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A quintessential Odia delicacy, Chhatu Rai is a vibrant mushroom and potato curry defined by its pungent and tangy mustard gravy. This authentic recipe balances the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the sharp, aromatic kick of freshly ground mustard paste, creating a memorable dish best enjoyed with hot steamed rice.
Prepare the Mustard Paste
Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics
A quintessential Odia delicacy, Chhatu Rai is a vibrant mushroom and potato curry defined by its pungent and tangy mustard gravy. This authentic recipe balances the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the sharp, aromatic kick of freshly ground mustard paste, creating a memorable dish best enjoyed with hot steamed rice.
This odia recipe takes 50 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 249.19 calories per serving with 6.61g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
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Cook the Masala Base
Simmer the Curry
Garnish and Serve
You can add other vegetables like eggplant (baingan), drumsticks, or cauliflower along with the potatoes. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
For a different protein, substitute the mushrooms with paneer cubes or fried fish pieces, which are also traditional in Odia cuisine.
For a less pungent and creamier gravy, add 1-2 tablespoons of plain yogurt or a small, deseeded tomato to the grinder while making the mustard paste.
Mustard seeds, mustard oil, and turmeric are rich in compounds like glucosinolates and curcumin, which have powerful anti-inflammatory effects that can help reduce inflammation in the body.
Garlic, tomatoes, and spices used in this curry are loaded with antioxidants that help fight free radicals, protecting your cells from damage and supporting overall health.
Mushrooms are a good source of selenium and B-vitamins, while garlic contains allicin. Both are known to play a vital role in strengthening the immune system.
Chhatu Rai is a traditional and popular curry from the Indian state of Odisha. 'Chhatu' means mushroom and 'Rai' means mustard. It's characterized by its pungent and tangy gravy made from a freshly ground paste of mustard seeds, garlic, and chilies.
One serving of Chhatu Rai contains approximately 230-250 calories, making it a relatively light main course. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil and potatoes used.
Yes, Chhatu Rai can be very healthy. Mushrooms are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. Mustard seeds have anti-inflammatory properties. Using mustard oil in moderation provides healthy fats. It's a well-balanced, plant-based dish.
Bitterness in mustard paste is a common issue. It usually happens for two reasons: 1) You did not soak the mustard seeds long enough in warm water, or 2) You overcooked the paste in the pan. Sauté the paste on low heat for only 2-3 minutes to avoid this.
Yes, you can make a 'sattvic' version without onion and garlic. Simply skip them. To enhance the flavor, you can add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) to the hot oil and a little grated ginger to the mustard paste.
Chhatu Rai is best served with plain steamed rice ('pakhala' or water rice is another traditional Odia pairing). It also goes well with rotis or parathas.
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