Easy Mushroom Curry Recipe with Garam Masala [vegan]

This Mushroom Curry recipe is bursting with flavors and incredibly easy to whip up at home. Made with earthy mushrooms, aromatic spices, and creamy coconut milk, this recipe is a delightful naturally vegan curry. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal ready to enjoy in no time.

What is a Mushroom Curry?

A mushroom curry is a savory dish made with mushrooms cooked in a spiced sauce typically featuring ingredients like onions, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder.

It can be prepared in various styles, including Indian, Thai, or other regional variations, and can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, including vegan or vegetarian diets.

The mushrooms absorb the flavors of the sauce, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with rice or bread.

What are the best mushrooms for a curry?

The best mushrooms for a vegetarian curry are those with a robust flavor and a hearty texture that can hold up well to the spices and sauce. Some popular choices include:

1. Cremini Mushrooms: These mushrooms have a meaty texture and a slightly earthy flavor, making them a great choice for curries.

2. Shiitake Mushrooms: Known for their rich, smoky flavor, shiitake mushrooms add depth to curry dishes and complement the spices beautifully.

3. Portobello Mushrooms: With their large size and meaty texture, portobello mushrooms are excellent for curries, providing a hearty bite and absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

4. Button Mushrooms: These mushrooms are readily available and have a mild flavor, making them versatile for various curry recipes.

5. Oyster Mushrooms: Oyster mushrooms have a delicate texture and a subtle, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with aromatic spices in curries.

Ultimately, the choice of mushrooms depends on personal preference and availability, so feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favorite combination for your curry.

What goes in Garam Masala?

Garam masala is a blend of ground spices commonly used in Indian cuisine. While the exact ingredients can vary based on regional preferences and family recipes, typical ingredients include:

• Cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness to the blend.
• Cloves provide a strong, pungent flavor with hints of sweetness.
• Cardamom offers a complex, floral aroma with a slightly citrusy flavor.
• Cumin seeds add earthiness and depth to the blend.
• Coriander provides a citrusy, slightly nutty flavor.
• Black peppercorns add heat and pungency to the mix.
• Bay leaves impart a subtle, herbal note.
• Nutmeg Offers a warm, sweet, and slightly nutty flavor.

These spices are typically toasted and ground together to create a fragrant and aromatic blend that enhances the flavor of various dishes, including curries, stews, and grilled meats. The proportions of each spice can vary depending on personal taste preferences and the specific recipe being prepared.

What ingredients go into Mushroom Curry?

This recipe calls for a variety of ingredients that combine to create a mouth-watering dish.

First, you’ll need to slice some mushrooms and gather coconut milk, garam masala, curry powder, brown sugar, red bell pepper cut into strips, thawed green peas, garlic cloves, chopped onion, red curry paste, vegetable oil, and salt and black pepper to taste.

With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a savory and aromatic easy Mushroom Curry that’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your taste buds.

How to make Mushroom Curry?

Start by slicing fresh mushrooms and set them aside. In a large pan, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and let it heat up. Mince 3 cloves of garlic and chop 1 onion, then add them to the pan. Sauté the onions and garlic until they are fragrant and golden brown.

Add the sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until they have softened and browned slightly and the liquid is evaporated. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Next, add 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the pan. Mix everything well.

Now, it’s time to add the spices. Add 2 tablespoons of garam masala, 1 tablespoon of curry powder. Mix with the coconut milk and give the sliced red pepper and peas to the pan. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat and let it cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The aroma of the curry will fill your kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation.

Season the curry with salt and black pepper to taste.

What to serve with Mushroom Curry?

Mushroom curry pairs well with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors and textures. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside mushroom curry:

1. Steamed Rice: White or brown rice serves as a perfect accompaniment to soak up the flavorful curry sauce.

2. Naan Bread: Soft and fluffy naan bread is ideal for scooping up the curry and adds a delightful chewy texture to the meal.

3. Roti or Chapati: These Indian flatbreads are simple yet satisfying and are perfect for mopping up the curry sauce.

4. Quinoa: For a different option, serve the mushroom curry with cooked quinoa, which adds a nutty flavor and fluffy texture.

5. Cucumber Raita: A refreshing cucumber raita made with yogurt, cucumber, and spices can help balance the heat of the curry and add a cooling element to the meal.

6. Pappadums: Crispy pappadums or papad are thin, crunchy Indian crackers that add a delightful contrast to the creamy curry.

7. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy and spicy pickled vegetables such as carrots, cauliflower, or onions can provide a flavorful and refreshing contrast to the rich curry.

8. Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can add freshness and balance to the meal.

Choose one or a combination of these side dishes to create a satisfying and well-rounded meal with your mushroom curry.

How to store Curry leftovers?

Storing leftover curry properly is key to keeping it fresh and safe to eat. Here’s how you can do it:

• Let the curry cool down to room temperature within 2 hours of cooking. Leaving it out for too long can promote bacterial growth.
• Once cooled, transfer the leftover curry to airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well. Make sure there’s some space at the top to allow for expansion when freezing.
• It’s a good practice to label the containers with the date you cooked the curry. This helps you keep track of how long it’s been in the fridge or freezer.
• If you plan to consume the leftover curry within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
• If you won’t be eating the curry within a few days, freeze it for longer storage. Curry generally freezes well. Pour it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and seal tightly. Frozen curry can last for 2-3 months without significant loss of quality.

Other Mushroom recipes to try

• Sauteed Mushrooms
• Mushroom Stuffing
• Garlic Mushrooms
• Mushroom Chicken
• Fried Mushrooms

Share your thoughts about this Mushroom Masala Curry in the comments below, or on Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.