Mushroom Kuzhambu - Kaalaan Kuzhambu

Mushrooms have wonderful health benefits . It is been said that Mushrooms contain some of the most powerful natural medicines on the planet. They are a low-calorie food (i.e no fat, no cholestrol), high in proteins, vitamins and minerals, fiber rich etc. And so, eventually they are natural disease fighters. Including mushrooms in our diet regularly boosts our immune system and keeps the body healthy.
This mushroom kuzhambu is a wonderful combination for plain rice or with idly, dosas. Here comes the recipe.

Ingredients

Mushroom - 1 pack
Onions - 2
Red Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
Cumin Powder - 2 tsp
Turmeric Powder - 1/4 tsp
Coconut Milk - 1 cup
Salt as per taste

To Temper

Oil - 2 tsp
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Urad dal - 1/2 tsp
Curry leaves - few

Method

Extract Coconut Milk -Take gratings of 1/4th of a medium sized coconut in a mixie jar, grind for few seconds. Then, add about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water and grind to a smooth paste. Strain the ground coconut using a tea strainer or a soft cloth. Press it with a ladle or squeeze to extract as much milk as possible. For this recipe the coconut milk should be thick, only then you will get a nice flavor and taste. So do not add more water for extracting more milk. Coconut milk is ready. Set aside.


Clean the mushrooms well and cut into 2 halves.Chop the onions. Set aside.

1.  Take a pressure cooker, add oil, once it is hot enough add the mustard seeds and allow to splutter.  Add urad dal and curry leaves, fry until dal turns golden brown.
2. Add the chopped onions and fry until they turn transparent.
3. Then add the chopped mushrooms and all the spice powders along with the salt. Saute for 3-4 minutes.
4. Then add the coconut milk and a little less than 1/4 cups of water. Stir well. Cover the pressure cooker and cook for 3 whistles. Turn off and allow the pressure to release on its own. Serve hot with plain rice along with papads or with idly or dosa.