🍄 Introduction: Why Mushrooms?
Mushrooms are more than just a humble ingredient — they’re earthy, meaty, and bursting with umami flavor. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to add more variety to your meals, mushrooms are a fantastic choice. They’re low in calories, rich in antioxidants, and absorb flavors beautifully when sautéed or stir-fried.
In this recipe, we let mushrooms shine with just a handful of ingredients — making it a quick, fuss-free dish that delivers big on taste.
A simple, flavorful stir-fry using just a few everyday ingredients — perfect as a quick side or a main for your weekday meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 medium onions, finely chopped
- 250g mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Salt, to taste
- A few fresh curry leaves
- 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to your spice level)
Instructions
🔥 Step 1: Heat the Pan
Place a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil and let it heat up.
🧅 Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Add the finely chopped onions to the pan. Sauté them for 3–4 minutes until they turn soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.
🧂 Step 3: Season with Salt
Sprinkle salt to taste and continue cooking the onions for another minute. This helps draw out moisture and enhances flavor.
🍄 Step 4: Add the Mushrooms
Now, add the sliced mushrooms. Stir well so the onions coat them evenly.
Let the mushrooms cook down — they’ll release some moisture and begin to shrink.
🌿 Step 5: Toss in Curry Leaves
Once the mushrooms are halfway cooked (about 3–4 minutes), add the fresh curry leaves. They’ll sizzle and release a lovely aroma.
🌶️ Step 6: Spice It Up
Add chili flakes and mix thoroughly. Let everything cook together for another 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The mixture should look well combined and fairly dry — no extra water needed.
⏲️ Step 7: Finish & Serve
After 8–10 minutes total cooking time, your Chili Flakes Mushroom Fry is ready!
It should be fragrant, spicy, and beautifully roasted without any excess moisture.
🌱Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with hot rice or chapati.
- Use it as a spicy mushroom topping for toast.
- Serve as a side with curd rice or lemon rice.
📝Tips
- Don’t add water — mushrooms naturally release moisture.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your spice preference.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of black pepper or a squeeze of lemon before serving.
⚠️ When Not to Use Mushrooms
While mushrooms are delicious and versatile, it’s important to use them fresh and safe. Here’s when to avoid using mushrooms:
- Slimy or Sticky Texture: If mushrooms feel slimy or sticky, it’s a sign they’ve started to spoil.
- Wrinkled or Shriveled: Mushrooms that look dried out or shriveled have lost moisture and freshness.
- Dark Spots or Discoloration: Fresh mushrooms should have a consistent color. Dark or blotchy spots indicate they’re past their prime.
- Strong Odor: Mushrooms should have a mild, earthy smell. If they smell sour or ammonia-like, it’s best to throw them out.
- Mold: Any visible mold (white, green, or black) means they are unsafe to eat.
🕒 Shelf Life Tip: Store mushrooms in a paper bag in the fridge and try to use them within 5–7 days of purchase.
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