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Earthy mushrooms tossed in a fiery, freshly ground black pepper masala. This Chettinad classic is a quick and flavorful side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect with rice or roti.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Pepper Masala
Sauté Aromatics
Cook the Mushrooms
Earthy mushrooms tossed in a fiery, freshly ground black pepper masala. This Chettinad classic is a quick and flavorful side dish that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect with rice or roti.
This chettinad recipe takes 30 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 148.89 calories per serving with 3.59g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner or side.
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Add Masala and Finish
Serve
Add 100g of cubed paneer or firm tofu along with the mushrooms for a more substantial and protein-rich dish.
For a richer, semi-dry consistency, stir in 2-3 tablespoons of thick coconut milk at the very end of cooking.
This masala works well with other vegetables. Try it with baby corn, bell peppers, or cauliflower florets, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
For added texture, garnish with a tablespoon of roasted cashews or peanuts just before serving.
Black pepper, the star ingredient, is rich in piperine, a potent antioxidant. Combined with turmeric, this dish helps combat cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Mushrooms are a natural source of selenium, B vitamins, and other compounds that support a healthy immune system, helping your body fight off infections.
The spices used, such as fennel seeds and cumin seeds, are traditionally known to aid digestion, reduce bloating, and improve overall gut health.
This dish is primarily made of mushrooms, which are very low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for weight management and a healthy diet.
Kaalan Milagu Varuval is a classic South Indian, specifically Chettinad, dish. 'Kaalan' means mushroom, 'Milagu' means pepper, and 'Varuval' means fry. It's a spicy, dry stir-fry made with mushrooms and a freshly ground black pepper masala.
Yes, it is a relatively healthy dish. Mushrooms are low in calories and a good source of vitamins and minerals. The spices used, like black pepper, turmeric, and cumin, have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
A single serving of Kaalan Milagu Varuval (approximately 1 cup) contains around 140-160 calories, making it a light and healthy side dish. The exact count can vary based on the amount of oil used.
This usually happens for two reasons: the heat is too low, or the pan is overcrowded. To prevent this, cook the mushrooms on medium-high heat and ensure they have enough space in the pan to fry rather than steam. Cook in batches if necessary.
While you can, it is highly recommended to use freshly ground peppercorns. The flavor and aroma of freshly ground pepper are significantly more potent and are the hallmark of this dish.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
This recipe goes great with these complete meals
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Aromatic and spicy rice vermicelli tossed with mixed vegetables and a classic Chettinad spice blend. This South Indian tiffin is a flavorful and satisfying meal, perfect for breakfast or a light lunch.
A fiery and aromatic chicken curry from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. Tender chicken is cooked in a flavorful gravy made with freshly roasted spices, coconut, and a hint of tanginess. A true classic for spice lovers.
A fragrant and spicy chicken curry from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu. This thin, flavorful gravy, known as salna, is packed with freshly ground spices and is the perfect side for parottas, idiyappam, or dosas.
