MUSHROOM CHETTINAD

MUSHROOM CHETTINAD

Here is yet another dish made of mushrooms, after Achari Khumb ( Khumb being mushrooms in Hindi) and Mushroom Sukka.


I liked this dish because it features mushrooms which I am fond of and it is cooked in the distinctive Chettinad style. As you know, this style of South Indian cuisine calls for the use of a tasty masala made up from many spices. This is adapted from Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor's Mushroom Chettinad as shown in this video.

I preferred to have more of gravy rather than make this a semi-dry dish as I like to serve this with rotis.

Ingredients:

• Mushrooms,(Khumb) 400 gms
• Oil, 2 tbsp
• Coconut Gratings, 1/2 cup
• Coriander seeds, (Dhania), 1 tsp
• Cumin seeds, ( Jeera) 1/2 tsp
• Fennel seeds, (Saunf) 1 tsp
• Dried Red Chillies, 3-4
• Green Cardomoms, 3
• Cloves, ( Laung) 2-3
• Cinnamon, (Dalchini) 1 "
• Ginger, chopped, (Adrak)  1 "
• Garlic, chopped, (Lahsun) 1 tbsp
• Poppy seeds (khus khus) 2 tsp, soaked for 15 minutes
• Cashewnuts, 8-10, soaked for 15 minutes
• Onion, medium-sized, finely chopped, 1
• Curry leaves, (Kari patte) 8-10
• Tomatoes, medium, finely chopped, 2
• Turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp
• Salt, to taste
• Red Chilli Powder, 1/2 tsp
• Crushed Black Peppercorns, 1 tsp
• Fresh Coriander Leaves, finely chopped, 1/4 cup

Method:

Wash the mushrooms thoroughly. Cut them into halves and keep aside.
In a non-stick pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil. Add coconut gratings, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, red chillies, cardamoms, cloves and cinnamon.
Saute this for 4-5 minutes on medium heat. Allow this to cool.
Grind the cooled mixture with garlic, ginger, poppy seeds and cashewnuts using required amount of water to make a smooth paste
In another pan, heat 1 tbsp of oil and add the onion and saute till golden brown,
Add the curry leaves, and saute.
Now add the ground paste and saute for 1 minute
Next, add the tomatoes, turmeric powder, salt and red chilli powder and mix well.
Cook for 5-7 minutes or till the oil separates
Add the mushrooms, crushed peppercorns and saute for 5-6 minutes
Serve hot garnished with chopped coriander leaves.