It is Advent time and this mushroom curry with grated coconut recipe will make a good addition to your fasting menu this month. Read on to also know how I first confronted my fear of mushrooms!!
All along childhood I despised and avoided mushroom dishes for their colour, shape and size. (How discriminating right?) The one and only time I could not refuse a mushroom dish, though, was when I was working for an international non profit for a short-term project.
The project was about conserving the forest areas of Delhi and we were evaluating on how we could involve volunteers in these tasks. Pradip Krishen; an environmentalist and film-maker was helping the organization with this project.
At the time I only knew that Pradip Sir was a well-known environmentalist but that he was also a popular film-maker and Arundhati Roy’s ex-husband, were facts that I became aware of only years after I left the project.
Anyway, I was blessed with an opportunity to work with him along with the team for about a week. We explored the Ridge area of Delhi and deliberated many conversations around common issues that hindered the growth of the rich species of flora in the area. After one such expedition, he invited us all for a quick snack at his home.
That is when I faced my fear of mushrooms for the very first time. We were all sitting at his dining table sipping our coffee, when he mentioned his love for mushroom toast. I remember my heart sinking. I wasn’t sure if it was polite to refuse. On seeing my frown he casually mentioned that everybody who’s had his mushroom toast had truly enjoyed it.
I awaited my fate as I saw him roast the chopped mushrooms in butter, caramelize some onions, and place it on the toasted bread slices. I took my first bite almost blocking my senses. The texture made my stomach turn but the sweet scent of the onions and butter made me open my mind. Half way through, I began to relish it.
“Want another one?” he asked with a smile.
I nodded. My acceptance was loud and clear. Butter mushrooms and I had finally become friends.
And today I have yet another mushroom dish that I’m sure you will enjoy. If Pradip Sir ever gets to read this, I hope he will also try this as my gratitude for the experience he gave me.
Recipe for Mushroom curry with grated coconut
Mushroom curry with grated coconut
Ingredients
- 400 g button mushrooms
- 2 tsp fennel seeds
- 1 " cinnamon stick
- 2 big onions roughly chopped
- 2 big tomatoes roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tsp red chilli powder
- 2 tbsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1/2 cup grated coconut
- 1 tbsp coriander leaves chopped
Instructions
- Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp tissue
- Cut the mushrooms into medium-sized pieces and season them with salt, pepper and 1 tsp vinegar. Keep aside and covered.
- Heat 1 tbsp coconut oil in a pan and add the fennel seeds and cinnamon stick.
- Once the spices sizzle, add the onions and salt. Saute till it begins to brown.
- Next add the ginger-garlic paste and saute the mixture till it turns a nice brown (but not burnt brown)
- Add the tomatoes along with the red chilli powder, coriander powder and turmeric powder.
- Cover and cook till the masalas are nicely incorporated. Add a little water if it starts sticking to the bottom.
- Once the oil starts to separate, add the grated coconut. Mix well and allow it to cook for 2 minutes.
- Now switch off the flame. Allow this mixture to cool down. Transfer to a mixer and grind it into a smooth paste.
- Transfer it back to the pan and switch on the flame. Check for salt.
- Now add the mushrooms and allow it to cook for another 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile take another pan and heat 2 tbsps coconut oil.
- Add mustard seeds. Once the seeds splutter, add the red chilli, shallots and curry leaves.
- Then pour this tempering into the main dish.
- Serve with plain rice or chapathi or appam
Hope you and your family enjoy this mushroom curry with grated coconut as much as we do!
If you try this recipe do tag me on Facebook @beingrubitah or Instagram @healthy_indian_meals or on Twitter @BeingRubitah to connect and celebrate the joy of eating home made healthy food!
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Hi! My name is Rubitah. I’m a Content Writer certified Life Coach, Counselor, Social Work professional and the Founder of Being Rubitah. Over the years through my professional and personal life, I have realized that prayers and love can do wonders to family life once you come to terms with yourself and surrender to God. Do you relate to me? Then you may like what I post here! Read more about me
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