Matar Mushroom Curry: A Flavorful Indian Delight
Matar Mushroom Curry is a quintessential Indian dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the sweetness of green peas, creating a rich and aromatic curry perfect for dinner. It is a vegetarian-friendly recipe that is easy to prepare and brings together a medley of aromatic spices that will fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. This dish can be served with warm flatbreads like whole wheat phulkas, tawa paratha, or Besan & Atta ki Roti for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button mushrooms (diced, canned or fresh) | 1/2 cup |
| Green peas (Matar, boiled) | 2 cups |
| Onion (finely chopped) | 1 medium |
| Tomato (pureed) | 2 medium |
| Ginger garlic paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chili powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kasuri methi (Dried Fenugreek Leaves) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomato ketchup (or sugar) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Fresh cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Sunflower oil (for cooking) | As needed (for frying) |
| Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approximately 120 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Fats | 7g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and serving size.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Indian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by heating sunflower oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the cumin seeds and allow them to splutter. This releases their aromatic essence, which forms the base of the curry. -
Cook the Onions:
After the cumin seeds have spluttered, add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Stir occasionally and fry them until they turn light brown, about 5-7 minutes. This slow frying caramelizes the onions, adding a depth of flavor to the curry. -
Sauté the Ginger-Garlic Paste:
Once the onions are golden brown, add the ginger-garlic paste. Sauté the paste for 2 minutes until it is well-cooked and the raw smell disappears. -
Add the Tomato Puree and Spices:
Next, pour in the tomato puree and add salt to taste. Allow this mixture to cook for about 2 minutes, allowing the tomato and onion blend to come together. Then, sprinkle in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala. Stir well and sauté the spices for another 2-3 minutes, letting them infuse into the base. -
Add Mushrooms and Peas:
Now, add the boiled green peas and diced mushrooms to the pan. Mix everything well, ensuring the mushrooms are coated with the spicy tomato mixture. Let it cook for about 5-6 minutes. As the mushrooms cook, they will release some moisture, which will evaporate, leaving behind a thicker curry base. -
Season with Kasuri Methi and Add Water:
Once the mushrooms have cooked, add the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and a little water to help cook the peas further. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. Let the curry simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes, allowing the peas to soften and the flavors to meld together. -
Finish with Fresh Cream:
Once the peas are tender, add the fresh cream to the curry. Stir well to incorporate the cream, giving the curry a smooth, rich texture. Allow it to cook for another 2 minutes, then turn off the heat. -
Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the Matar Mushroom Curry to a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Matar Mushroom Curry pairs wonderfully with a variety of Indian breads like whole wheat phulkas, tawa paratha, or Besan & Atta ki Roti. You can also serve it alongside steamed rice or Jeera rice for a satisfying meal.
Tips for Perfect Matar Mushroom Curry:
- Mushrooms: If you’re using canned mushrooms, drain them well to avoid extra moisture in the curry. Fresh mushrooms should be sautéed until the moisture evaporates to prevent the curry from becoming too watery.
- Spices: Adjust the quantity of chili powder to your preference for spice level. You can also add a pinch of asafetida (hing) along with cumin seeds for additional flavor.
- Consistency: If you prefer a thinner curry, you can add a little more water while simmering. For a thicker, creamier curry, reduce the water or add more cream.
- Vegan Version: To make this curry vegan, simply omit the fresh cream and replace it with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative.
Matar Mushroom Curry is a rich, comforting dish that blends the simplicity of everyday ingredients into an extraordinary meal. Its smooth, creamy texture and robust flavors will leave your taste buds wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weekday dinner, this dish is sure to be a hit at your table!
