Do you enjoy strong South Indian flavors? The ideal vegetarian version of the well-known Mangalorean ghee roast, this mushroom ghee roast is spicy, buttery, and extremely aromatic! Discover how to prepare it from scratch using basic step-by-step instructions and a homemade masala.
You can’t overlook Mushroom Ghee Roast if you want strong, hot flavors and earthy ingredients that do the talking. This famous recipe, which originated in the Karnataka coastal town of Mangalore, has become a staple in Indian households and eateries.
Traditionally made with meat like chicken or prawns, this vegetarian twist using mushrooms retains all the heat, spice, and aroma of the original, while being completely plant-based. The dish is slathered in a vibrant, red masala that’s bursting with flavor and richness, thanks to two key ingredients: aromatic ghee and roasted spices.
Why You Should Try Mushroom Ghee Roast
In this post, we’ll dive deep into the origins, preparation, and personal tips for making an irresistible Mushroom Ghee Roast — the kind that feels straight out of a coastal kitchen.
What is Mushroom Ghee Roast?
This meal, Mushroom Ghee Roast, involves slow-roasted mushrooms prepared in ghee (clarified butter) with a spicy, acidic, and intensely fragrant masala. Red chilies, garlic, tamarind, and dry-roasted whole spices are combined to make the masala, which is then crushed into a flaming red paste. The cooking method is what distinguishes this meal. The mushrooms are roasted until the masala thickens and sticks to each piece, giving it a slightly charred, smokey flavor, as opposed to being curried or boiled in sauce.
Let me take you to the History of Mushroom Ghee Roast
This recipe’s origins can be found in Udupi-Mangalorean cooking, which is renowned for using a lot of coconut, curry leaves, and spices. Local restaurants known as Shetty’s or military hotels in and around Mangalore were the first to popularize ghee roast, whether it was served with chicken or mushrooms. With time, the vegetarian variant gained popularity among people who wanted the same taste profile without the meat. And now? Around the world, it’s a cult favorite on menus and culinary blogs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is split into two parts: making the masala and preparing the mushrooms.
For the Ghee Roast Masala:
- 6–8 Byadagi red chilies (or Kashmiri red chilies for less heat, more color)
- 1 tsp coriander seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/2 tsp fennel seeds
- 4–5 garlic cloves
- 1/2 inch ginger
- 1 tbsp tamarind paste (or a small marble-sized tamarind soaked in warm water)
- 1 tsp jaggery (optional, for balance)
- Water as needed
For the Main Dish:
- 200–250g button mushrooms, cleaned and halved
- 2–3 tbsp ghee (use desi ghee for best flavor)
- 1 sprig curry leaves
- Salt to taste
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional, but adds sweetness and texture)
Step-by-Step Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Masala
a) In a skillet over medium heat, dry roast the peppercorns, cumin, fennel, red chilies, and coriander seeds until aromatic, 1 to 2 minutes. Avoid burning them!
b) Allow them to cool before grinding them into a thick, smooth paste with a little water, ginger, garlic, and tamarind paste.
c) If you prefer a hint of sweetness, add jaggery. Put aside.
💡 Tip: Adapt the amount of chili to your preferred level of spice. Byadagi chilies, which are vivid red and gently spicy, are perfect.
Step 2: Cook the Mushrooms
a) Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a heavy-bottomed pan.
b) If using, add the sliced onions and cook until golden and tender.
c) After adding the mushroom halves and a pinch of salt, cook them until they release moisture and begin to shrink.
d) After removing the mushrooms, set them aside. They will continue to cook in the masala if you overcook them.
Step 3: Combine & Cook
a) Add 1-2 tablespoons of ghee to the same pan.
b) Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 7 to 10 minutes after adding the prepared masala paste.
c) It should start to release ghee and darken and decrease. Return the mushrooms to the pan.
d) If necessary, add curry leaves and a bit more salt.
e) Stirring often, roast everything for a further 5 to 7 minutes, or until the masala is rich and wonderfully covers the mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
The easiest way to offset the flavor of the strong, fiery mushroom ghee roast is to serve it with moderate or neutral accompaniments.
Serve it with:
a) Neer dosa, which are delicate, lace-like coastal rice crepes .
b) Jeera rice or steamed rice
c) For that double-ghee treat, try ghee rice.
d) Paratha or chapati for a daily meal .
e) A side of raita or curd for a refreshing contrast.
Why This Recipe Is Effective
✔ Packed with strong, roasted spice flavors
✔ Rich, nutty scent from the ghee
✔ Mushrooms absorb the masala like a sponge
✔ Vegetarian and gluten-free
✔ Ideal for dinner parties and special feasts
Nutritional Knowledge
Although they are low in calories, mushrooms are rich in potassium, selenium, and B vitamins. Healthy fats offer flavor and aid in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins when cooked in ghee (in moderation).
Note: Although ghee is high in healthful fats and devoid of lactose, vegans should use vegan butter or cold-pressed coconut oil instead.
Variations and Advice
Make it vegan: by using coconut oil or vegan butter for the ghee.
Add Crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or roasted cashews on top.
For More Gravy: If you like a semi-dry consistency, add a few tablespoons of water or coconut milk.
Other Mushrooms: For variation and umami depth, use shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
Concluding remarks
This type of meal, mushroom ghee roast, uses few ingredients but packs a strong taste punch. It has that “restaurant-quality” vibe, is incredibly fulfilling, and is completely possible in a home kitchen. It’s one of the most unusual vegetarian Indian recipes you’ll ever encounter because of the harmony of heat, tang, and richness.
This recipe should be in your comfort food rotation whether you’re trying to wow visitors or treat yourself to something special.
I would love to see your version of this recipe, so please tag me on Instagram or leave a comment with your thoughts if you give it a try! 🧡
Stay cosy and elegant until the next time.
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