🍄 Mushroom Bhaji Recipe (Indian Mushroom Curry)

Mushroom Bhaji is a simple, flavorful, and comforting Indian-style dish made with button mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, garlic, and aromatic spices. It’s a vegan, gluten-free side that pairs beautifully with roti, naan, or steamed rice. Packed with earthy mushroom flavor and traditional Indian masalas, it’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Whether you're an Indian food enthusiast or just looking for a meatless dish that’s rich in flavor and easy to prepare, Mushroom Bhaji ticks all the boxes. Let's dive into the full recipe, along with cooking tips, serving ideas, and more.

📌 Table of Contents

What is Mushroom Bhaji?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking Tips & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Nutritional Information
Storage and Reheating
FAQs
Final Thoughts
Recipe Card

🌟 What is Mushroom Bhaji?

"Mushroom Bhaji" is a North Indian-style dry or semi-dry curry made using fresh mushrooms and a base of onions, tomatoes, garlic, and Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. "Bhaji" in Indian cuisine refers to a vegetable-based dry curry, and this version uses mushrooms as the hero ingredient.

You’ll often find Mushroom Bhaji served in Indian restaurants or takeaways, especially in the UK, where it’s a beloved curry house favorite.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make restaurant-style Mushroom Bhaji at home:

Main Ingredients:

Mushrooms – 250g to 300g (Button mushrooms work best)
Onions – 2 medium, finely chopped
Tomatoes – 2 medium, finely chopped or pureed
Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1-inch piece, grated
Green chili – 1 (optional), finely chopped
Oil – 2 tablespoons (vegetable or mustard oil preferred)
Cilantro (Coriander leaves) – A handful, chopped

Whole Spices:

Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
Bay leaf – 1
Mustard seeds – ½ tsp (optional)

Ground Spices:

Turmeric powder – ½ tsp
Red chili powder – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
Coriander powder – 2 tsp
Garam masala – 1 tsp
Salt – to taste

👨‍🍳 How to Make Mushroom Bhaji – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Mushrooms

Clean the mushrooms by wiping them with a damp cloth or rinsing briefly under running water.
Pat dry and slice them evenly.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Spices

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
Add cumin seeds and bay leaf. Let them crackle.
Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
Add garlic, ginger, and green chili. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Ground Spices

Add the chopped or pureed tomatoes.
Stir in turmeric, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt.
Cook the masala until oil starts to separate from the sides (approx. 8-10 minutes).

Step 4: Add Mushrooms

Toss in the sliced mushrooms.
Mix well with the masala and cook for 10-12 minutes. Mushrooms will release water; let them cook down until the curry thickens.

Step 5: Finish with Garam Masala and Coriander

Sprinkle garam masala on top.
Add chopped fresh coriander leaves.
Give it a final stir and serve hot.

💡 Cooking Tips & Variations

🔥 Cooking Tips

Do not overcrowd the pan: Cook mushrooms in a wide pan to allow proper browning.
Don't add water: Mushrooms naturally release moisture; let them cook in their own juices for intense flavor.
Use fresh mushrooms: Fresh button or cremini mushrooms give the best results.

🔁 Variations

Creamy Mushroom Bhaji: Add 2 tbsp of coconut milk or cream for a richer curry.
Add Veggies: Include peas, spinach, or bell peppers for a nutritious twist.
South Indian Style: Temper with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and a touch of coconut oil.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Mushroom Bhaji is versatile and can be served in several ways:

With Indian Breads: Serve with roti, naan, or paratha.
With Rice: Goes well with steamed basmati rice or jeera rice.
Side Dish: Pair with dal and rice for a hearty Indian thali.
Wrap: Stuff it in a tortilla or roti for a delicious mushroom bhaji wrap.

🥦 Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Vegan: Yes
Gluten-Free: Yes

Mushrooms are low in calories and packed with antioxidants, potassium, and B-vitamins. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious!

❄️ Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover mushroom bhaji in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 1 month, though mushrooms may change texture slightly.
Reheating: Warm in a pan or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed.