Craving something comforting but packed with bold flavors? Mushroom masala is your answer!
This rich, earthy curry combines tender mushrooms with the perfect blend of Indian spices. It’s hearty, satisfying, and simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.
Mushroom masala is a fantastic option for anyone who enjoys flavorful, plant-based meals. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can bring this delicious curry to life in your own kitchen.
How To Make Mushroom Masala
Making mushroom masala is as straightforward as it is rewarding. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mushrooms (button or cremini work best), sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tomatoes, puréed or finely chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garam masala
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (use coconut or vegetable oil for a vegan option)
Instructions
- Sauté the Spices: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Toss in the cumin seeds and let them sizzle—this enhances their flavor.
- Add the Aromatics: Cook the onions until golden brown, then add garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for about a minute.
- Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the tomatoes and add coriander, turmeric, red chili powder, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes soften and blend with the spices.
- Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms and mix them with the spice mixture. Let them cook for 5–7 minutes until they release their moisture and soften.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle garam masala over the top, stir, and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or bread for a satisfying meal.
Mushroom Masala Cooking Techniques
Depending on your cooking style, you can adjust how the dish is made for slightly different results. Here are a few methods to try:
- Sautéing: Quick and flavorful, sautéing mushrooms brings out their natural richness.
- Simmering: Once sautéed, simmer the mushrooms in the tomato-based gravy for a deeply infused flavor.
- Stir-Frying: For a firmer texture, stir-fry mushrooms over high heat for a few minutes.
Spice Combos To Try
The spices are where mushroom masala shines. Experiment with these blends:
- Basic Masala: 1 tsp cumin powder, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp red chili powder, ½ tsp garam masala
- North Indian Blend: 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp coriander powder, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp Kashmiri chili powder, ½ tsp garam masala, ½ tsp kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
- South Indian Twist: 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, a few curry leaves, ½ tsp turmeric, ½ tsp red chili powder
These spice combinations are just the start—feel free to adjust them to your liking.
What To Serve With Mushroom Masala
There are so many things you can serve with mushroom masala – we love the following:
- Rice: Basmati or jeera rice balances out the intense flavors of the curry.
- Indian Breads: Roti, chapati, or naan are perfect for scooping up the curry.
- Raita: A refreshing cucumber raita made with plant-based yogurt can help balance the spices.
Final Thoughts
Mushroom masala is packed with bold flavors, hearty textures, and comforting warmth.
This dish is perfect for those who love a delicious plant-based curry that’s simple to make and endlessly customizable.
So grab your mushrooms, spices, and a skillet, and get cooking—you’re in for a treat!