Kadai Mushroom Recipe
Kadai Mushroom Recipe: As a housewife blogger and food critic, I’ve always been passionate about exploring diverse flavors and techniques in the kitchen. One of my all-time favorite dishes to prepare and enjoy is Kadai Mushroom. The rich aroma of the spices, combined with the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the tangy notes of tomatoes, creates an irresistible symphony of flavors. The velvety texture of the gravy and the succulent mushrooms make this dish an absolute delight for both the cook and the diner.
What is Kadai Mushroom?
Kadai Mushroom is a popular North Indian dish that features a delectable combination of mushrooms and bell peppers cooked in a rich, spicy, and tangy tomato-based gravy. The dish derives its name from the traditional Indian wok, or “Kadai,” in which it is prepared. The unique blend of freshly ground spices, known as “Kadai masala,” lends an exquisite flavor to the dish, making it a true gastronomic delight.
Variations
There are several variations of the Kadai Mushroom recipe, each with its unique twist. Some of these include:
- Kadai Mushroom with Cream: This version incorporates fresh cream into the gravy, resulting in a richer, creamier texture and milder flavor.
- Kadai Mushroom with Cashew Nuts: In this variation, cashew nuts are ground to a paste and added to the gravy, enhancing its richness and thickness.
- Kadai Mushroom with Paneer: For added protein and variety, you can include paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes along with the mushrooms in this dish.
- Vegan Kadai Mushroom: To make this dish vegan-friendly, replace the butter or ghee with vegetable oil and omit the cream.
Nutrition Benefits
Kadai Mushroom is not only a delicious dish but also offers several nutritional benefits. Mushrooms are low in calories, high in fiber, and a good source of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. The spices used in the dish, such as coriander, cumin, and turmeric, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. When prepared with minimal oil and cream, this dish can be a healthy addition to your meal plan.
Step by Step Kadai Mushroom Recipe
Kadai Mushroom Recipe
Ingredients
- 200 grams button mushrooms cleaned and halved
- 1 Onions finely chopped
- 2 Tomato finely chopped
- 1 green capsicum / bell peppers diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/4 cup tomato puree
- 1/4 cup cream optional
- 2 tbsp ghee / clarified butter
- 1 tsp Cumin (Jeera)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Red Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tsp kasuri methi / dry fenugreek leaves dried fenugreek leaves
- Salt to taste
- coriander leaves / cilantro for garnishing
Instructions
Pre-Cooking Prep Steps
- Prepare the Kadai masala: Dry roast coriander seeds, cumin seeds, dried red chilies, and black peppercorns in a pan for 2-3 minutes over low heat, until fragrant. Allow the spices to cool and then grind them to a coarse powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle. Set aside.
- Clean and prep the mushrooms
- Wash the mushrooms thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Slice the mushrooms in half or, if they are large, cut them into quarters. Set aside.
- Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and tomatoes, and dice the green and red bell peppers. Set aside.
- Measure and organize other ingredients: Measure out the tomato puree, fresh cream (if using), ghee or butter, and all the required spices. Set them aside for easy access during the cooking process.
Cooking Steps
- Heat ghee or butter in a kadai or large, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and let them splutter.
- Add the finely chopped onions to the kadai and sauté until they turn golden brown.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they become soft and pulpy. Stir in the tomato puree and mix well.
- Add the turmeric powder, red chili powder, coriander powder, and the prepared Kadai masala. Cook the spices for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oil begins to separate from the masala.
- Add the halved mushrooms and diced bell peppers to the kadai. Mix well to coat the vegetables in the masala. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms and bell peppers are tender.
- If using cream, stir it in now, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Season the dish with salt, to taste.
- Sprinkle garam masala powder and Kasuri methi over the dish, and give it a final stir. Cook for another minute.
Equipment Used for This Recipe
Notes & Tips
- Adjust the spice level of the dish according to your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the quantity of red chili powder and Kadai masala to suit your palate.
- To enhance the flavor of the dish, you can marinate the mushrooms in a mixture of yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, and a pinch of salt for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Serve Kadai Mushroom with hot naan, roti, or steamed rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information (Note: Approximate)
FAQs – Kadai Mushroom Recipe
Can I use any type of mushroom for the Kadai Mushroom recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of mushroom for this recipe, although button mushrooms or cremini mushrooms are commonly used. Each type of mushroom will lend a slightly different flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment with your favorite variety.
What can I serve with Kadai Mushroom?
Kadai Mushroom pairs well with Indian flatbreads like naan, roti, or paratha. You can also serve it with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Can I make Kadai Mushroom vegan?
Absolutely! To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter or ghee with oil, and use a plant-based cream or coconut milk in place of regular cream.
Can I store leftover Kadai Mushroom?
Yes, you can store leftover Kadai Mushroom in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
How can I adjust the spice level in Kadai Mushroom?
You can easily adjust the spice level in Kadai Mushroom by increasing or decreasing the amount of green chilies, red chili powder, or garam masala. Start with a smaller quantity and add more as needed to suit your taste preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to Kadai Mushroom?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or baby corn to the dish. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly, so all the vegetables are cooked evenly.
What is the key to achieving the perfect Kadai Mushroom flavor?
The key to a perfect Kadai Mushroom is in the freshly ground kadai masala. Roasting and grinding whole spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chilies create an authentic and flavorful spice blend that elevates the taste of the dish.
Can I freeze Kadai Mushroom?
While it is possible to freeze Kadai Mushroom, the texture of the mushrooms and the consistency of the sauce may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
Also see:
———————————————————————————————————
Foodcazt (www.foodcazt.com) is a Food Magazine. We help you discover food. Benefit from our Recipes, Reviews, Food Guides & Articles. We uncover trends, especially for Indian and Asian Cuisines. Please follow us to learn more. Uncover recipes. Learn about trends. Unearth unique restaurants. Find what moves you. Discover what inspires others. We uncover trends, especially for Indian Cuisine and Asian Cuisine.
It would mean the world to use if you follow us: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.