Butternut Squash and Mushroom Biryāni

Biryāni is a fragrant layered rice dish of Persian and Moghul origin that is frequently made with meat. This soul-warming autumnal version (a crown jewel of this cookbook) has seared mushrooms and roasted butternut squash. Caramelized onions play a key role in developing the layers of flavor in a good biryāni, and I use a combination of fennel and onion, which further heightens the seasonal flavors. Time is an important ingredient, too, as each component is treated with care and is individu