Andhra Mushroom Kura
A spicy and aromatic mushroom curry from Andhra Pradesh, featuring a rich gravy made with coconut, cashews, and a blend of classic South Indian spices. Perfect with rice or rotis.
For 4 servings
6 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Masala Paste
- b.In a blender, combine the grated fresh coconut, soaked cashews, green chilies, ginger, garlic, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
- c.Add about 1/4 cup of water and blend until you have a completely smooth paste. Add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed to facilitate grinding. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely.
- c.Add the cumin seeds, broken dry red chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the hing, followed immediately by the finely chopped onions. Sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and have turned a light golden brown.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Gravy Base
- b.Add the finely chopped tomatoes to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, mashing them with your spoon, until they become soft and pulpy.
- c.Stir in the turmeric powder, red chili powder, and coriander powder. Mix well and cook for 1 minute, allowing the raw aroma of the spices to dissipate.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Masala Paste
- b.Add the ground masala paste to the pan. Mix thoroughly with the onion-tomato base.
- c.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Continue cooking until the paste thickens and you notice oil beginning to separate from the sides of the masala.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Simmer the Curry
- b.Add the quartered mushrooms and salt to the pan. Gently stir to coat the mushrooms evenly with the masala.
- c.Pour in 1.5 cups of hot water and stir well. Bring the curry to a rolling boil.
- d.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. The mushrooms will become tender and the gravy will thicken to the desired consistency.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the garam masala and freshly chopped coriander leaves over the curry. Give it a final gentle stir.
- c.Let the curry rest for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- d.Serve hot with steamed rice, roti, or chapati.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer flavor, lightly dry roast the coconut and whole spices (cinnamon, cloves) before grinding them.
- 2Do not overcook the mushrooms, as they can become tough and rubbery. They are perfectly cooked when tender.
- 3Andhra cuisine is known for its heat. Feel free to adjust the green chilies and red chili powder to match your spice tolerance.
- 4If the gravy becomes too thick while simmering, add a splash of hot water to reach your preferred consistency.
- 5Using hot water in step 5 helps maintain the temperature of the curry, leading to better flavor and texture.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add 100g of cubed paneer or 1 cup of boiled chickpeas along with the mushrooms for a more protein-rich curry.
Creamier GravyCreamier Gravy
For a creamier and milder version, increase the number of cashews to 15 or stir in 1/4 cup of coconut milk at the end of cooking.
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
This gravy base works well with other vegetables. Try it with baby corn, bell peppers, or boiled potatoes instead of or in addition to mushrooms.
Nut Free VersionNut-Free Version
To make it nut-free, you can substitute the cashews with 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds (khus khus), soaked and ground into the paste.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Immunity Boosting
Mushrooms are a source of selenium and B vitamins, while garlic and ginger contain compounds that support a healthy immune system.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Spices like turmeric (containing curcumin), ginger, and garlic are well-known for their potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can help combat chronic inflammation.
Rich in Antioxidants
This curry is packed with antioxidants from tomatoes (lycopene), onions, and various spices, which help protect your body's cells from damage.
Good for Digestion
The fiber from mushrooms and vegetables, along with spices like cumin and coriander, can aid in digestion and promote a healthy gut.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a healthy dish. Mushrooms are low in calories and a good source of B vitamins and potassium. The spices like turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties. To make it healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil and salt used.