Prepare the Rice: Wash 1 cup of basmati rice thoroughly and soak it in water for exactly 30 minutes.
Make the Paste: Crush the 7 to 8 garlic cloves, 0.5 inch ginger, and 2 green chillies together to make a coarse paste.
Heat the Pan: Place a pan on medium heat. Add 1.5 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt completely.
Add Spices: Toss in 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. If you are using the optional whole spices, add them now and fry for 10 to 15 seconds.
Sauté Onion: Add the sliced onion and fry until it turns light golden brown.
Add Paste: Stir in your ginger-garlic-chilli paste and sauté for 1 minute until the raw smell goes away.
Cook Veggies: Add the chopped capsicum and the 200 g chopped mushrooms. Mix well and cook for 1 minute on medium heat.
Add Dry Masalas: Turn the flame to low. Add 1 teaspoon garam masala, 0.5 teaspoon chaat masala, 0.5 teaspoon black pepper powder, and salt to taste. Mix everything nicely.
Mix the Rice: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Gently stir to coat the rice with the spices and butter without breaking the grains.
Add Water: Pour in exactly 1 glass of water. Remember, mushrooms also release water, so do not add too much.
Simmer and Cook: Cover the pan with a lid. Let this Easy Indian Mushroom Rice Recipe cook on low heat until the water is completely absorbed and the rice is soft and fluffy.