Chettinad Style Pepper Mushroom Recipe: A Spicy and Flavorful Dish
Chettinad cuisine, known for its bold and spicy flavors, offers a delightful array of dishes. Among these, the Chettinad Style Pepper Mushroom stands out with its rich peppery notes and aromatic spices. This dish features mushrooms, which are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Mushrooms are a great source of calcium and Vitamin D, contributing to bone health and boosting the immune system. The Chettinad Style Pepper Mushroom is a semi-gravy dish, making it a perfect pairing with roti or steamed rice for a nutritious and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Chettinad Style Pepper Mushroom Recipe: Overview
| Cuisine | Chettinad |
|---|---|
| Course | Lunch |
| Diet | Vegetarian |
| Preparation Time | 15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Serves | 3-4 people |
Ingredients for Chettinad Style Pepper Mushroom
Main Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button mushrooms | 1 cup (cleaned and sliced) |
| Tomato | 1 (finely chopped) |
| Green chili | 1 (slit) |
| Bay leaf (tej patta) | 1 |
| Fennel seeds (saunf) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coriander leaves (dhania) | Small bunch, finely chopped |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Ingredients for Aromatic Spice Mix:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 4 teaspoons |
| Coriander seeds (dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Whole black peppercorns | 1 teaspoon |
| Cumin seeds (jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Poppy seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (saunf) | 1 teaspoon |
| Cinnamon stick (dalchini) | 1 |
| Cardamom pods/seeds (elaichi) | 2 |
| Cloves (laung) | 4 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Mace (javitri) | 1 small flower |
| Nutmeg powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Dry red chilies | 3 |
| White urad dal (split) | 2 teaspoons |
Ingredients for Wet Paste:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shallots | 10 |
| Garlic cloves (peeled) | 5 |
| Fresh ginger | 2-inch piece |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Turmeric powder (haldi) | 1/2 teaspoon |
Instructions for Chettinad Style Pepper Mushroom
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Spice Mix
Start by preparing the aromatic spice mix. In a pan, dry roast the following spices until they become fragrant and aromatic:
- Coriander seeds
- Black peppercorns
- Cumin seeds
- Poppy seeds
- Fennel seeds
- Cinnamon stick
- Cardamom pods
- Cloves
- Star anise
- Mace
- Nutmeg powder
- Dry red chilies
- White urad dal
Once the spices are roasted and aromatic, grind them into a fine powder using a mixer or spice grinder. Set the spice mix aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Wet Paste
Now, create the wet paste by blending together the following ingredients into a smooth paste:
- Shallots
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh ginger
- Curry leaves
- Turmeric powder
This mixture will form the base of the dish, adding a rich and aromatic flavor to the mushrooms.
Step 3: Sauté the Base Ingredients
In a wide pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over low flame. Once the oil is hot, add the following:
- Bay leaf
- Fennel seeds
- Curry leaves
Allow these ingredients to splutter and release their aroma. This forms the flavorful base of the dish.
Step 4: Cook the Tomato and Green Chili
Add the finely chopped tomato and slit green chili to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes, allowing the tomato to soften and blend with the spices.
Step 5: Add the Wet Paste
Next, add the previously prepared wet paste to the pan. Cook it for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the raw smell of the ginger and garlic disappears and the paste turns golden brown.
Step 6: Add the Aromatic Spice Mix
Now, add the freshly ground aromatic spice mix to the pan along with salt to taste. Stir everything together to combine well. Add a little water (about 1/4 cup) to create a semi-gravy consistency. Let the mixture cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 7: Add the Mushrooms
Once the base gravy is well-cooked, add the cleaned and sliced mushrooms to the pan. Stir gently to coat the mushrooms with the spice mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and cook the mushrooms for 5-7 minutes on low heat, allowing them to soften and absorb the flavors.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the mushrooms are cooked and tender, turn off the heat. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chettinad Style Pepper Mushroom with roti, naan, or steamed rice for a wholesome meal. The spicy, aromatic flavors of the dish make it a perfect accompaniment to plain rice or any Indian flatbread.
Nutritional Information (Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 kcal |
| Protein | 3-5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 8-10 grams |
| Fat | 10-12 grams |
| Fiber | 2-3 grams |
| Sodium | 250-300 mg |
| Calcium | 20-30 mg |
| Iron | 2-3 mg |
Final Thoughts
The Chettinad Style Pepper Mushroom is an explosion of flavors, featuring the earthy taste of mushrooms, the sharpness of freshly ground spices, and the warmth of black pepper. It is a nutritious and hearty dish, ideal for any vegetarian meal plan. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this dish will surely become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the bold flavors of Chettinad cuisine with this simple yet delicious mushroom dish!
