Coorg Style Mushroom Curry Recipe
Coorg, located in the picturesque hills of southern India, is known for its unique and flavorful cuisine. Among the many delightful dishes from this region, Coorg Style Mushroom Curry (also called Kodava Kummu Curry) stands out. This dish is a perfect blend of earthy mushrooms, aromatic spices, and the richness of coconut, making it a true comfort food for any occasion.
The hallmark of this curry is its use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as coconut, garlic, cumin, and curry leaves, which impart a deep, aromatic flavor to the curry. The dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritional punch, thanks to the high protein content of mushrooms. It pairs beautifully with Kerala Parotta, steamed rice, or even chapatis, making it a versatile dish for lunch or dinner.
Coorg Style Mushroom Curry Recipe
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Coorg (Kodava)
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button Mushrooms (chopped) | 500 grams |
| Green Chillies (chopped) | 2 |
| Dry Red Chillies | 2 |
| Whole Black Peppercorns (coarsely pounded) | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 2 |
| Tomatoes (chopped) | 2 |
| Curry Leaves | 1 sprig |
| Coriander (Dhania) Seeds | 2 teaspoons |
| Turmeric Powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | As required |
| For Grinding | |
| Fresh Coconut (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Cumin Seeds (Jeera) | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic | 6 cloves |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by chopping all the ingredients. Cut the button mushrooms into thin slices or quarters as per your preference. Chop the green chillies, dry red chillies, onions, and tomatoes. Set them aside for easy access during cooking. -
Make the Coconut Paste:
In a mixer or blender, combine the grated fresh coconut, cumin seeds, and garlic cloves. Add a little water and blend them into a smooth paste. Set this aside. -
Cook the Whole Spices:
Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the dry red chillies and whole black peppercorns. Stir for about 5-10 seconds until they release their aromatic flavors. -
Sauté the Onions and Green Chillies:
Add the sliced onions and chopped green chillies to the pan. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent. This will form the base of your curry, adding sweetness and depth. -
Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the chopped mushrooms to the pan and cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their moisture. Mushrooms will shrink a little during cooking. -
Add the Ground Coconut Paste:
Now, add the prepared coconut paste to the pan along with the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and salt. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Let this cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. -
Simmer with Tomatoes and Water:
Add the chopped tomatoes and mix them in well. Let the tomatoes cook for another 5 minutes, until they soften and begin to break down. Now, add around 1/2 cup of water to the pan, depending on the consistency you desire for the curry. Stir everything together, and let the curry simmer for 5 minutes. -
Final Touch:
Once the curry is cooked and the flavors have combined beautifully, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fresh curry leaves for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.
Serving Suggestions
This Coorg Style Mushroom Curry is best enjoyed hot, and it pairs wonderfully with Kerala Parotta, steamed rice, or chapatis. For a complete Coorg-inspired meal, you can also serve it alongside Carrot Methi Pachadi (a spiced carrot and fenugreek yogurt salad).
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~120 kcal |
| Protein | 3-5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 10-12 grams |
| Fat | 8-10 grams |
| Fiber | 2-3 grams |
| Sodium | ~150 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Tips for the Perfect Coorg Style Mushroom Curry:
-
Fresh Coconut: Using fresh coconut instead of dried coconut makes a huge difference in flavor and texture. If fresh coconut is not available, use frozen grated coconut.
-
Mushroom Variations: You can experiment with different varieties of mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms or shiitake, to add new flavors to the curry.
-
Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a spicier curry, feel free to increase the number of green chillies or add a pinch of red chilli powder.
-
Consistency: If you like a thicker curry, you can cook it longer to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, for a lighter, more broth-like curry, you can add a little more water or coconut milk.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This Coorg Style Mushroom Curry is the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and aromatic flavors. The earthy mushrooms absorb the delightful coconut and spice mixture, creating a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s also a healthier option for vegetarians looking to enjoy a protein-packed meal that’s bursting with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or for guests, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
