At Shalimar, we take pride in serving dishes that celebrate the rich heritage of Indian cuisine. One of our most loved vegetarian delights is kadai mushroom — a flavorful dish cooked in a traditional wok called a kadai. The aroma of freshly ground spices, tender mushrooms, and capsicum combined with a thick tomato-based gravy makes this dish an irresistible favorite for spice lovers.
If you have ever enjoyed kadai-style cooking, you already know how beautifully the smoky flavors and bold spices come together. This recipe will help you recreate our restaurant-style dish at home while appreciating the culinary magic that defines Shalimar’s food culture.
What Makes Kadai Mushroom Special?
The heart of this dish lies in its unique kadai masala — a blend of roasted whole spices like coriander seeds and dried red chilies. Unlike everyday curries, kadai mushroom recipe features a thicker, rustic gravy that clings deliciously to each piece of mushroom.
The dish pairs perfectly with naan, chapati, roti, or jeera rice, making it suitable for a comforting dinner or a special weekend meal. Vegetarian diners particularly love how mushrooms soak up the spices and develop a deep, rich taste.
Ingredients Required
Here’s everything you’ll need to cook kadai mushroom at home:
Vegetables and Main Ingredients:
- 250g fresh mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green capsicum, diced
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh coriander for garnish
For Kadai Masala:
- 1 tablespoon coriander seeds
- 3 dried red chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- A pinch of fenugreek seeds (optional)
Spice Powders:
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
These ingredients ensure that every bite tastes fresh, aromatic, and reminiscent of authentic restaurant-style cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Make the Kadai Masala
Dry roast coriander seeds, red chilies, and cumin seeds on low heat until aromatic. Grind into a coarse powder — this signature masala is what sets kadai mushroom recipes apart.
Step 2: Sauté the Base
Heat oil in a kadai, add sliced onions, and cook until lightly golden. Stir in ginger-garlic paste and cook until the raw smell fades.
Step 3: Add Tomato Gravy
Add the tomato puree and cook until the oil begins to separate. Then mix in turmeric and red chili powder.
Step 4: Add Mushrooms and Capsicum
Now add sliced mushrooms and diced capsicum to the gravy. Mushrooms release water naturally, so cook on medium heat until they reduce in size and blend with the masala.
Step 5: Add Kadai Masala & Garam Masala
Sprinkle the freshly ground masala and garam masala. Cover and cook for 5–7 minutes so flavors infuse beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Finish with fresh coriander leaves and serve steaming hot.
Your kadai mushroom masala is ready to enjoy — a bold, robust dish with Shalimar’s signature style!
Tips to Make It Perfect Every Time
- Fresh mushrooms always deliver the best texture — avoid overcooking them.
- Capsicum should remain slightly crunchy for that signature restaurant feel.
- Grinding spices fresh at home intensifies aroma and taste.
- For a rich variation, add 2 tablespoons of cashew paste to the tomato gravy.
These tips ensure your homemade curry reaches restaurant quality with ease.
Serving Suggestions
At Shalimar, we love serving this recipe with:
- Butter naan
- Tandoori roti
- Plain paratha
- Jeera rice
- Steamed basmati rice
It also makes a delicious complement to a complete Indian thali.
Whether you’re having a simple family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish easily becomes the star of the table.
Why Shalimar Loves This Dish
The combination of earthiness from mushrooms, the crunch of capsicum, and the boldness of kadai masala perfectly represents the essence of Shalimar’s culinary identity — authentic, fresh, and unforgettable.
Every time our chefs cook this delicacy in the kitchen, the aroma travels far and wide, drawing diners with its irresistible charm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How to make mushroom kadai at home easily?
Make a base with onions, tomato puree, and spices, then add mushrooms and capsicum. Cook with freshly ground masala for the best flavor.
Q2: How to make kadai mushroom like a restaurant?
Use roasted whole spices for the masala, keep the gravy slightly thick, and avoid overcooking vegetables.
Q3: How to prepare kadai mushroom without cream?
This recipe traditionally doesn’t need cream — the spices and tomatoes create the perfect consistency.
Q4: How to cook kadai vegetable with mushroom?
Add extra vegetables such as paneer, beans, or carrots while keeping mushrooms the star ingredient.
Q5: How to cook kadai vegetable with mushroom easily?
Follow the same steps but adjust cooking time based on the added vegetables to maintain texture.
