Mushroom Sukkha
A fragrant and spicy Mangalorean dry curry where mushrooms are cooked in a freshly ground paste of roasted spices and coconut. This semi-dry dish is a flavor explosion, perfect with neer dosa or chapatis.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 35 minutes total.
- 1
Prepare the Sukkha Masala
- a.In a dry pan over low-medium heat, roast the coriander seeds, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, fenugreek seeds, and dried red chilies for 3-4 minutes until they become aromatic. Let the spices cool down completely. Transfer the roasted spices to a grinder jar. Add the grated coconut, garlic cloves, ginger, turmeric powder, and tamarind paste. Grind to a coarse paste, adding 2-3 tablespoons of water if necessary to help it blend. Set aside.
- 2
Cook the base
- a.Heat coconut oil in a wide pan or kadai over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add the curry leaves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the finely chopped onions and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden brown.
- 3
Sauté the masala and tomatoes
- a.Add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and mushy. Add the ground sukkha masala paste to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes on low-medium heat until the raw smell disappears and you see oil starting to separate from the masala.
- 4
Cook the mushrooms
- a.Add the quartered mushrooms and salt to the pan. Mix well to ensure all the mushrooms are coated with the masala. Cover the pan and cook for 10-12 minutes on medium heat as the mushrooms release their water. Uncover and continue to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring, until most of the water has evaporated and the masala clings thickly to the mushrooms. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve immediately with neer dosa, chapatis, or steamed rice.
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, always use freshly roasted and ground spices.
- 2Do not add any extra water while cooking the mushrooms; they release plenty of moisture on their own.
- 3Use fresh or frozen grated coconut for the most authentic taste. Desiccated coconut will result in a drier texture.
- 4Adjust the number of dried red chilies to control the spice level of the dish.
- 5Don't overcook the mushrooms, or they will become rubbery. Cook just until tender.
- 6This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld.
Adapt it for your goals.
High protein
Add 1 cup of boiled chickpeas or 200g of paneer cubes along with the mushrooms for a protein-rich version.
quickQuick
To save time, use 3-4 tablespoons of a store-bought Mangalorean sukkha masala powder instead of grinding your own spices.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Reduce the dried red chilies to 1-2 and use Kashmiri chilies for color without much heat. You can also add a teaspoon of jaggery to balance the flavors.
healthyHealthy
Reduce the oil to 1.5 tablespoons and avoid over-sautéing to retain more nutrients. Serve with brown rice or whole wheat rotis.
