Coorg Style Mushroom Curry Recipe: A Flavorful South Indian Delight
If you’re looking to add a burst of rich, earthy flavors to your lunch or dinner, then this Coorg Style Mushroom Curry will surely satisfy your cravings. Originating from the beautiful hill station of Coorg in southern India, this dish is a delightful fusion of earthy mushrooms with a blend of fragrant spices and fresh coconut. Known for its vibrant and aromatic curry, this recipe will transport your taste buds to the heart of Karnataka with every bite.
Whether you’re a fan of vegetarian meals or simply craving a comforting, hearty dish, this Coorg style mushroom curry is a perfect choice. Pair it with Kerala Parotta, a fluffy flatbread, and Carrot Methi Pachadi, a tangy yogurt-based salad, to complete this traditional Coorgi meal.
Coorg Style Mushroom Curry Recipe
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button mushrooms (chopped) | 500 grams |
| Green chilies (chopped) | 2 |
| Dry red chilies | 2 |
| Whole black peppercorns (coarsely pounded) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 2 |
| Curry leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coriander seeds (Dhania) | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sunflower oil | As needed |
| Fresh coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic cloves | 6 |
Preparation Time:
- 10 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 25 minutes
Total Time:
- 35 minutes
Servings:
- 2
Cuisine:
- Coorg (Karnataka, South India)
Course:
- Lunch/Dinner
Diet:
- Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by chopping all the ingredients as listed above. This includes the button mushrooms, green chilies, onions, tomatoes, and garlic. Grate the fresh coconut and set it aside. -
Make the Spice Paste:
In a mixer grinder, add the grated coconut, cumin seeds (jeera), garlic, and a little water. Grind this mixture into a smooth paste and set it aside for later use. -
Cook the Tempering:
Heat sunflower oil in a deep frying pan or kadhai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dry red chilies and whole black peppercorns. Let them sizzle for 5 to 10 seconds to release their flavors into the oil. -
Sauté the Aromatics:
Add the thinly sliced onions and chopped green chilies to the pan. Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and slightly golden. -
Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan and stir well. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and soften. -
Add the Ground Spices:
Now, add the prepared coconut-spice paste to the pan and cook it with the mushrooms for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the paste infuse its flavors into the mushrooms. -
Add Tomatoes and Seasoning:
Add the chopped tomatoes, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt to the mixture. Stir everything together until well combined, and cook for another 2 minutes. -
Simmer the Curry:
Pour in about 1/2 cup of water to the curry mixture. Stir, cover, and let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Final Touch:
Once the curry has thickened slightly and all the ingredients are well combined, turn off the heat. -
Serve:
Serve this delicious Coorg Style Mushroom Curry hot with Kerala Parotta or steamed rice. You can also serve it alongside a tangy Carrot Methi Pachadi (a yogurt-based side dish) for an authentic South Indian meal.
Tips for Perfect Coorg Style Mushroom Curry:
-
Mushroom Variety: Although button mushrooms are traditionally used in this recipe, you can substitute them with any other type of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for a deeper flavor.
-
Spice Levels: Adjust the level of heat by increasing or decreasing the number of green chilies and dry red chilies. If you prefer a milder curry, you can omit the dry red chilies altogether.
-
Fresh Coconut: If fresh coconut is unavailable, you can use desiccated coconut, but fresh coconut will bring out a much richer flavor.
-
Curry Leaves: Curry leaves are a must in this recipe as they add a distinctive flavor that is crucial to the authenticity of the dish. You can find them in most Indian grocery stores.
-
Pairing Suggestions: This curry pairs excellently with not only Kerala Parotta but also with plain basmati rice or even soft chapatis. For an added flair, serve it with a cooling cucumber raita or a tangy pickle.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Proteins: 4g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
This Coorg Style Mushroom Curry is an ideal dish for those who appreciate bold and flavorful vegetarian meals. With its rich coconut base and aromatic spices, it offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and earthiness. Whether you’re preparing a simple weekday meal or hosting a gathering, this curry is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table!
