Creamy Mushroom Tikka Masala

Ingredients

• Onion - 1 whole
• Ginger-garlic paste - 2 tsp
• Tomatoes - 3 whole
• Cumin seeds - 3/4 tsp
• Cumin powder - 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Red chili powder - 1/2 tsp
• Coriander powder - 1/2 tsp
• Kasoori methi - 2 tbsp
• Heavy cream - 2 tbsp
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Salt to taste
• Coriander leaves
• White button mushrooms - 15 whole
• Green or red bell pepper - 1 whole
• Turmeric powder - 1/4 tsp
• Chili powder - 1/4 tsp
• Yogurt - 1/4 cup
• Oil - 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. 1Prepare the vegetables: clean the mushrooms and halve the large ones, leaving small mushrooms whole; chop the onion, cube the bell pepper, and puree the tomatoes.
2. 2Combine the mushrooms, bell pepper, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/4 tsp chili powder, yogurt and 1 tbsp oil in a bowl; mix well and keep aside for 20 minutes to marinate.
3. 3Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat, add 3/4 tsp cumin seeds and wait until they splutter, then add the chopped onion and sauté until the onion is brown and fragrant.
4. 4Stir in 2 tsp ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell disappears, then add the tomato puree along with the cumin powder, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp red chili powder and 1/2 tsp coriander powder.
5. 5Bring the sauce to a boil and let the gravy cook on medium flame for about 10 minutes or till it thickens; if the sauce becomes too thick, add 1/2 cup of water whenever needed to loosen it.
6. 6While the gravy simmers, heat 1 tbsp oil in a separate pan and cook the marinated mushrooms and bell pepper in batches so you don’t crowd the pan; cook on medium heat until they begin to brown, turning them minimally so they can color.
7. 7When the tomato sauce is cooked well, add the sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers to the pan, sprinkle in the kasoori methi and salt, and let the curry cook on medium flame for 3-4 minutes or till the bell peppers are tender.
8. 8Turn off the heat and stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream until the sauce is glossy and combined.
9. 9Garnish with coriander leaves and serve immediately with roti or chapathi.
10. 10Optional: finish with a squeeze of lemon just before serving for a bright lift.