John Miller
Capsicum mushroom is a flavourful and delicious dish that can be prepared in a variety of ways. The combination of mushrooms and capsicum is a match made in heaven and is easy to cook with readily available ingredients. The dish can be made with button mushrooms, bell peppers, and a blend of spices known as Kadai Masala. It can be served with rice, roti, naan, or paratha. The recipe can be modified to make it dry or semi-dry, and it can also be used as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | Indian |
| Dish Type | Curry |
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, Capsicum, Onions, Tomatoes, Oil, Salt, Spices |
| Spices | Kadai Masala, Cumin, Black Pepper, Fennel, Turmeric, Red Chilli Powder, Garam Masala, Coriander Powder, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger-Garlic Paste |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Servings | 2 |
| Serving Suggestions | Rice, Roti, Naan, Paratha, Chapati, Sandwiches, Wraps |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kadai mushroom recipe
Kadai mushroom is a quick and flavourful North Indian dish made with sautéed button mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers (capsicum) in a tangy tomato-based sauce spiced with kadai masala. The dish is cooked in a kadai, a basic Indian wok. Here is a step-by-step guide to making this delicious dish:
Ingredients:
- Button mushrooms
- Capsicum/bell peppers
- Onions
- Tomatoes
- Kadai masala
- Oil
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Kasuri methi (dry fenugreek leaves)
- Cream (optional)
- Salt to taste
Method:
First, prepare the kadai masala by dry roasting the spices on low heat in a kadai or pan until fragrant. For the kadai masala powder, you can use coriander powder, fennel seeds, red chillies, and garam masala. You can also add cumin, bay leaves, and dry red chillies for extra flavour.
Next, heat oil in a pan and add the chopped onions. Sauté until they turn translucent and soft. Then, add the chopped tomatoes and sauté until they become mushy and release their juices. You can also add ginger-garlic paste and sauté until the raw smell disappears.
Now, it's time to add the mushrooms. Wash and slice the mushrooms, then fry them for 2-3 minutes. You can also add diced capsicum/bell peppers at this stage. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan and add the kadai masala. Sauté for a minute or two on low heat. You can also add red chilli powder and garam masala at this stage. Pour in a cup of water and mix well to make a gravy. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less water.
Finally, add the fried mushrooms, capsicum, and onions back into the gravy. Mix well and simmer until the gravy thickens. You can also add cream for a richer gravy. Check for seasoning and add salt if needed.
Serve this delicious kadai mushroom with plain rice, roti, naan, paratha, or any type of flatbread. Enjoy the aromatic and flavourful dish!
Dehydrating Mushrooms: Best Temperature Control for Taste
You may want to see also
Spices and ingredients
Mushrooms:
The star ingredient, mushrooms, form the earthy base of this dish. Fresh, edible mushrooms like button mushrooms are ideal, but feel free to use any variety you prefer. Before cooking, rinse the mushrooms thoroughly and slice them to your desired thickness.
Capsicum:
Capsicum, also known as bell peppers, adds a beautiful colour and a subtle crunch to the dish. You can use green, red, or yellow capsicum, depending on your preference. Thinly slice the capsicum to ensure it cooks evenly.
Onions:
Onions bring a natural sweetness and texture to the dish. Use a medium-sized onion, finely chopped, and sauté until translucent and aromatic.
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes contribute a tangy flavour to the dish. Choose ripe, fresh tomatoes with a balanced taste—not too tart or sour. You can also use packaged tomato puree, but adjust the consistency by adding water.
Spices:
A variety of spices enhance the flavour profile of the dish:
- Kadai Masala: This special spice blend is the star of Kadai Mushroom recipes, giving it a unique flavour.
- Cumin Seeds: Adding a distinct earthy flavour, cumin seeds are sautéed in oil to release their aroma.
- Fennel Seeds: These seeds have a sweet, anise-like flavour that pairs well with the other spices.
- Black Pepper: Adding a spicy kick to the dish, black peppercorns can be ground and added to the spice blend.
- Red Chilli Powder: For a spicy punch and a vibrant red hue, include red chilli powder.
- Turmeric Powder: A pinch of turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavour and a beautiful golden colour.
- Garam Masala: This traditional Indian spice blend adds depth and warmth to the dish.
- Coriander Powder: Coriander powder brings a citrusy, nutty flavour to the dish.
- Cinnamon: A hint of cinnamon adds a warm, spicy fragrance.
- Green Cardamom: Cardamom pods contribute a unique, refreshing flavour and aroma.
Other Ingredients:
In addition to the main ingredients and spices, you will need:
- Oil: Use a neutral-flavoured oil like vegetable oil or olive oil for sautéing the ingredients.
- Salt: Adjust the seasoning with salt to enhance the flavours.
- Water: Water is used to adjust the consistency of the gravy.
- Milk: Adding a small amount of milk can mellow the spice and add a creamy texture.
- Ginger and Garlic: These aromatics build depth of flavour and can be used in paste form or crushed.
- Cashews: Cashews can be added for a creamy texture and subtle nutty flavour.
With these spices and ingredients, you're well on your way to creating a delicious capsicum mushroom dish that's full of flavour and aroma.
Mushroom Veloute Sauce: A Rich, Silky Delight
You may want to see also
Cooking instructions
Rinse the mushrooms and remove any dirt or debris. Slice the mushrooms, either thickly or to your desired thickness.
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and stir-fry for around 2 to 3 minutes. You may need to fry the mushrooms for longer if you have sliced them thickly.
Add the capsicum and onion. You can also add chillies at this stage if you want to spice up your dish. Fry the vegetables for another 2 to 3 minutes on a high flame. If the mushrooms start to release moisture, stir-fry on the highest heat.
Add the spices. This could include fennel seeds, black pepper, cumin seeds, garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Fry for another 2 to 3 minutes until you can smell the spices.
Finally, add the tomatoes. You can use fresh tomatoes, or tomato puree. If using fresh tomatoes, cook until they become soft and mushy. If using puree, cook until it thickens.
Do not overcook the mushrooms as they may become soggy. Serve with rice, roti, or naan.
Reishi Mushrooms: A Natural Sleep Aid?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving suggestions
Capsicum mushroom is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delicious dish:
Rice Dishes
Capsicum mushroom is an excellent side dish to serve with rice-based meals. It pairs well with steamed rice, sambar rice, rasam rice, or cauliflower rice. You can also serve it with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option. The combination of capsicum, mushrooms, and rice creates a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Breads and Wraps
This dish also goes well with various types of bread and wraps. Serve it with Indian flatbreads such as roti, chapati, naan, paratha, puri, or Malabar Parottas. You can also use capsicum mushroom as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or even omelettes. The spicy and earthy flavours of the dish complement the bread, making it a tasty and convenient option.
Curries and Stir-Fries
Capsicum mushroom can be incorporated into curries and stir-fries, adding a unique flavour and texture. It pairs well with onion and tomato-based curries, such as Kadai Mushroom Curry, or with other vegetables in a stir-fry. The combination of capsicum and mushrooms in a spicy gravy creates a colourful and appetising dish.
Appetizers and Snacks
This dish can also be served as an appetizer or snack. Spicy mushroom fry, also known as Kalan poriyal, is a tasty option for those who enjoy a bit of heat. It can be served as a side dish or a snack and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at parties and special occasions. The versatility of capsicum mushroom allows it to be adapted to suit various occasions and serving styles.
How Mushrooms Could Have Been Saved?
You may want to see also
Storage and reheating
Storing your capsicum mushroom:
If you're planning to use your capsicums within a few days, storing them on the counter is perfectly fine. Choose a spot that's cool and dry and leave them in an open produce bag. You can keep them this way for up to 5 days. However, if you're not going to use them within this time frame, it's best to store them in the fridge. Clean the capsicums, dry them thoroughly, and place them in a mesh or plastic produce bag. Leave the bag open and store it in the low-humidity drawer of your refrigerator. This will keep your capsicums fresh for longer.
Now, let's talk about storing cooked capsicum mushroom:
When it comes to storing cooked capsicum mushroom, it's important to place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. This will keep your dish fresh for 3-4 days. Additionally, you can freeze cooked capsicum mushroom. First, clean and slice or chop the capsicums, then lay them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and place them in the freezer. Once they're frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. This method helps extend the shelf life of your cooked capsicum mushroom.
Reheating your capsicum mushroom:
There are various methods for reheating capsicum mushroom. One approach is to reheat the gravy, saute the mushrooms and capsicums, and simmer them together. This ensures the dish is heated through and maintains its flavour. Another option is to use a microwave, which is a quick and convenient way to reheat your capsicum mushroom. However, some people believe that microwaves destroy the nutritional value of mushrooms, but this notion has been dismissed as a hoax. Ultimately, there is no scientific evidence that any specific reheating method for mushrooms is dangerous or problematic.
Mushroom Veils: Unveiling the Secrets of Fungi
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Capsicum mushroom is a North Indian dish made with sautéed button mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers (capsicum) in a tangy tomato-based sauce spiced with Kadai Masala.
You will need mushrooms, capsicum/bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, oil, and spices like cumin, fennel, black pepper, and Kadai Masala.
First, rinse and slice the mushrooms. Chop the onions, garlic, ginger, and tomatoes. You can also make a spice blend by grinding fennel and black pepper.
Heat oil in a pan, add the spices, garlic, and onions, and sauté. Then, add the tomatoes and cook until mushy. Next, add the capsicum/bell peppers and mushrooms, and fry until tender. You can adjust the spice level to your preference. Finally, stir everything together and serve with rice, roti, or naan.
