Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and quick vegetarian dinner? Look no further! This Mushroom Masala recipe is the perfect solution. Packed with aromatic spices and earthy mushrooms, this dish is a celebration of simple, homemade cooking. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and guarantees a flavorful experience that will leave you wanting more. This easy recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or naan bread, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Bloom Spices: Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, cayenne pepper (if using), and garam masala to the pan. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant and slightly toasted. This step is crucial for unlocking the full flavor potential of your spices.
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Add Mushrooms and Tomatoes: Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and begin to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth.
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Simmer and Season: Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Serve: Stir in the chopped cilantro. Serve the Mushroom Masala hot over cooked rice or with naan bread.
Cooking Tips for the Best Mushroom Masala:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: If you have a large amount of mushrooms, cook them in batches to ensure they brown properly and don't steam.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder dish, omit it altogether.
- Use fresh ingredients: Freshly grated ginger and garlic will significantly enhance the flavor of your Mushroom Masala.
- Simmer slowly: Allowing the dish to simmer gently helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes to this recipe.
- Creamy Mushroom Masala: Stir in a dollop of coconut milk or cream at the end for a richer, creamier version.
- Spicy Mushroom Masala: Add a chopped green chili pepper along with the garlic and ginger for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: Approximately 10-12 grams
- Fat: Approximately 10-12 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30 grams
This healthy meal is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are easy to prepare. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Mushroom Masala! It’s a perfect recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal. Add this to your collection of food recipes today!