Mushroom Capsicum Rice

Mushrooms are low in calories and sodium and are packed with many nutrients, vitamins, fibres, and minerals, hence considered superfoods. A Simple, perfect and quick lunchbox recipe that can be prepared under 30 mins of time. 

Planning & Pre-Preparation: 10 mins

Soaking Time: 20 mins

Cooking time: 10-15 mins.

Ingredients:

• Basmati Rice - 1 Cup

• Water for soaking – 1 Cup

• Ghee - 2 Tsp.

• Bay leaf/Tej Patta – 1 

• Cardamom/Elachi - 2 

• Cloves/Lavang – 2

• Marathi Moggu / Kapok buds – 2 

• Cinnamon/Ilavankappattai – 1-2

• Pepper/ Milaku – 1 Tsp.

• Cumin seeds/ Jeera - 1 Tsp 

• Fennel Seeds/Saunf - 1 Tsp 

• Onion - 1 (Medium)

• Ginger Garlic Paste - 1 Tsp

• Green Capsicum – 1 (Medium)

• Tomato (Puree) – 1 (Medium)

• Mushroom – 200 gms

• Chilli Powder- 1 Tsp

• Turmeric Powder/ Manjal podi – 1/2 Tsp 

• Coriander Powder – 1 Tsp

• Garam Masala - 1 Tsp

• Salt - Per taste 

• Water - 1 Cup 

Directions:

• Soak basmati rice in water for about 20 mins. After 20 mins, drain off the water and keep it aside.

• To a pressure cooker, add ghee and start adding whole spices such as Bay leaf/Tej Patta, Cloves/Lavang, Cardamom/Elachi, Marathi Moggu / Kapok buds, Cinnamon/Ilavankappattai, Pepper/ Milaku, Cumin seeds/ Jeera, and Fennel Seeds/Saunf. Saute for a few seconds.  

• Then add onions and fry until translucent.

• Now add Ginger Garlic Paste and fry until the raw smell is gone.

• Once fried, add green capsicum and tomato (Puree) and mix well.

• Once mixed add sliced mushroom and mix well.

• Now add spice powders such as Turmeric Powder, Chilli Powder, Garam Masala, coriander powder and Salt. Mix it well and cook on a low flame for about a minute.

• When mixed, add the soaked and drained rice. Mix well and spread it evenly.

• Now add water. Cover & cook on high flame for 3 whistles and turn off the flame.

• Once the pressure settles down, open and gently mix the rice. Mushroom Capsicum Rice is ready. Serve along with raita.

Points to be noted:

• You can also add 1 Tsp ghee and 1 Tsp Oil instead of 2 Tsp. of ghee. Ghee enhances the taste and flavour.

• Different rice brands may require different levels of water. Kindly read packet instructions for water quantity. I have used India Gate Basmati Rice – Super variety. 

• Do not release the pressure. Let the pressure automatically settle down to get the right rice texture.

• After opening the cooker use a fork or the backside of a spatula to gently mix the rice in order to retain its fluffiness. Over mixing results in the mushing of rice. 

• The mushroom has high water content. Do not add excess water. Adding an equal ratio of water to rice (1:1) will prevent the mushy consistency of rice.