Mushroom Pepper Fry

Mushroom Pepper Fry is a spicy and flavorful dish that hails from South India, known for its bold use of black pepper and aromatic spices. This quick stir-fry features tender mushrooms coated in a fragrant mix of onions, garlic, and freshly ground black pepper, creating a dish that’s both earthy and zesty. It’s a versatile recipe that can be served as a side dish, a topping for rice, or even as a filling for wraps and sandwiches. The simplicity of ingredients combined with the robust flavors makes Mushroom Pepper Fry a must-try for anyone who enjoys a bit of heat in their meals.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 green chilies, slit (optional for extra heat)
• 250 grams (about 2 cups) button mushrooms, sliced
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, allowing them to sizzle and pop for about 30 seconds.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the sliced onion to the skillet and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the Mushrooms: Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet, stirring well to coat them with the onion mixture. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mushrooms start to release their moisture.
4. Add the Spices: Stir in the turmeric powder, freshly ground black pepper, garam masala, and salt. Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mushrooms are well-coated with the spices and have absorbed most of the flavors.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once the mushrooms are cooked through and the dish is fragrant, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
6. Serve: Serve the Mushroom Pepper Fry hot as a side dish with rice or rotis, or use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches.

Mushroom Pepper Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings together the earthy taste of mushrooms with the warmth of black pepper. It’s a quick recipe that packs a punch, perfect for spicing up your meal with minimal effort.