuring each grain is coated in the spices.
Step 4 - 💧🔥🍲

Pour in the water. Increase the heat and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and simmer until the rice is cooked and all the water is absorbed.
Step 5 - 👩‍🍳🍛🍋

Ensure the biryani is fluffed with a fork before serving to prevent stickiness. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with pomegranate seeds and fresh cilantro. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Additional

Biryani is traditionally a one-pot dish, making it a perfect choice for a delightful weekday supper. To add a non-vegetarian twist, feel free to include cooked chicken, lamb or prawns. Kids can help wash and snap the asparagus, and stir in the spices.