Introduction

 

Mushrooms are those little wonders of the forest floor that pack a punch of flavor in every bite. Let me tell you about the first time I stumbled upon the magic of mushroom masala. It was a rainy evening, and I found myself craving something warm and comforting. As I rummaged through my pantry, I discovered a pack of mushrooms tucked away in the corner. With a spark of inspiration, I decided to whip up a batch of mushroom masala, and oh, what a delightful journey it turned out to be! The earthy aroma of the mushrooms mingling with the rich, spicy gravy was a revelation to my taste buds. Since then, mushroom masala has become a staple in my culinary repertoire, a dish that never fails to bring warmth and satisfaction to any meal.

 

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Recipe of Mushroom Masala

 

Ingredients of Mushroom Masala

• Mushroom: 2 cups

• Oil: 1 tbsp

• Bayleaf: 2 pcs

• Clove: 5-7 pcs

• Black cardamom: 1 pc

• Green cardamom: 3-4 pcs

• Black pepper: 8-10 pcs

• Cinnamon: 1 inch

• Jeera (Cumin Seeds): 1 tsp

• Onion, chopped: 1 cup

• Green chilli, chopped: ½ tbsp

• Besan (Gram Flour): 1 tbsp

• Ginger & garlic paste: 1 tbsp

• Turmeric powder: ½ tbsp

• Deggi mirch powder: 1 tbsp

• Coriander powder: 1 tbsp

• Jeera powder: ½ tbsp

• Garam masala: 1 tsp

• Salt: ½ tbsp

• Curd: ½ cup

• Sabzi masala: 1 tbsp

• Tomato puree: 2 tbsp

• Cashew paste: 2 tbsp

• Water: as required

• Sugar: ½ tsp

• Kasoori methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves): 1 tbsp

• Coriander, chopped: 1 tbsp

• Fresh cream: ½ tbsp

 

Instructions of Mushroom Masala

Step 1: Tempering the Spices

• Heat oil in a pan. Add bayleaf, cloves, black cardamom, green cardamom, black pepper, cinnamon, and jeera. Let them crackle and release their aroma.

Step 2: Sautéing the Onions and Chilies

• Add chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn translucent. Then, add chopped green chilli and continue sautéing.

Step 3: Adding Gram Flour

• Sprinkle besan (gram flour) over the sautéed onions and cook until the besan becomes fragrant.

Step 4: Cooking the Ginger & Garlic Paste

• Add ginger & garlic paste to the mixture and cook along with onions and besan.

Step 5: Adding Spices

• Mix in turmeric powder, deggi mirch powder, coriander powder, jeera powder, garam masala, and salt. Cook the mixture for a minute.

Step 6: Incorporating Curd

• Pour in whisked curd and cook until the mixture releases oil, stirring continuously.

Step 7: Adjusting the Gravy Consistency

• Add water to the mixture to adjust the gravy consistency as desired and mix well.

Step 8: Cooking the Mushrooms

• Add diced mushrooms to the gravy and let them cook until tender.

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Step 9: Adding Tomato Puree and Cashew Paste

• Stir in tomato puree and mix well. Add boiled cashew paste and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Step 10: Final Seasoning

• Add sugar, kasoori methi, chopped coriander, and fresh cream. Mix gently and cook for another 30 seconds.

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Step 11: Serving

• Mushroom Masala is ready to serve! Enjoy the rich and creamy dish with your favorite rice or bread.

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Enjoy the rich and creamy Mushroom Masala with your favorite rice or bread!

 

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About the Recipe

 

Mushroom masala is a flavorful Indian dish made with fresh mushrooms cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy. The gravy is typically prepared with a base of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and ginger, along with a blend of traditional Indian spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. This dish is a vegetarian favorite, known for its hearty texture and robust flavors. Mushroom masala pairs perfectly with steamed rice, naan, or chapati, making it a versatile and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

1. Choose fresh mushrooms: Opt for firm, plump mushrooms with a smooth surface and no signs of discoloration for the best results.
2. Slice uniformly: Ensure that you slice the mushrooms uniformly to ensure even cooking.
3. Dry roast the spices: Dry roasting the whole spices before grinding them enhances their flavor and aroma, adding depth to the dish.
4. Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can make it mild or spicy by controlling the amount of chili powder or green chilies used.
5. Simmer gently: Allow the mushroom masala to simmer gently after adding the mushrooms to allow the flavours to meld together and the mushrooms to absorb the essence of the gravy.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Mushroom masala pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, including:

• Steamed basmati rice
• Naan or roti
• Jeera rice
• Paratha or kulcha
• Quinoa or couscous for a healthy twist

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Mushroom Masala

 

1. What is mushroom masala? Mushroom masala is a popular Indian dish made with fresh mushrooms cooked in a rich and flavorful gravy.

2. Can I use canned mushrooms for mushroom masala? While fresh mushrooms are recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use canned mushrooms as a substitute if fresh ones are not available.

3. Is mushroom masala spicy? The spiciness of mushroom masala can be adjusted according to personal preference by controlling the amount of chili powder or green chilies used in the recipe.

4. Can I make mushroom masala ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare mushroom masala ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

5. Is mushroom masala vegan? Mushroom masala can be made vegan by using oil instead of ghee or butter for cooking and omitting any dairy products like cream or yogurt from the recipe.

6. What can I substitute for garam masala in mushroom masala? If you don't have garam masala on hand, you can use a blend of ground cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom as a substitute.

7. Can I add other vegetables to mushroom masala? Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach to mushroom masala to enhance its flavor and nutritional value.

8. How do I thicken mushroom masala gravy? To thicken the gravy, you can add a paste of cashew nuts or almonds or simmer the gravy for a longer time until it reaches the desired consistency.

9. Can I freeze mushroom masala? Yes, you can freeze mushroom masala for later use. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

10. What is the difference between mushroom masala and mushroom curry? While both dishes feature mushrooms as the main ingredient, mushroom masala typically has a thicker and creamier gravy compared to mushroom curry, which has a lighter and more liquid consistency.

 

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