Matar Mushroom Masala
A delightful North Indian curry featuring tender mushrooms and sweet green peas simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato and onion gravy. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish comes together quickly and pairs wonderfully with roti or naan.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Onions
- b.Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Allow them to sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- d.Add the finely chopped onions. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn a deep golden brown. This caramelization is key to the flavor.
- e.Add the ginger-garlic paste and slit green chillies. Sauté for another minute until the raw aroma disappears.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Masala Base
- b.Reduce the heat to low. Add the turmeric powder, Kashmiri red chilli powder, and coriander powder. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices without burning them.
- c.Immediately pour in the tomato puree and add salt. Mix everything well.
- d.Cook the masala over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and you see oil separating from the sides of the masala.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Vegetables
- b.Add the sliced mushrooms and green peas to the cooked masala. Stir gently to coat them evenly.
- c.Sauté for 4-5 minutes, allowing the mushrooms to release their water and absorb the flavors of the masala.
- d.Pour in 1 cup of hot water and stir well. Bring the curry to a gentle boil.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Simmer and Finish
- b.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the curry simmer for 10-12 minutes. This allows the peas to become tender and the flavors to meld.
- c.Uncover and check the consistency. If it's too thick, add a splash of hot water.
- d.Stir in the garam masala and crushed kasuri methi (rub it between your palms before adding).
- e.If using, stir in the heavy cream for a richer, creamier finish. Simmer for 1-2 more minutes.
- f.Turn off the heat, garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, ensure the onions are well-browned, not just translucent.
- 2Using hot water for the gravy helps maintain the cooking temperature and improves the texture.
- 3To make the gravy even richer, you can add a paste of 8-10 soaked cashews along with the tomato puree.
- 4Don't overcook the mushrooms, as they can become rubbery. Adding them after the masala is cooked is ideal.
- 5Crushing kasuri methi between your palms before adding it helps release its essential oils and aroma.
- 6If using fresh peas, you might need to boil them for a few minutes separately before adding to the curry to ensure they are tender.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace heavy cream with cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk. Use a neutral vegetable oil instead of ghee.
Add PaneerAdd Paneer
Add 150g of cubed paneer along with the mushrooms and peas for extra protein and texture. You can lightly pan-fry the paneer cubes before adding.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Increase the amount of green chillies or add a pinch of regular hot red chilli powder along with the Kashmiri variety.
Add Other VegetablesAdd Other Vegetables
Incorporate diced potatoes or carrots. Add them after sautéing the onions and cook for a few minutes before adding the tomato puree.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins, selenium, and potassium, while green peas provide vitamins K and C, supporting overall wellness and immune function.
Good Source of Dietary Fiber
The combination of peas, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes provides significant dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Plant-Based Protein
Both mushrooms and green peas contribute to the protein content of this dish, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for vegetarians and those looking to increase their plant-based protein intake.
Contains Antioxidants
Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, and the various spices like turmeric and cumin contain powerful antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Matar Mushroom Masala contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil and cream used. This estimate is for a serving size of about one cup.