International Cuisine

Creamy Mushroom Pasanda – Mughlai Style Vegetarian Curry

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Mushroom Pasanda – A Delightful Mughlai Curry

Mushroom Pasanda is a rich and creamy dish, often found in Mughlai cuisine. It is made with tender button mushrooms, aromatic spices, saffron, and a luscious blend of cream and almonds that gives this curry its irresistible richness. The addition of cashews and cream balances out the bold flavors, making it a favorite dish for special occasions or a comforting dinner. With a perfect mix of spices and textures, Mushroom Pasanda is a delicious vegetarian option that pairs well with phulkas, naan, or rice.

Ingredients for Mushroom Pasanda

Ingredients Quantity
Button Mushrooms 500 gm
Onion (finely chopped) 2
Tomatoes (chopped) 300 gm
Almonds (soaked, peeled, chopped) 20
Garlic (finely chopped) 6 cloves
Ginger (finely chopped) 1 ½ inches
Green Chilies (chopped) 2
Cumin Seeds 1 tsp
Cinnamon Stick 1-inch
Bay Leaf 1
Whole Black Pepper 6
Turmeric Powder ½ tsp
Coriander Powder 1 tsp
Kashmiri Red Chilli Powder 1 ½ tsp
Garam Masala Powder 1 tsp
Kasuri Methi 1 tsp
Sugar 1 tsp
Cream ¼ cup
Saffron A pinch
Milk 3 tbsp
Butter 1 tbsp
Oil 3 tbsp
Salt To taste
Water As needed

Nutritional Information

Nutrient Amount
Calories Approx. 250-300 kcal per serving
Carbohydrates 25-30 gm
Protein 6-7 gm
Fat 15-18 gm
Fiber 2-3 gm

Preparation Time

Activity Time
Preparation 10 minutes
Cooking 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes

Instructions for Mushroom Pasanda

  1. Soak Saffron: Start by soaking the saffron strands in 3 tablespoons of warm milk. This step helps release the rich color and aroma of saffron, which is essential for the final dish.

  2. Prepare the Onion-Tomato Mixture:

    • Heat oil in a pan. Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and onions. Sauté them on medium heat until the onions turn soft and translucent.
    • Add the chopped tomatoes, almonds, and green chilies to the pan. Cook everything together until the tomatoes soften and the mixture turns into a thick paste.
    • Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool down. Once it cools, blend it in a mixer to form a smooth paste. Set this aside for later.
  3. Prepare the Mushrooms:

    • Clean the button mushrooms thoroughly. Chop the larger mushrooms into halves or quarters, while leaving the smaller ones whole.
    • Heat butter in a separate pan and add the mushrooms. Sauté for 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture. Once done, set the mushrooms aside.
  4. Prepare the Curry Base:

    • In the same pan, heat the remaining oil. Add cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, and whole black pepper. Let the spices cook for 30 seconds until they release their fragrance.
    • Add the prepared onion-tomato-almond paste to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld.
  5. Add the Spices:

    • Once the paste cooks down, add turmeric powder, coriander powder, Kashmiri red chili powder, and salt. Stir well and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes on medium heat, allowing the spices to infuse into the paste.
  6. Add the Mushrooms:

    • Add the sautéed mushrooms to the pan. Stir well and add ¾ cup of hot water to bring the curry together. Cook everything for 5 minutes so the mushrooms absorb the flavors.
  7. Final Touches:

    • Add the sugar, garam masala powder, kasuri methi, saffron-infused milk, and cream. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes to ensure the curry is rich and creamy.
  8. Serve:

    • Once the curry is ready, turn off the gas. Serve the Mushroom Pasanda hot with tomato-onion-cucumber raita and freshly made phulkas or naan for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Perfect Mushroom Pasanda

  • Almond Paste: You can use cashews or a combination of almonds and cashews for a different flavor profile.
  • Saffron: If saffron is unavailable, you can substitute with a little bit of turmeric, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
  • Mushrooms: Feel free to use any variety of mushrooms, but button mushrooms are best suited for this recipe due to their mild flavor and texture.

Mushroom Pasanda is a beautifully aromatic and creamy dish that is perfect for a celebratory dinner or a special meal. The addition of saffron and cashews elevates this dish, creating a luxurious curry that will impress your guests.

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