Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 400 grams Mushrooms (closed cup, baby button or chestnut), quartered
- 1 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
- 1 Red Chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 1 Handful Fresh Coriander (Cilantro), stems chopped separately from leaves for garnish
Spices and Condiments
- 1 tbsp Curry Powder (or garam masala)
- 2 tsp English Mustard
- 1 tsp White Vinegar
- 1 tbsp Tomato Puree
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
Oils
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Chop the mushrooms into quarters. Finely chop the onion, garlic cloves, and red chilli to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor throughout the dish.
- Separate coriander: Remove the coriander leaves from the stalks. Finely chop the stalks for cooking and set the leaves aside to garnish the finished dish.
- Cook onions: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onions and gently cook until they start to soften, releasing their sweetness into the oil.
- Cook mushrooms: Add the quartered mushrooms to the pan with the onions. Continue cooking for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until both mushrooms and onions have softened and reduced in volume.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped garlic, red chilli, and coriander stalks. Fry this aromatic mixture for 2 minutes to release their flavors into the dish.
- Add spices: Sprinkle in the curry powder and stir thoroughly so the mushrooms are evenly coated with the spices.
- Add mustard and vinegar: Mix in the English mustard and white vinegar. These ingredients add depth and tanginess to the bhaji’s flavor profile.
- Add tomato puree: Incorporate the tomato puree into the pan, stirring it into the mixture to build a rich and slightly tangy base sauce.
- Season and simmer: Season the curry with salt and black pepper to taste. Let the bhaji simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve and garnish: Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, serve the mushroom bhaji as a main or side dish. Garnish generously with the fresh coriander leaves for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- This mushroom bhaji pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, naan bread, or as part of a larger Indian meal.
- Adjust the amount and type of chilli to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Using fresh coriander stems adds extra flavor to the dish, while the leaves provide a fresh garnish.
- For a vegan version, ensure the curry powder and other condiments are free from animal products.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian