Matar Mushroom Curry Recipe: A Tempting Delight from Indian Cuisine
Overview:
Indian cuisine offers an endless variety of curries, and Matar Mushroom Curry is a shining star among them. The combination of soft button mushrooms and tender green peas (matar) cooked in a flavorful gravy made with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices creates a dish that is truly irresistible. This dish is perfect for a busy weekday dinner or a weekend treat when paired with soft phulkas or tawa paratha, and it pairs wonderfully with a dry sabzi like Makai Wali Bhindi and a tangy dessert like Mini Key Lime Pie. A simple yet scrumptious vegetarian curry that fits perfectly into a meal of any kind.
Cuisine:
Indian
Course:
Dinner
Diet:
Vegetarian
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Button mushrooms (diced, fresh or canned) | 1/2 cup |
| Green peas (Matar) | 2 cups (boiled) |
| Onion | 1, finely chopped |
| Tomato | 2, pureed |
| Ginger garlic paste | 2 teaspoons |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Red chilli powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garam masala powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Tomato ketchup | 1/2 teaspoon (optional, or you can use sugar) |
| Fresh cream | 2 tablespoons |
| Oil | For cooking |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 1 tablespoon, chopped, for garnishing |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions:
-
Heat the Oil: Begin by heating oil in a pan on medium heat. Once hot, add cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter, filling the kitchen with their fragrant aroma.
-
Fry the Onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them until they turn light brown and soft. This may take about 5 minutes.
-
Cook the Ginger Garlic Paste: Add the ginger garlic paste to the pan and sauté for another 2 minutes until the raw smell disappears, and the mixture becomes fragrant.
-
Add Tomato Puree and Salt: Stir in the pureed tomatoes along with a pinch of salt. Let this cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
-
Add Spices: Now, sprinkle in the ground coriander powder, turmeric powder, red chili powder, and garam masala powder. Stir well, and sauté the mixture for 2-3 minutes, allowing the spices to toast and release their rich aromas.
-
Incorporate Mushrooms and Peas: Add the diced mushrooms and boiled green peas to the pan. Mix them thoroughly with the spice mixture. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes, allowing the water from the mushrooms to evaporate.
-
Kasuri Methi and Water: Once the mushrooms have cooked down, add the kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves) and a small splash of water to help cook the peas further. Stir everything together and cook until the peas are tender.
-
Finish with Fresh Cream: Once the peas are cooked, add the fresh cream and mix gently. The cream will add a smooth texture and richness to the curry.
-
Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and transfer the Matar Mushroom Curry into a serving bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves for a burst of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Matar Mushroom Curry is best enjoyed when served with soft whole wheat phulkas, crispy tawa parathas, or any other flatbread of your choice. You could even pair it with a Besan & Atta Ki Roti for a delightful combination. It also goes perfectly with a side of Makai Wali Bhindi (corn and okra dry curry) and a sweet treat like Mini Key Lime Pie for a wholesome meal.
Tips for Perfect Matar Mushroom Curry:
- For a richer taste, you can increase the amount of fresh cream added, making it even creamier.
- Adjust the spice levels by adding more or less red chili powder depending on your heat preference.
- If you don’t have kasuri methi, you can skip it or replace it with a small amount of dried basil or fenugreek powder, though the flavor will not be the same.
- Serve it fresh and hot for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approx. 150–200 kcal (Varies based on the exact ingredients and serving size)
- Protein: 5–6g
- Carbs: 15–20g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Enjoy this delicious Matar Mushroom Curry, a beautiful blend of flavors, spices, and textures that will make any meal feel special!
