Mushroom Pepper Masala Fry
Earthy mushrooms tossed in a fiery, aromatic black pepper masala. This South Indian stir-fry is quick, flavorful, and pairs perfectly with chapatis or as a side for rice. A simple weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tempering (Tadka)
- b.Heat oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Once the oil is hot, add the mustard seeds and allow them to splutter completely, which takes about 30 seconds.
- d.Add the cumin seeds and fennel seeds. Sauté for another 30 seconds until they become fragrant.
- e.Carefully add the curry leaves and slit green chilies, and cook for a few seconds until the leaves are crisp.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics
- b.Add the finely chopped onions to the pan and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and golden brown. This is a key step for flavor and will take about 6-8 minutes.
- c.Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the raw aroma disappears.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Masala Base
- b.Add the finely chopped tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 4-5 minutes, mashing with your spatula, until the tomatoes break down and become soft and pulpy.
- c.Add the spice powders: turmeric powder, coriander powder, and freshly crushed black pepper, along with the remaining salt.
- d.Mix everything well and cook the masala for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the oil begins to separate from the mixture at the edges.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Mushrooms
- b.Add the quartered mushrooms to the pan. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure they are well-coated with the masala.
- c.Cover the pan with a lid and cook on medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes. The mushrooms will release a significant amount of water.
- d.Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and continue to cook, stirring often. Allow all the released water to evaporate completely, until the masala becomes thick and clings to the mushrooms. This will take another 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Garnish
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the garam masala and fresh lemon juice for a final burst of flavor and aroma.
- c.Garnish generously with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- d.Serve immediately while hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, always use freshly crushed black pepper. Pre-ground pepper loses its potency quickly.
- 2Clean mushrooms by wiping them with a damp paper towel or using a soft brush. Avoid soaking them in water as they absorb moisture and can become soggy.
- 3Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the mushrooms. Use a wide pan to allow them to cook evenly and for the moisture to evaporate efficiently.
- 4The browning of the onions is crucial. Be patient during this step as it builds a deep, savory foundation for the dish.
- 5Adjust the amount of black pepper and green chilies to suit your preferred level of spiciness.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate diced bell peppers (capsicum) or green peas along with the mushrooms for added color, texture, and nutrition.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
For a richer, gravy-style dish, add 1/4 cup of coconut milk or cashew cream at the end and simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Different MushroomsDifferent Mushrooms
Experiment with other mushroom varieties like cremini, shiitake, or oyster mushrooms for a different flavor profile and texture.
Add ProteinAdd Protein
Toss in some boiled chickpeas or paneer cubes in the last 5 minutes of cooking to make it a more substantial main course.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Antioxidants
Mushrooms contain antioxidants like selenium and ergothioneine, while spices like turmeric (curcumin) and black pepper (piperine) help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Supports Immune Function
Mushrooms are a good source of B vitamins and the antioxidant selenium, which are important for a healthy immune system. They can also enhance the activity of immune cells.
Promotes Digestive Health
The fiber in mushrooms and the properties of spices like fennel and cumin seeds can aid digestion, prevent bloating, and support a healthy gut microbiome.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approximately 1 cup or 165g) of Mushroom Pepper Masala Fry contains around 130-150 calories, depending on the amount of oil used. It's a relatively low-calorie dish.