Mushroom Curry Recipe
This delectable Mushroom Curry is a delightful vegetarian dish with bold flavors and the perfect balance of spice and sweetness. This recipe, inspired by the classic Moosewood Restaurant Cookbook, brings together tender mushrooms, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients to create a rich, satisfying meal. Ideal for a cozy dinner, this curry is sure to impress with its complex layers of flavor and heartwarming appeal. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or exploring vegetarian curry options, this Mushroom Curry will quickly become a favorite on your dinner table.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Category: Curries
Cuisine: Vegetarian, Asian, Indian
Keyword: Mushroom Curry, Vegetarian, Low Protein, < 60 Minutes
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Butter | 2 tablespoons |
Onions, finely chopped | 2 medium |
Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
Ground turmeric | 1 teaspoon |
Ground ginger | 1/2 teaspoon |
Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon |
Cloves | 3 whole |
Ground allspice | 1/2 teaspoon |
Salt | 1 teaspoon |
Celery stalks, chopped | 1 stalk |
Mushrooms, sliced | 1 1/2 cups |
Diced tomatoes | 1 can (14 oz) |
Green apples, peeled and diced | 1 medium |
Unsweetened coconut flakes | 1/2 cup |
Honey | 1 tablespoon |
Fresh lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Cayenne pepper (optional) | To taste |
Basmati rice | For serving |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 396.8 kcal |
Fat | 25.6 g |
Saturated Fat | 20.1 g |
Cholesterol | 15.3 mg |
Sodium | 973.7 mg |
Carbohydrates | 41 g |
Fiber | 12.3 g |
Sugar | 23 g |
Protein | 10 g |
Instructions
-
Melt the butter: In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to fully melt, becoming a rich, golden base for the curry.
-
Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the finely chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and become translucent.
-
Add the spices: Once the onions are softened, sprinkle in the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, mustard seeds, cloves, allspice, and salt. Stir the mixture well to ensure the spices coat the onions and garlic evenly. Allow the spices to cook for an additional 5-8 minutes, giving time for their aromas to develop.
-
Incorporate the celery and mushrooms: Add the chopped celery and sliced mushrooms to the pan, stirring to combine. Mix everything thoroughly, and cover the pan with a lid. Let the vegetables cook down for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. You may add a small amount of water or reserved tomato juice if needed to prevent sticking to the pan.
-
Add tomatoes, apples, coconut, honey, and lemon: Once the celery is tender, pour in the diced tomatoes (including the juices), diced green apples, coconut flakes, honey, and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together, ensuring that the mixture is evenly combined. Cover and let it simmer for another 10 minutes, cooking until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
-
Adjust consistency: If the curry seems too dry, add more water or tomato juice to achieve your desired consistency. Stir and check the seasoning, adding more salt or spices as necessary.
-
Finish with cayenne: If you like your curry with a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference for spiciness. Once seasoned to your liking, remove the curry from the heat.
-
Let it rest: Allow the curry to sit, covered, for another 10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
-
Serve: Spoon the Mushroom Curry over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. The rice complements the curry’s rich and aromatic sauce perfectly, providing a delicious balance to the dish.
Tips & Variations
-
Spice Level: Adjust the heat of the curry by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper according to your spice tolerance. You can also experiment with adding chili peppers for a fresh kick.
-
Mushrooms: While this recipe uses standard button mushrooms, you can swap them for other types like cremini or shiitake for an extra depth of flavor.
-
Vegan Option: To make this curry completely vegan, substitute the butter with a plant-based oil like coconut oil, and use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
-
Coconut Milk: For a creamier texture, you can add a bit of coconut milk when adding the tomatoes and other ingredients. This adds richness and enhances the tropical flavor of the curry.
-
Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or spinach for a more hearty dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mushroom Curry is not only incredibly satisfying but also easy to prepare in just under an hour. The combination of earthy mushrooms, sweet apples, and rich coconut creates a flavorful curry with a unique twist. Perfect for those new to vegetarian meals or seasoned veggie lovers, this curry is both comforting and nourishing.
With its mix of spices, you’ll enjoy the warm notes of cumin, cinnamon, and turmeric, balanced by the sweet undertones of honey and apple. The freshness of lemon juice adds a lovely brightness to the dish, while the coconut offers a delicious tropical element.
Whether you’re enjoying it as a light dinner or serving it to guests, this Mushroom Curry is a dish that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Serve it with basmati rice to soak up all the rich, flavorful sauce, making for a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for busy weeknights or even casual dinner parties, this curry will definitely win everyone over with its vibrant flavors.
Enjoy making this Mushroom Curry and share the joy with family and friends, knowing that you’ve prepared a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious!