Emma Wilson
Mushroom pepper fry is a popular dish in South Indian cuisine, often served as a side to sambar rice or rasam rice. It is a dry dish, but can also be served with a sauce as a main course. The dish is known for its generous use of pepper, which adds spice and flavour. The mushrooms are typically sliced and cooked with other ingredients such as onions, garlic, and spices like fennel seeds and curry leaves. The mushrooms should be cooked on high heat to retain their plump and juicy texture. This dish can be served with rice, roti, or bread and can also be used as a stuffing for wraps and sandwiches.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Mushrooms, black pepper, fennel seeds, curry leaves, cumin seeds, garlic, tomatoes, salt, turmeric, onions, bell peppers, chili peppers, lemon juice, mustard seeds, ginger, coriander powder, garam masala powder, olive oil, peanut oil, tarragon, red pepper flakes, thyme |
| Preparation | Heat oil in a wok or skillet, add spices and aromatics, stir-fry or sauté until fragrant, add mushrooms and fry on high heat, drain excess water |
| Serving suggestions | Serve with rice, roti, bread, wraps, sandwiches, or as a topping for pasta or bruschetta |
| Variants | South Indian style, Kerala style, Goan style, with or without tomatoes, onions, or capsicum |
| Time | 15-30 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the spices
Preparing the spices is the first step in making mushroom pepper fry. The main spice in this dish is black pepper, which provides pungency and heat. To enhance the flavour of the pepper, it is recommended to use freshly ground peppercorns rather than pre-ground pepper powder. You can adjust the quantity of pepper according to your preference for mild or overpowering flavours.
Fennel seeds are also a key component of the spice mix, as they balance the pungent and hot flavours of the black pepper while adding a touch of sweetness. To prepare the fennel seeds, crush them to a coarse powder using a grinder or mortar and pestle. The ratio of pepper to fennel seeds can be adjusted to your taste preferences, with more fennel seeds adding sweetness to counter the heat of the pepper.
Curry leaves are another important ingredient in mushroom pepper fry, adding an earthy flavour to the dish. You can use fresh or dried curry leaves, but fresh leaves will provide a more distinct flavour. If using dried leaves, rehydrate them before adding them to the dish. Chop the curry leaves finely, as large pieces may affect the texture of the final dish.
Other spices that can be added to mushroom pepper fry include cumin seeds, coriander powder, and dried red chillies. These spices can be toasted or fried to release their flavours before being added to the dish. You can also experiment with additional spices like garam masala or lemon juice to create variations on the traditional mushroom pepper fry recipe.
Finally, it is important to note that pepper-based dishes can be very spicy, so use caution when serving them to individuals who are sensitive to spice, such as children. You may want to reduce the amount of pepper or serve a cooling side dish to balance the heat.
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Chop the vegetables
Chopping the vegetables is the first step in preparing mushroom pepper fry dish. The vegetables used in this dish include mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. You can also add tomatoes, but they are optional.
When chopping the vegetables, it is important to cut them into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. For the mushrooms, you can cut them into halves or slices, depending on their size. If you are using large mushrooms, such as Portobellos, you may want to cut them in half before slicing them crosswise. The peppers and onions should also be cut into chunks or slices of a similar size.
It is also important to note that mushrooms tend to release moisture when cooked, so it is best to cook them on high heat until they are slightly tender to retain their juicy texture.
Additionally, you can mince or crush the garlic before adding it to the dish. As for the onions, you can chop or slice them, but it is recommended to sauté them until they are light golden in colour.
Overall, the key to chopping the vegetables for mushroom pepper fry is to ensure they are cut into even sizes and cooked appropriately to enhance the flavour and texture of the dish.
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Heat the oil
To prepare a mushroom pepper fry, you'll need to heat oil in a pan. The type of oil you use is up to you—options include peanut oil, olive oil, or any other oil you have available. The amount of oil depends on the size of your pan, but it should be enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
Turn the heat to medium or high, depending on your stove. You want the oil to be hot but not smoking. If you're using a non-stick pan, medium heat should be sufficient. If you're using a stainless steel or cast iron pan, you may need to turn the heat up higher.
Once the oil is hot, add your aromatics. This could include mustard seeds, cumin seeds, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, dried red chillies, or any other spices you want to use. Sauté these ingredients until they become fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
At this point, you can add other ingredients like tomatoes, salt, and turmeric. Cook these ingredients until the tomatoes break down and become soft. You can also add capsicum (bell peppers), chillies, and onions at this stage. Sauté on high heat until the raw smell of the onions is gone.
Now it's time to add the mushrooms. Fry them on high heat for about 3 minutes. If the mushrooms release a lot of moisture, continue stir-frying on high heat until they become slightly tender.
Finally, add your crushed pepper, fennel seeds, and any other spices you want to include. Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the spices become fragrant.
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Cook the mushrooms
To cook the mushrooms, you'll need to start by preparing your spices. For an authentic South Indian flavour, grind together fennel seeds and black peppercorns to make a coarse powder. You can adjust the ratio of these spices to your taste, but a good starting point is one teaspoon of fennel seeds to one tablespoon of peppercorns. You can also add some dried red chillies to the mix if you want an extra kick.
Next, heat some oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add your whole spices, such as mustard seeds, cumin seeds, or curry leaves, and sauté until fragrant. Then, add your aromatic vegetables, such as garlic, ginger, and onions, and cook until softened and lightly golden. You can also add tomatoes at this stage for a slight tang.
Now it's time to add the mushrooms. Slice your mushrooms, aiming for a similar size to your other vegetables. Add them to the pan and fry on high heat for at least three minutes. If your mushrooms release a lot of moisture, continue stir-frying on high heat until they become slightly tender. Then, add your spice mix, along with some salt, and fry for another two to three minutes, until the spices release their fragrance.
Finally, taste and adjust your seasoning. You can add more freshly ground black pepper for extra heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for some acidity. Serve your mushroom pepper fry with rice, roti, or even stuff it into wraps or sandwiches. Enjoy!
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Serve with sides
Mushroom pepper fry is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways and paired with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas for serving this delicious dish:
Rice Dishes
The spicy and peppery flavours of mushroom pepper fry go well with rice. You can serve it with plain rice, curd rice, or sambar rice. For a more elaborate meal, try pairing it with Malabar Parottas and rasam rice, a popular combination in South India.
Breads and Wraps
The mushroom pepper fry also tastes great with roti, bread, or wrapped in a tortilla. You can even use it as a stuffing for sandwiches or wraps.
Meat and Vegetarian Options
The dish is a wonderful side for meat lovers. It pairs well with chicken, especially chicken schnitzel, and can be served alongside steak or roast chicken. For a vegetarian option, it can be enjoyed with Malabar Parottas or even stuffed into a bruschetta.
Other Sides
Mushroom pepper fry can be a side dish itself, accompanying grilled items like steaks or roasts. It can be served as a topping for pasta or used as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. For a healthier option, serve it with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad.
The versatility of mushroom pepper fry makes it a great addition to any meal, and its spicy and peppery flavours can complement a variety of dishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Mushroom pepper is a South Indian dish made with sliced mushrooms and pepper powder. It is often served as a side dish with rice-based meals.
Mushroom pepper is a quick and easy dish to prepare. It can be ready in as little as 15 to 30 minutes, making it a great option for a quick dinner or evening snack.
The main ingredients are mushrooms and pepper. Other ingredients include garlic, onions, tomatoes, capsicum, and various spices like fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves. You can also add meat or eggs to the dish.
Button mushrooms are recommended as they slice easily and hold their shape during cooking. It is also suggested to use larger mushrooms for this dish.
