Mushroom Masala

Mushrooms are low calorie food and are rich in calcium, iron and vitamin D. They are low in fat and cholesterol and is a dish recommended for those who are trying to lose weight ,have diabetes or have high level of cholesterol. However not all mushrooms are edible ! So its always advisable to buy mushrooms from grocery stores. Not only are they quick to cook but also very tasty to eat. This is a quick recipe and almost tastes like the non vegetarian dishes which I cook (well almost!).

Serves 5

Ingredients

• Mushroom - 1/ 2 lb diced
• Oil - 4 tsp
• Onion- 2 medium sized, chopped in small pieces
• Tomato - 1 medium sized, chopped in small pieces
• Mustard Seed - 1/2 tsp
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
• Coriander- 1 bunch chopped ( for garnishing)
• Coriander powder - 1 tsp
• Chili powder- 1 tsp (optional)
• Chili 2 -3 (optional)
• Turmeric- 1 tsp
• Cumin powder - 1 tsp
• Fenugreek leave - 1 tsp ( crushed)
• Garam masala - 1 tsp
• Cloves - 3
• Cinnamon - 1 small stick
• Ginger garlic paste - 1 tsp
• Salt - as per taste
• Lime juice ( optional )

When I cooked it this time, I did not had coriander powder and chili powder. I do not use coriander leaves much because I cannot bear the smell of coriander much since childhood. The dish however turned out right and the husband appreciated it very much after dinner.

Preparation

1. Heat oil in pan.
2. Once the oil is hot, put mustard seeds, cumin seeds, cloves, cardamon and cumin seeds.
3. Add the chopped pieces of onion once the mustard seeds have spluttering, fry for some minutes till the onions are golden brown in color.
4. Add ginger garlic paste and mix well.
5. Fry till the raw smell of the ginger garlic goes away.
6. Add the chopped pieces of tomato and mix well. I had once used tomato ketchup instead of tomatoes and the dish turned out to be awesome. In case you are using tomato ketchup then add it after you have mixed the mushrooms.
7. Add turmeric, cumin powder, chili powder, coriander powder and curry masala and mix well.
8. Let it cook for 2- 3 minutes till the mixture changes color or you can wait till the oil separates from the mixture.
9. Add salt and cook for 1 -2 minute.
10. Add chopped pieces of chili. This step however is optional. Add chili powder or chili in your dish only if you like it to b spicy and hot. My husband and I just love chili in our food to add the extra zing.
11. Now add mushrooms. Do remember to wash the mushrooms before cooking or wipe with a cloth before cooking.
12. Lower the flame(from medium to low) and cook for about 5 - 6 minutes.
13. After 5 -6 minutes you will find that the mushrooms have become soft. Turn off the flame.
14. If you want curry, then add water.
15. Garnish with crushed fenugreek leaves and coriander leaves.
16. You can sprinkle a little lime juice. This step is optional.
17. Serve hot with bread, roti, naan.