Mushroom Bhaji: Spicy, Savory, And Delicious

what is a mushroom bhaji

Mushroom bhaji is a flavourful Indian dish that is simple to make and ready in under 15 minutes. It is a vegan curry dish that can be served with rice, naan bread, or flatbreads. The dish is made by frying mushrooms, onions, garlic, ginger, and spices. The mushrooms are typically sliced and fried until slightly browned, while the onions are cooked until soft and translucent. The spices used can include cumin, turmeric, coriander, and paprika. The dish is then served with a cooling cucumber and mint raita.

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Ingredients

Mushroom bhaji is a flavourful Indian dish that can be made with simple ingredients. It is a vegan dish that can be served with garlic naan bread, crispy onion bhaji, and a cooling cucumber-mint raita.

The ingredients needed for a mushroom bhaji are easily available in your kitchen. Here is a list of ingredients you will need:

  • Olive oil
  • Onion (white or yellow)
  • Green chilli
  • Mushrooms (button mushrooms or chestnut mushrooms)
  • Garlic
  • Spices (ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground coriander, smoked paprika, nigella, fenugreek, curry powder, etc.)
  • Tomato paste or puree
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Fresh coriander leaves to garnish

Additionally, you can also add ginger, cardamom pods, and lemon juice for extra flavour. Some recipes also include coconut milk, chickpeas, and sugar.

If you want to make a deep-fried version of mushroom bhaji, you will need a batter and a deep fryer. Freshness is key when it comes to mushrooms, so try to source firm and fresh mushrooms for the best flavour.

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Preparation

Mushroom bhaji is a flavourful Indian dish that is usually vegan and can be served as a starter, side dish, or as a snack. It is a simple and quick recipe that can be prepared in under 15 minutes.

To make mushroom bhaji, you will need the following ingredients:

  • Olive oil
  • White/yellow onion
  • Green chilli
  • Button mushrooms or chestnut mushrooms
  • Garlic
  • Ground cumin, nigella, fenugreek, and/or other Indian spices such as ground turmeric, ground coriander, and smoked paprika
  • Tomato paste or purée
  • Water
  • Salt
  • Lemon juice
  • Fresh coriander leaves to garnish

You may also add ginger, cardamom pods, and cumin seeds for additional flavour.

  • Heat olive oil in a deep pan, wok, or a large frying pan over medium to medium-high heat.
  • Add the sliced onions and cook until they become soft and translucent. You can also add green chillies at this stage for a spicier dish.
  • Put in the sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Fry the mushrooms until they are slightly browned and starting to caramelize. This should take around 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set them aside.
  • Add another drizzle of oil to the pan if needed, then add the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. You can also add ginger and coriander stalks at this stage.
  • Add the spices, including ground cumin, nigella, fenugreek, and any other spices you wish to include. Cook for about a minute, stirring frequently, until the spices become aromatic.
  • Put the mushrooms back into the pan and stir until they are coated in the spices.
  • Add the tomato paste or purée and water. Simmer the mixture until the sauce thickens.
  • Finally, stir in lemon juice and chopped coriander.

Serve the mushroom bhaji immediately with rice, naan bread, chapati, or as a snack with crispy onion bhajis and a cooling cucumber and mint raita. Enjoy your delicious and flavourful mushroom bhaji!

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Cooking method

Mushroom bhaji is a flavourful Indian dish made with simple ingredients. It is a vegan curry dish that can be served as a starter or side dish. The cooking method for mushroom bhaji is quite simple and can be prepared in under 15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make it:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Firstly, gather and prepare all the ingredients. For mushroom bhaji, you will need olive oil, an onion, a green chilli, button mushrooms, garlic, and various spices such as ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and nigella. You will also need tomato paste, water, and fresh coriander leaves to garnish.

Step 2: Heat the Oil and Fry the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a deep pan, wok, or a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the onion and green chilli. Fry until the onion is soft and translucent. You can also add a pinch of salt at this stage to help the onion release its moisture and soften faster.

Step 3: Add the Mushrooms

Slice the mushrooms and add them to the pan. Season with a pinch of salt and cook for a few minutes until they start to brown. It is important not to crowd the mushrooms in the pan, as this will affect their browning.

Step 4: Add the Garlic and Spices

Add the minced garlic to the pan and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the spices, including ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, smoked paprika, nigella, and any others you wish to include. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Add the Tomato Paste and Water

Add the tomato paste and a small amount of water to the pan. Stir everything together, making sure the mushrooms are well coated in the spice mixture.

Step 6: Simmer and Garnish

Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finally, stir in some fresh lemon juice and chopped coriander leaves.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the mushroom bhaji immediately with rice, naan bread, or chapati. It goes well with a cooling cucumber and mint raita on the side. Enjoy!

Mushroom bhaji is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a quick midweek meal or as a starter for a special dinner. Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make it your own!

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Serving suggestions

Mushroom bhaji is a flavourful Indian dish that is often served as a starter or side. It is typically served with rice or flatbreads, such as naan or chapati, and can be accompanied by a cooling cucumber and mint raita. It can also be served as a snack alongside a homemade Indian curry.

For a more filling meal, mushroom bhaji can be paired with other Indian dishes such as mixed vegetable curry or beef kofta curry. It can also be served as a vegan main course, providing a quick and easy option for a midweek meal or Friday night treat.

When serving mushroom bhaji, it is important to consider the freshness of the ingredients, especially the mushrooms. Sourcing firm and fresh mushrooms, such as chestnut mushrooms, can greatly enhance the flavour of the dish.

While mushroom bhaji is typically stewed, there are also deep-fried variations. In these versions, the mushrooms are coated in a batter and deep-fried, similar to onion bhajis. These can be served as a snack or starter, often with a pakora sauce.

Overall, mushroom bhaji is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on personal preference and cultural context. It can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, including vegan and keto diets, making it an inclusive option for a range of occasions.

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Variations

Mushroom bhaji is a simple, flavourful Indian dish that can be served as a starter, side, or main course. It can be made in several ways, with different ingredients and cooking methods. Here are some variations of mushroom bhaji:

  • Deep-fried Mushroom Bhaji: In this variation, the mushrooms are deep-fried in a batter, resulting in a crispy texture. This method is commonly associated with onion bhajis, and the mushroom version is sometimes known as a mushroom pakora. This variation may be more commonly found in certain regions, such as Glasgow, UK.
  • Pan-fried Mushroom Bhaji: This is a healthier alternative to deep frying, where fresh mushrooms are pan-fried without batter. This version is also vegan-friendly and can be cooked with coconut oil.
  • Stewed Mushroom Bhaji: This variation involves cooking the mushrooms with other ingredients, such as onions, garlic, spices, and tomatoes, to create a stewed consistency. The mushrooms are not fried separately but cooked with the other ingredients, resulting in a softer texture.
  • Baked Mushroom Bhaji: For a slower, more caramelised flavour, garlic can be baked with cardamom pods and olive oil before being added to the dish. This variation adds a smoky flavour to the bhaji.
  • Variations in Spices and Ingredients: Mushroom bhaji can be customised with different spices and ingredients. Common additions include cumin, turmeric, coriander, paprika, ginger, chilli, and nigella. Some recipes may also include chickpeas, coconut milk, and sugar to create a unique flavour profile.
  • Accompaniments: Mushroom bhaji can be served with various accompaniments. Naan bread, rice (basmati or plain), chapati, and flatbreads are all popular choices. It can also be served with a cooling cucumber and mint raita on the side.

Frequently asked questions

Mushroom bhaji is a flavorful Indian dish made with simple ingredients. It is a type of curry made with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and spices.

Bhaji means 'fried vegetables' in Hindi. It is a fritter or fried snack originating from the Indian subcontinent.

You will need olive oil, onions, green chilies, mushrooms, garlic, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground coriander, smoked paprika, tomato paste, water, salt, and fresh coriander leaves to garnish.

Heat olive oil in a deep pan or wok and fry the onions and green chilies until soft. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt, and cook until browned. Add the garlic and spices, followed by the tomato paste and water. Simmer until the sauce thickens and serve with naan bread or rice.

Yes, mushroom bhaji is a vegan dish. It is a great option for those on a vegan or vegetarian diet.

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