Creamy Mushroom Makhani: A Tempting Twist on Indian Cuisine

Introduction:

Mushroom Makhani, also known as Mushroom Butter Masala, is a luscious and indulgent dish that brings together the earthiness of mushrooms with the rich and creamy flavors of a classic Makhani sauce. This North Indian delicacy is a vegetarian delight that captivates the taste buds with its velvety texture and aromatic spices. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to create a delectable Mushroom Makhani at home.

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Ingredients:

For the Mushroom Marinade:

2 cups button mushrooms, cleaned and halved

1/2 cup thick yogurt

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon red chili powder

1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt to taste

For the Makhani Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

1 tablespoon oil

1 cup onion, finely chopped

1 cup tomato puree

1/4 cup cashew nuts, soaked in water

1 tablespoon melon seeds (optional), soaked in water

1 teaspoon garam masala

1 teaspoon cumin powder

1 teaspoon coriander powder

1/2 teaspoon dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)

1/2 cup heavy cream

Salt to taste

Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions:

Marinate the Mushrooms:

In a bowl, combine yogurt, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and salt.

Add cleaned and halved mushrooms to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Cashew Nut Paste:

Blend soaked cashew nuts and melon seeds (if using) into a smooth paste. Set aside.

Cook the Marinated Mushrooms:

Heat oil in a pan and add the marinated mushrooms. Cook until they are golden brown. Set aside.

Make the Makhani Sauce:

In the same pan, add butter and sauté finely chopped onions until they turn translucent.

Add cumin powder, coriander powder, and garam masala. Cook for a couple of minutes.

Stir in the tomato puree and cook until the mixture thickens.

Add Cashew Nut Paste and Cream:

Pour in the blended cashew nut and melon seed paste. Cook for a few minutes until the raw smell disappears.

Add heavy cream to the pan, stirring continuously to create a rich and creamy sauce.

Introduce Cooked Mushrooms:

Add the cooked mushrooms to the Makhani sauce, ensuring they are well coated in the creamy mixture.

Enhance Flavor:

Crush dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi) between your palms and sprinkle them over the Mushroom Makhani for added flavor.

Adjust Seasoning:

Season the dish with salt according to your taste. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, and your Mushroom Makhani is ready to be served.

Conclusion:

Creamy Mushroom Makhani is a delightful twist on the classic butter masala, offering a vegetarian alternative that's rich, indulgent, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy this restaurant-style dish at home, served with naan, roti, or steamed rice for a truly satisfying culinary experience.