Almond and Cashew Nut Mushroom Curry Recipe
This Almond and Cashew Nut Mushroom Curry is a delightful and flavorful dish, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The rich, creamy texture comes from a unique blend of almonds, cashew nuts, and a variety of aromatic spices that are typical of North Indian cuisine. With a perfect balance of heat from green chilies and the earthy undertones of sesame and poppy seeds, this curry is an absolute treat for the taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking to elevate a meal, this dish is sure to impress.
Cuisine: North Indian
Course: Side Dish
Diet: High-Protein Vegetarian
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4-5
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button mushrooms | 500 grams (quartered or whole) |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Garlic | 4 cloves, finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece, finely chopped |
| Green chilies | 2, finely chopped |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds) | 1 tablespoon |
| Poppy seeds | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole almonds (Badam) | 5 |
| Cashew nuts | 5 |
| Black pepper powder | Β½ teaspoon |
| Oil or butter | As needed for cooking |
| Garam masala powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Fresh coriander leaves (Dhania) | A handful, chopped |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Begin by organizing all the ingredients. Clean and quarter or leave the button mushrooms whole, depending on your preference. Set them aside along with the rest of the ingredients. -
-
Make the Onion Paste:
Using a food processor or grinder, make a smooth paste of the chopped onion, ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Set this aside for later use. -
Make the Nut Paste:
In the same food processor, add the whole almonds, cashew nuts, and poppy seeds. Add a little water and grind the mixture to a smooth paste. This forms the creamy base for the curry. -
Cook the Onion Paste:
In a heavy-bottomed pan, heat 1 teaspoon of butter or oil over medium heat. Add the prepared onion paste and sautΓ© it for a few minutes until the raw smell of the onions dissipates. -
Add Spices:
Stir in the black pepper powder and garam masala powder. Give the mixture a good stir to combine the spices with the onion paste, letting the flavors bloom. -
Cook the Mushrooms:
Add the mushrooms to the pan and sprinkle some salt. Stir fry the mushrooms for a few minutes until they begin to release their juices, which is a sign that they are partially cooked. -
Add the Nut Paste:
Add the almond-cashew paste to the mushroom mixture. Pour in about half a cup of water and stir the curry well to combine all the ingredients. -
Simmer and Adjust:
Bring the curry to a brisk boil, and allow it to simmer for a few minutes. The curry will begin to thicken, and you can adjust the consistency by adding more water if desired. Taste the curry and adjust the salt and spices to suit your preference. -
Finish with Coriander:
Once the curry has thickened to your desired consistency, turn off the heat. Stir in the freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of freshness. -
Serve:
Serve this Almond and Cashew Nut Mushroom Curry hot alongside Broccoli Pepper Pulav and crispy Papad for a complete, flavorful meal. Itβs perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive occasion.
Tips & Variations:
- Mushroom Type: While button mushrooms work best, you can also try other varieties like cremini or portobello for a different texture and flavor.
- Vegan Version: Substitute butter with oil and use coconut cream instead of the nut paste for a dairy-free option.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder curry, reduce the number of green chilies or omit them entirely.
- Nutritional Boost: Add peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the curry for an extra layer of flavor and nutrition.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 kcal |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Sodium | 120mg |
This Almond and Cashew Nut Mushroom Curry is the epitome of rich, comforting, and aromatic North Indian cuisine. The combination of earthy mushrooms with the creamy nut paste and spices creates a mouth-watering dish thatβs perfect for any occasion. Whether youβre looking to impress guests at a dinner party or simply enjoy a hearty meal, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table. Enjoy!
