Mushroom Masala - Mushrooms in a creamy tomato-cashew nut curry

Mushroom Masala is a versatile dish that contains an explosion of flavors from earthy mushrooms, slightly tart tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The intense flavors are balanced with homemade cashew cream. Ready in less than 20 minutes and tasty to the last bite, this curry is sure to earn you the Master Chef crown at your next Indian dinner.

As a food enthusiast, I cook and host a lot and often have guests who prefer vegetarian food. I'm always on the lookout for vegetarian options that can rival the all-time favorites Butter Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala. Everyone loves my vegetarian Mushroom Masala and it completes my vegetarian dishes repertoire.

This mushroom curry is simmered in onion and tomato-based gravy, perfectly spiced with turmeric, red chili powder, Garam Masala and garnished with kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves).

I add mild tasting white mushrooms, rich in vitamin B, which intensify their flavors after cooking in the rich sauce.

I am happy to share this Indian mushroom recipe with you and I am sure it will be added to your own list of Indian vegetarian recipes

Why we love this Mushroom Masala

• Ready in less than 20 minutes.

• No-Fail Recipe.

• Great vegan dish and ready in a jiffy.

• Naturally gluten free.

• Very easy to prepare nut-free by substituting coconut cream or whipped cream for cashew cream.

Health benefits of mushrooms

• All edible mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins and powerful antioxidants that support the immune system and prevent damage to cells and tissues.

• White mushrooms are one of the few non-animal sources of vitamin D.

• Mushrooms can help lower cholesterol and protect the heart by maintaining healthy blood pressure and circulation.

Growing up in India, Mushroom Masala was a treat we only enjoyed in restaurants, as mushrooms were not as readily available in markets. I think that's what made the dish special, and I've always wished I could perfect it in my own kitchen.

Preparing Mushroom Masala is so straightforward that it is now cooked several times a month at my house. My family enjoys Mushroom Masala with piping hot Chapatis and steamed rice, and leftovers are rarely left. I prefer to buy the large package of fresh white mushrooms available at the supermarket, but you can use other mushrooms as well. Replace the white mushrooms with cremini mushrooms, for example, as they also go well with this recipe.

Ingredients for 4 Portions

• 500 g white mushrooms rinsed, dried and sliced

• 2 tablespoons Ghee or neutral oil for the vegan version

• 1 large mild onion finely chopped

• 2 tsp ginger paste

• 2 tsp garlic paste

• ¾ cup strained tomatoes or 2 fresh ripe red tomatoes pureed

• ½ tsp ground turmeric

• 1 ½ tsp red Kashmiri chili powder

• ½ tsp Garam Masala

• 1 tsp salt

• ⅓ cup cashews

• 1 tbsp. kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves)

• 1 ¼ cup water

• Chopped coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

Soak the cashews in ½ cup warm water for 10 minutes and set aside. Drain all the water and mix the cashews with ¼ cup water to make a smooth paste and reserve.

Then heat the oil in a medium sized pot or pan. Add in the onions, stir well and cook, covered, over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

Add the ginger paste and garlic paste and sauté for 30 seconds. Add tomato puree, turmeric, red chili powder, garam masala, salt, mushrooms and ½ cup water and mix well. Cover and cook over medium heat for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are cooked.

Stir in kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves), cashew paste and chopped coriander leaves.

Serve freshly prepared Mushroom Masala with Chapatis or Parathas or steamed rice. Add a serving of Kachumber (Indian cucumber and tomato salad) for a delicious meal.

Tips

• Rub the kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves) between your palms to get a coarse powder. This helps release the aroma of the herb and it mixes well with the curry.

• Variations - Stir in green peas to make Mushroom Matar Masala, or add some spinach to make Mushroom Palak Masala.

I look forward to hearing from you...

...if you like my blog, my recipes inspire you and your curiosity for Indian cuisine has been piqued.

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