Chettinad Mushroom Masala is a Chettinad recipe which is aromatic and spicy gravy of Mushrooms that complements well with steamed rice or Kerala parathas. White button mushrooms are cooked in spicy and tangy gravy made with tamarind extract, coconut and chillies. The taste of the meaty and soft mushrooms in the spicy and rich Chettinad Masala gravy is delicious and lip smacking.
Ingredients
•White Button Mushroom - 2 cups, chopped
•Tamarind Juice - 1 tbsp
•Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tsp
•Mustard Seeds - 1 tsp
•Curry Leaves - 1 strand
•Oil - 2 tbsp
•Coriander Leaves - 2 tbsp, finely chopped (for garnish)
Spice Mixture
•Black Pepper - 1 tsp
•Dry Red Chilli - 2
•Coriander Seeds - 1 tbsp
•Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
•Fennel Seeds - 1/2 tsp
•Shallots - 2 to 3
•Garlic - 2 cloves
Method
•Roast black pepper, dry red chilli, coriander seeds, cumin seeds and fennel seeds separately till a nice aroma is released.
•Once it cools, grind it coarsely along with shallots and garlic. Keep aside.
•Clean the mushroom using a paper towel and chop it lengthwise.
•Heat oil in a pan, splutter the mustard seeds and curry leaves.
•Add the chopped mushrooms to this and saute for 5 minutes till the mushrooms get a nice colour. Do not add water. The water from the mushroom is sufficient.
•Add the tamarind juice with required salt and turmeric powder. Cover and let it cook for a few minutes.
•Add the spice mixture and mix everything for a minute.
•Garnish with chopped coriander.
•Serve as a side dish for rice or roti or use as a stuffing for mushroom puffs or masala dosa.
Tips for Chettinad Mushroom Masala
•A tbsp of grated coconut can also be added along with the spice mixture for added flavor.
•Shallots are a must for this recipe. Try to use them, if using other variety then do not grind them raw. It will make the gravy bitter.
•Coconut milk can be added if required more gravy.
•In order to clean mushrooms one can remove the thin layer over the mushrooms using a sharp knife or can even rub the mushrooms with maida or rice flour to remove the excess dirt.
•Always wipe the mushrooms with a dry towel before it is added to the recipe, this way the mushrooms will not shrink much.
