Dried Mushroom Curry

My cast-iron skillet always turns out excellent results. I didn't have fresh mushrooms on hand, but I did have a good variety of dried mushrooms in my cupboard. I wish I had a pantry as my cupboards are packed full. I have a difficult time finding necessary ingredients, and what an avalanche of spice jars and such falling out of the cupboard when I am searching for a desired ingredient. The trials and tribulations of having a packed kitchen, but I can't resist having staples on hand and then, all my spices — roughly 40 different ground spices, seeds and homemade blends.

Morels were my choice for a light lunch. Spices make this a most tantalizing light meal and the chewy texture of the mushrooms are just right. If you want to serve this alongside dinner, consider serving it with rice, a fresh salad and some baked potatoes and a dal soup.

Dried Mushroom Curry

Recipe by Lisa Turner Cuisine: Indian Published on October 21, 2011 A quick and easy spicy curry featuring the intense earthiness of dried mushrooms — great for a light lunch or side dish Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking time: 15 to 20 minutes Print this recipe Ingredients: 1/2 oz (14 g) dried mushrooms (I used morels) 2 teaspoons sesame oil for frying 1 teaspoon brown mustard seeds 1 small onion, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pinch of asafetida 3 to 5 fresh green chilies, seeded and minced 2 plum tomatoes, finely chopped sea salt to taste Instructions: Soak the dried mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes, then drain and chop coarsely. Heat the oil over medium heat in a skillet. When hot, add the mustard seeds and stir and fry until they turn grey and pop. Immediately add the onion and cook until the onion turns translucent. Toss in the spices and chilies and stir and fry for a minute, then add the mushrooms. Stir and fry for 5 minutes and then add the tomatoes and salt. Simmer for another 5 minutes or until you achieve your desired consistency. Makes 2 servings

More mushroom recipes from Lisa's Vegetarian Kitchen:
Scalloped Potatoes with Best Ever Mushroom Sauce
Best Ever Mushroom Sauce
Mushroom Marinara Sauce with Quinoa Pasta
Pasta with Goat Cheese and Mixed Mushrooms
Wild Mushroom and Paneer Pilaf with Urad Dal
Wild Rice Chowder with Fresh Coconut and Dried Mushrooms

Audio accompaniment: Pearl by Brian Eno and Harold Budd

On the top of the reading stack: The Siberian Curse by Fiona Hill