Personally I love curry leaves. It is a wonderful herb and grows abundantly in hot climatic conditions. There is no need for me to give you an introduction about this leaf.
1.Anti diabetic and anti cancerous.
3.Extremely rich in iron and Vit A , so helps combat anaemia.
5.Helps growth of strong black hair and nails.
The usual scenario when eating a South Indian Curry which has curry leaves is that, it ends up by the side of the plate only to be discarded. Some say that the nutrients from the curry leaves are absorbed into the dhal liquid.
This leaf has a wide range of preparation methods. It is usually used as tadka for the watery rice accompaniments like sambhar, rasam, kaara kuzhambhu and chutneys. It can also be roasted, ground and served as thuvaiyal, thokku, chutney and podi [spicy powder blend] as accompaniments for rice, idlis, dosas and rotis.
This recipe combines curry leaves and mushrooms simply because mushrooms are quite bland and they are capable of absorbing the woody flavour of curry leaves. The only thing that should be remembered is that the leaves should be young and fresh [ilam thalir]. Please don't use leaves that have spots or ridges .
It is a perfect side for a simple lunch with roti or rice and can also be transformed into a delicious filling for a wrap. Mushroom can be replaced with any other meaty vegetable like aubergine, potatoes, cauliflower etc.
Curry leaves [washed]: a good handful.
A pinch of white sesame seeds and fresh coriander leaves.
1.Wash the mushrooms and drain well. Chop them into quarters. Keep aside.
2.Chop onion lengthwise. Heat oil. Splutter fennel seeds.
3.Add the onions and curry leaves. Saute until the onions are golden brown in colour.
4.Add the ginger paste, all the powders and salt. Mix well and saute for a minute.
5.Add the mushrooms, mix well until all the mushrooms are well coated with the masala.
6.Lower the flame, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.No need to add water as the mushrooms lets off liquid when cooked.
7.Stir well and cook the vegetable without the lid so that the excess water evaporates.
8.Remove from flame when the masala attains an "almost dry" consistency.
Serve hot garnished with fresh coriander leaf and a sprinkle of white sesame seeds.
Note: You can substitute curry leaves with mint or coriander or a mix of both. If using these leaves use them at the end and don't overcook them. The freshness adds a lovely flavour to the dish. Adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your taste.
Sending this to "Herbs and Flowers: Curry Leaves", an event by PJ , guest hosted by my dear friend Anamika.
I can't imagine a day without curry leaves.It's an essential part of my cooking.The special flavour it releases,nothing can replace that.
Your mushroom curry leaf masala is a classic recipe I think.I would love to try and see.
Loved your style of preparation, looks very delicious.
Very healthy and innovative try Reva.The ingredients luks so good.Lipsmackingly delicious click as well.Luv it dear.
Wow. I'm feeling little happy after seeing you curry leaf tree picture. We also used to grow at our home and use it fresh for cooking direct from tree. The picture of ree curry leaf tree with droplets is wonderful So nostalgia. BTW, recipe is very good. with curry leaves it must be flavorful.
Nice Curry with delicious flavors !!
Nice masala with mushrooms Reva.
wow.....beautiful pics. Curry leaf is a must have in the pantry. Mushroom sprinkled with sesame seeds....hmm sounds interesting!
Oh wow never put mushrooms & curry leaves in the same pot, but can imagine the flavours enhanced by it to the plain mushrooms!! Thanks for linking!!
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Thats a flavourful masala, cant wait to try..
wow, that sounds superb !!!
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Mushroom looks flavorful and delicious.
I can just imagine the smell of those curry leaves, it's one of my favourite cooking smells in the world. Lovely looking dish.
I wish i had at least a smaller one of that plant :)...Nothing can beat the flavor!
I love your dish. They have two of my favorite ingredients - mushrooms and curry leaves. And the dish looks wonderful.
My recipes are almost always incomplete without this magic herb,and I wish I could have a tree like this in my house....:( Mushrooms in curry leaf masala looks and sounds so delicious:)!
wonderful mushroom dish, sure curry leaves are always neglected though it has so many medicinal values..