Spiced Butter Mushroom Curry

Ingredients

• Button mushrooms - 500 g
• Red chili powder - 1 tsp
• Ginger - 1 tbsp
• Onion - 2 whole
• Coriander powder - 1 1/2 tsp
• Black pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
• Garam masala powder - 1/2 tsp
• Coconut milk - 1/4 cup
• Mustard seeds - 1/4 tsp
• Dried red chilies - 2 whole
• Curry leaf sprigs - 4 whole
• Oil
• Salt

Instructions

1. 1Clean and wash the button mushrooms thoroughly, then pat them dry so they brown evenly when cooking.
2. 2In a bowl, combine the mushrooms with red chili powder, black pepper powder, garam masala powder and salt; mix well and let the mushrooms sit for half an hour so the spices penetrate.
3. 3Place the marinated mushrooms and the coconut milk in a saucepan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the mushrooms are dry and flavored with spice.
4. 4Heat oil in a pan, add the mustard seeds and let them splutter, then add the dried red chilies and curry leaf sprigs and fry until fragrant.
5. 5Add the chopped ginger and chopped onions to the pan and sauté, stirring regularly, until the onions turn brown and sweet.
6. 6Add the cooked mushrooms to the pan, toss everything together gently so the flavors meld, and cook for a minute more to marry the spices and aromatics.
7. 7Taste and adjust salt if needed, then transfer to a serving dish and serve the mushrooms hot with rice.
8. 8Optional: finish with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for brightness if you like.