Growing up, the only mushrooms I ever ate were the ones my Mom drained out of a can to spread on homemade pizza. It may sound completely unappetizing, but I loved it. So much so, that I would actually fish out any pieces I could find on the leftover slices. And yes, sadly, pizza was the only time my Mom opened the can of mushrooms. It wasn't until I actually moved to Canada that I had my first taste of a real, fresh mushroom. One bite and I was blown away, and to this day, mushrooms remain a desired vegetarian option for me - and this Masala Mushroom recipe is one of my favourites!
When my parents were visiting during the early months after Baby Dear was born, my Dad had a craving for mushrooms. Like many people from Indian households, where mushrooms were a very rare sight at the dinner table, he wanted to know what they actually tasted like. He had often heard and read of recipes where mushrooms were cooked in a thick, almost dry masala base. He asked me to cook up a batch for him and I was more than happy to oblige! And so, this Masala Mushroom recipe was created.
It was almost too simple to put together. Like most Indian dishes, I started this Masala Mushroom recipe with a base of onions and tomatoes, slowly sauteing it till all the moisture evaporated and the flavours of the various spices had a chance to deepen. Next came the mushrooms, a few more minutes of slow cooking, and voila! Dinner was ready. My Dad had waited a long while to eat mushrooms cooked this way, and his expectations were pretty high. He took a bite, looked at me, and said that I HAD to teach my Mom this recipe. My Mom's retort - they didn't sell mushrooms at the vegetable market she shopped at!
This Masala Mushroom recipe is one I often go to on days when the heart desires something meaty, rich and lip-smackingly good! I've made it for fancy dinner parties, used it as an extravagant side for a simple Dal-Chawal, and also as a filling for sandwiches and wraps. I chose cremini mushrooms since they easily take on robust flavours and shine through. But I suspect regular button and oysters mushrooms would also work well.
Masala Mushroom
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon light cooking oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
- 1 tablespoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon amchoor powder
- ¼ teaspoon garam masala
- salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes finely chopped
- 15-20 cremini mushroom quartered
- finely chopped fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a deep wok and saute onions till they turn lightly brown. Add in ginger and garlic paste, and fry for a minute to blend well.
- Add in spices, salt and tomato paste, and fry for another minute mixing everything together.
- Add in tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally till all the moisture evaporates and starts to turn into a thick sauce.
- Add in the mushrooms and mix well. Let the mushrooms cook through, until all its water dries up. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm.
This post was originally published in October 2011 and has been recently updated.
If you enjoyed this recipe, then you surely love my Mushroom Pulao recipe as well.
Tried this recipe? Leave a Comment and let me know, also Rate it by clicking the number of stars on the recipe card. Want to share your version with me? Tag me on Instagram @hookedonheat
Mark says
Loved this!! I made it for a quick and simple dinner for my family last and we were floored. Served it with some store-bought Naans and some Cucumber Raita and it was a treat!
Sanidhya says
Hey.., This is really fabulous recipe. I tried it today and came-out very delicious. I got too many compliments from my husband and mother-in-law.
Thank you.
Sheetal says
Hi -- came across this recipe, tried it yesterday and it was absolutely delicious. A huge hit in my home. Will be looking for more recipes to try off your site. Thanks for your hard work in keeping us non-cooks encouraged to cook and try new things.
Kirstie Melville says
This sounds great, and looks exactly like a dish I had in an Indo-chinese restaurant in Leicester. I've been looking for a similar recipe for about a year, so thank-you! I look forward to giving it a try.
Harshita says
I tried your mushroom masala recipe on Thursday for dinner. It turned out very well. Was simple and easy to follow. I'm an amateur chef in my new kitchen. Just married a few months back, never cooked or experimental anything in the kitchen. I love ur recipes. They are modern and simple to follow. More recipes please!
Megs says
Made this the other night and it turned out so well! Thank you again for posting 🙂
soumya says
hooo...looks yummy..mouthwatering.love the color too....mushrooms are my all time fav.
Archana says
I have just washed mushrooms and was wondering what to make of them. Guess I just had the answer.
Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year!
Sandra says
I love this recipe! And my family enjoyed it so much. Thanks for sharing.
Sharmilee says
Looks so flavourful and yummy
Mat says
Hi Meena,
I really enjoyed this recipe, it came out great in the end. I think the key is to have everything prepared beforehand, then it's quite straight forward.
Thanks
Susie Bee on Maui says
That sounds really good. I'm not sure about getting the amchoor powder here on Maui-would it be a big hurt if it was left out or is there a substitute?