Creating a blog was out of the question for a long time for me, as measuring everything in the kitchen was like biting into an eggshell. I enjoy cooking and don’t want to waste even a slightest bit of enjoyment in that small world of mine. But little did I know that everything will change, when my husband came home with the Oscar nominated film ‘Julie and Julia’( a real life story) where Julie Powell (part played by Amy Adams) challenged herself to make all the 524 recipes from Julia Child's cook book ‘Mastering the Art of French Cooking’ and blogging all her experiences (The Julie/Julia Project). It was an inspiring movie. A few days later when we were discussing this casually with a friend of ours over tea…everything changed dramatically…..” How about you making at least half of it in one year? Not French but your own. 262 recipes that will inspire others and present it as a blog?” For a minute my mind traveled faster than light… With an experience as a helper in my mother in laws kitchen for 6 years followed by a three year everyday struggle to satisfy the palate of my foodie husband, if I cannot do it then why should I cook? But on the other side with an experience in English literature extending no more than expanding outline stories in English grammar class when I was 18 and two small kids that come in handy at times, will a commitment for the next one year work? Anyway my ‘cook's ego’ didn’t allow me to say no...

So my friends …here I am opening my recipe book, trying to perfect and present 262 recipes in the coming 365 days….A Challenge that will of course tastes good. Come.. Have a walk with me along my journey.. Cheering and inspiring….Forgiving and tolerating…Testing and tasting….for ‘A Tasty Challenge’

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Sunday, March 27, 2011

Mushroom Thoran (Mushroom stir fried with Coconut)

Recipe No: 227
This is one of my Father’s favorite Mushroom preparations. Back in the days when Mushrooms were not available commercially, my Mother used to watch out for this in our backyard everyday during its season. Even if she got only 2 or 3, she used to make this Thoran with those precious ones.
Ingredients                                        Serves 5
  • Mushroom…………………….350 grams (12 oz/ 12 really big button Mushrooms)
To Grind
  • Grated Coconut……………..3/4 Cup (unsweetened)
  • Shallots………………………...3 big
  • Garlic……………………………1 big clove
  • Indian Green Chilly…….…4
  • Turmeric Powder………..…3/4 Teaspoon
  • Salt as needed
For Tempering
  • Coconut Oil…………………..2 Tablespoons
  • Mustard Seeds……………...1/2 Teaspoon
  • Dry Red Chilly……………...2 (broken into 2 pieces)
  • Shallots sliced……………....2 big
  • Curry Leaf…………………....1 sprig
Method of Preparation
  1. Peel the Mushrooms as I explained in Mushroom Curry (Read here) and tear it into small pieces with your hands. Wash it thoroughly and squeeze the Water out and keep it aside in a Chatti (an earthen cooking vessel) or a pan.
  2. Grind all the ingredients mentioned in the ‘to grind’ section and mix it with the prepared Mushroom with your hands.
  3. Pour ¼ Cup Water into the Mushroom Coconut mixture and cook it on high flame till it boils and then reduce the heat to medium low and cook till the Mushrooms are done and the Water is all evaporated. Keep it aside.
  4. In another pan heat Coconut Oil on medium heat and splutter the Mustard Seeds.
  5. Add Dry Red Chilly, Shallots sliced and Curry Leaves and fry till the Shallots are golden brown.
  6. Add the cooked Mushroom mixture into the pan with the tempering and mix well.
  7. Let the extra Water (if any) evaporate and let it saute for a minute.
  8. Switch off the heat and serve it hot with Rice.
Notes:
  • My mother never used to slice Mushrooms. She just tore it by her hands. Don't discard the stems. Take the outer skin off and cut it into pieces.
  • As Mushroom tends to absorb Water like a sponge, do squeeze the Water really well after washing.
  • The amount of Turmeric Powder used is a bit on the higher side for Mushrooms as it acts as an anti toxic agent (as said by the elders).
  • While cooking, Mushrooms will give out a lot of Water. This together with the Water added is essential for the Mushrooms to cook and let it evaporate completely before switching it off.
  • As Mushrooms tend to go bad fast, use it as fresh as possible. Old Mushrooms may cause stomach upsets.







Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and
serve it to your family with love…

5 comments:

Priya Suresh said...

Thoran with mushrooms thats truly delicious,thanks for sharing,cant wait to try..

sojo said...

Our family favourite.... and no store bought mushrooms can compete with those that pop up at our backyard after a thunder storm !!! oh how how how I miss those thorans, theeyal, curry etc mom used to make.... Kerala Monsoon!!!! Feeling Nostalgic, Asha....

Asha said...

Exactly Sojo... Store bought ones won't even be qualified to compete with the natural ones...

My Kitchen Antics said...

wow that is interesting..im book marking this for sure..im always on the look out for thoran recipes

Jaisy James said...

wow recipe adipoli

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