Nepali Style Mushroom Curry is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with mushrooms and a variety of spices, typically served with rice or bread. It is a popular dish in many parts of the world, including Nepal, where it is often made with a blend of warm spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, requiring minimal effort. Moreover, you’ll only need basic pantry spices and ingredients to create this culinary masterpiece!
This smooth and rich mushroom sauce really elevates the flavor of this curry. I love dining out, but I have gotten pretty good at making this takeout dish at home. It curbs our cravings, and the leftovers are just as tasty the next day. If you are new to making curry at home, don’t be nervous. This is a super simple curry that doesn’t require much effort to make. Even better, you only need basic pantry spices and ingredients to make it!
Types of Mushrooms
There are many different types of mushrooms that you can use in a mushroom curry or other dishes. Some common types include:
- Button mushrooms: These are the most common type of mushroom and are often used in salads, soups, and other dishes. They have a mild flavor and are usually white or off-white in color.
- Cremini mushrooms: These are similar to button mushrooms but have a slightly deeper flavor and are brown in color. They are often used in sauces, soups, and other dishes where a more intense mushroom flavor is desired.
- Portobello mushrooms: These are large mushrooms with a meaty texture and a rich, earthy flavor. They are often grilled or used in place of meat in vegetarian dishes.
- Shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms have a woodsy, earthy flavor and a slightly chewy texture. They are often used in Asian-inspired dishes, such as stir-fries and soups.
- Oyster mushrooms: These mushrooms have a delicate, slightly sweet flavor and a soft, velvety texture. They are often used in soups, stews, and stir-fries.
- Morel mushrooms: These mushrooms have a distinctive, spongy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. They are highly prized by chefs and are often used in sauces, soups, and other dishes.
- Enoki mushrooms: These are long, thin mushrooms with a delicate, slightly sweet flavor. They are often used in soups and salads and have a crunchy texture when raw.
- Chanterelle mushrooms: These mushrooms have a delicate, fruity flavor and are often used in sauces, soups, and other dishes where a subtle mushroom flavor is desired.
- Porcini mushrooms: These mushrooms have a strong, earthy flavor and a meaty texture. They are often used in sauces, soups, and other dishes where a robust mushroom flavor is desired.
How to make best Nepali Style Mushroom Curry?
To prepare mushroom curry, commence by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan with oil or ghee until they attain a soft and aromatic consistency. Following this, introduce the mushrooms and allow them to cook until they achieve a tender texture.
Subsequently, incorporate your chosen spices and any additional components desired in your curry, such as tomatoes, coconut milk, or yogurt. Concluding the process, let the curry simmer until it attains a thicker consistency and the flavors harmonize seamlessly.
Numerous iterations of mushroom curry await your experimentation, contingent upon your culinary inclinations and the ingredients at your disposal.
A repertoire of common variations encompasses the inclusion of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas.
Alternatively, you can opt for diverse mushroom varieties like shiitake, oyster, or cremini. Customization extends to adjusting the spice quotient, either intensifying or mellowing the chili powder content, or augmenting the spiciness with elements like fresh chili peppers or mustard seeds.
Ingredients of Mushroom Curry
- 1 KG mushrooms (any type, sliced)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- Salt to taste
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large pan over medium heat and add the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and mustard seeds. Toast until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the pan and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the turmeric, cumin powder, coriander powder, and chili powder (if using) to the pan and stir to combine.
- Add the mushrooms to the pan and stir to coat with the spices. Sauté for a few minutes until the mushrooms start to soften.
- Add the coconut milk and water to the pan and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until the mushrooms are tender.
- Season with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve hot over rice or with naan.
Note: This is just a basic recipe for mushroom curry and can be easily adapted to your taste preferences. You can add other vegetables, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas, or use different types of mushrooms to vary the flavor. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by using more or less chili powder or adding other spicy ingredients like fresh chili peppers or mustard seeds.
Best things about mushroom curry
There are many things that make mushroom curry a great dish. Some of the best things about mushroom curry include:
- Flavor: Mushroom curry has a rich, complex flavor that comes from a blend of aromatic spices and savory mushrooms. The combination of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, along with the earthy flavor of the mushrooms, creates a dish that is both satisfying and aromatic.
- Versatility: Mushroom curry can be made with a variety of ingredients and spices, making it a very versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. You can use different types of mushrooms, vegetables, and spices to create a unique flavor profile.
- Nutritious: Mushrooms are a good source of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy addition to any diet.
- Easily adaptable: Mushroom curry can be made to suit a variety of dietary needs and preferences, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free. Simply choose the ingredients that fit your dietary needs and adjust the recipe accordingly.
- Comforting: The warm, aromatic flavors of mushroom curry make it a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. It is also a great option for entertaining, as it can be served over rice or with bread and can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger group.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoy this special mushroom curry! Let me know if you have any questions or if you want any further clarification on the recipe. Also, check out our previous articles in Prodigynepal to read such informative content.
Also Read: How to make Nepali style chicken Curry
