Mushroom Biryani made in Thalappakatti Style is a flavorful and aromatic South Indian Biryani rice that combines the fragrant Seeraga Samba rice(short grain rice) with earthy mushrooms and a blend of traditional spices.

Thalappakatti style mushroom biryani also known as Kalan Biryani is from the rich South Indian cuisine, specifically hailing from Dindigul in Tamil Nadu. It a perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional meat-based biryanis. This Chettinad style mushroom biryani is renowned for its unique blend of whole spices, which imparts a distinct aroma and taste to the dish. If you love Chettinad Style recipes, try my Chettinad Mushroom Masala Gravy. Its just super delicious.
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The use of Seeraga Samba rice, which is short-grained and aromatic, adds a unique texture and flavor to the dish. This rice is a key component that sets Thalappakatti biryani apart from other varieties.
Thalappakatti Mushroom biryani is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various settings. This flavourful Mushroom Biryani is irresistible because of the perfect combination of earthy mushrooms with rich and flavorful fresh biryani masala. Whether it’s a family gathering, a celebration, or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

The hearty and satisfying nature makes it an excellent choice for vegetarians. Moreover, this veg mushroom biryani pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as raita, salad, or spicy pickles, offering a complete dining experience.
Thalapakattu Biryani Recipe is a famous Biryani from the Dindigul Region in Tamil Nadu. It is known for its unique taste and texture and is mostly cooked with meat. As a vegetarian, I’ve always wanted to recreate this recipe using vegetables at home. Finally, I adapted this great recipe to my taste using mushrooms and was impressed with the outcome.
Why you will love this South Indian Style Mushroom Biryani Recipe
The fragrance of the seeraga samba rice, combined with the simple spices, fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, resulting in the best mushroom biryani.
Easy Mushroom Biryani in Thalappakatti style caters to vegetarians and vegans, offering a hearty and satisfying alternative to meat-based biryanis. The meaty texture of mushrooms perfectly complements the flavours, making it a delightful choice for vegetarians.
This simple Veg Mushroom Biryani pairs seamlessly with various side dishes. Whether you serve it with a cucumber, onion raita, or a spicy pickle, this dish complements various accompaniments.
The rich and hearty nature of this best mushroom biryani makes it perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, or a comforting weeknight dinner.
The step-by-step one-pot mushroom biryani recipe ensures that both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices can enjoy creating a dish that reflects the authenticity and richness of the Thalappakatti style.
How to Make Easy Mushroom Biryani Recipe in Thalappakatti Style
Wash the Seeraga Samba Rice a couple of times and soak it in enough water for 20 minutes.
Dry roast the spices required for Biryani masala on a medium flame until they give off a nice aroma. Let them cool down and make a powder. Keep the ground spices aside.

Add ghee or oil to a pan. Once hot, add bay leaf, onion, and green chillies. Cook till the onion turns golden brown. Add ginger garlic paste and cook till the raw smell leaves.
Add the freshly made Biryani Masala Powder and red chilli powder and mix well.

Next, add a handful of mint leaves, coriander leaves and whisked yogurt. Add chopped mushrooms and salt. Cook everything together for a few minutes.

Add water and let it boil well. Add the soaked and drained rice. Check for salt and add if needed. Let the rice absorb 80% of the water.
Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves, lemon juice and ghee. Close the pan and keep it on the lowest flame for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, switch it off and let it rest for another 5 minutes. Open the lid and gently fluff the rice.

Serve Thalappakatti Mushroom Biryani with Raita and Gravy.

Tips and Suggestions to make the best Kalan Biryani
Select fresh and firm mushrooms for the best texture. Button or cremini mushrooms work well in this recipe.
Opt for the Thalappakatti-style seeraga samba rice for an authentic touch. If not, use fragrant basmati rice for a tender, fluffy rice recipe.
Adjust the spice powders of this delicious recipe according to your preference. Thalappakatti Biryani is known for its mild yet flavorful taste.
Serving Suggestions
Thalappakatti mushroom biryani is best served hot with a variety of accompaniments to enhance its flavor and texture:
Mint Lemonade: A refreshing drink that pairs well with the aromatic flavors of the biryani.
Raita: A cucumber or onion raita provides a cooling contrast to the warm biryani.
Spicy Pickle: Adds an extra kick and flavor to the dish.
Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens and vegetables complements the meal nicely.

Frequently asked questions
White button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are commonly used, feel free to experiment with your favorite mushroom varieties.
Thalappakatti Biryani is known for its mild spiciness. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste preferences.
While traditional Thalappakatti Biryani calls for the specific rice variety known as seeraga samba for its unique aroma and texture, you can still prepare a good biryani recipe with Basmati Rice if seeraga samba is not readily available. You must adjust the water level according to the rice you use. However, remember that the choice of rice grains can influence the overall texture and aroma of the biryani.
Other Rice Recipes you may like
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Recipe Card

Easy Mushroom Biryani in Thalappakatti Style
Ingredients
For Biryani Masala Powder
- 1 Bay Leaf
- ½ tablespoon Coriander Seeds
- 1 teaspoon Cumin seeds
- 1 inch Cinnamon
- 3 Cloves
- 2 Cardamom
- 1 Star Anise
- 1 teaspoon Fennel Seeds
- ½ teaspoon Peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon Stone Flower/Kalpasi
- 5 Cashewnuts
For the Biryani
- 1 & ½ cups Seeraga Samba Rice
- 2 & ¼ cups Water
- 250 grams Mushroom
- 1 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste
- 2 medium Onion thinly sliced
- 2 Green Chilli
- Handful Mint Leaves Finely Chopped
- Handful Coriander Leaves Finely Chopped
- ½ teaspoon Chilli Powder
- Salt as needed
- ¼ cup Thick Yogurt whisked
- 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoon Oil / Ghee
Instructions
- Wash Seeraga Samba Rice multiple times. Soak the rice in enough water for 20 minutes.
- Dry roast the spices under " For Biryani Masala Powder ". Roast on medium flame till a nice aroma comes. Switch off. Let it cool down and make a fine powder.
- Add ghee or oil to a pan. Once hot, add bay leaf, thinly sliced onion, and green chilli. Cook till the onion turns golden brown. Add ginger-garlic paste and cook till the raw smell leaves.
- Add the freshly made Biryani Masala Powder, and chilli powder and mix well. Now, add a handful of mint leaves, coriander leaves and whisked yogurt.
- Add chopped mushroom, and salt. Cook everything together for a few minutes.
- Add water and let it boil well. Add the soaked and drained rice. Check for salt and add if needed. Let the rice absorb 80% of the water.
- Garnish with coriander leaves, lemon juice and ghee.
- Close the pan and keep it on the lowest flame for 15 mins.
- After 15 mins, switch it off and let it rest for another 5 minutes. Open the lid and gently fluff the rice.
- Serve Thalappakatti Mushroom Biryani with Raita and Gravy.
Hi Gayatri…just went through your blog n it’s awesome. Your passion for food & hardwork behind is clearly shown here. Loved the recipe & good luck to u.
Thank you so much 🙂
Hello Gayathri, I am huge fan of Thalapakati and made this Mushroom Biryani – thalapakati style, and I loved the flavor.. My kitchen was filled with amazing aroma of spices !! Thank you for sharing the recipe, this version is a super hit ❤️
Thank you so much Sudha for trying this recipe. Glad you liked it 🙂