Spinach and Mushroom Bhaji is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the vibrant green goodness of spinach. This recipe features a blend of aromatic spices, including mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds, creating a rich and fragrant base for the vegetables. The combination of sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices infuses the mushrooms and spinach with a delightful medley of flavors. Served as a side dish or a main course with rice or bread, Spinach and Mushroom Bhaji is a versatile and satisfying option for vegetarians and vegetable enthusiasts. Follow the simple steps below to create this delicious and vibrant bhaji that will add a burst of flavor to your meals.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
- 2.5cm/1in piece of fresh root ginger, roughly chopped
- 50ml/2fl oz vegetable oil
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chilli powder
- 450g/1lb button mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 400g/14oz canned chopped plum tomatoes
- 900g/2lb fresh spinach, roughly shredded
- 4 tablespoons desiccated or shredded coconut, to garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
PREPARATIONS:
- Put the mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds in a large heavy flameproof casserole dish. Dry-roast them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until aromatic, stirring all the time. Remove the seeds from the dish.
- Using a mortar and pestle, crush the roasted seeds into a paste with the garlic cloves and fresh ginger.
- Heat the vegetable oil in the same casserole dish. Add the thinly sliced onions and sauté them gently, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes until they become soft and golden.
- Add the spice paste (mustard seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, garlic, and ginger) to the dish, along with ground turmeric and chilli powder. Sauté gently, stirring all the time, for 5 minutes.
- Add the thickly sliced mushrooms to the dish and stir to coat them well with the spiced mixture.
- Pour in the canned chopped plum tomatoes and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring all the time. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the roughly shredded fresh spinach to the dish and stir well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Reduce the heat, cover the dish, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, stirring frequently to blend in the spinach.
- Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Transfer the mixture to a warmed serving dish.
- Sprinkle the Spinach and Mushroom Bhaji with desiccated or shredded coconut as a garnish.
- Serve the bhaji immediately.
YIELD:
- Serves 8
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Adjust the amount of chilli powder according to your preferred level of spiciness.
- If using fresh ginger and garlic, finely grate them instead of chopping.
TIPS:
- Clean the mushrooms thoroughly before slicing to remove any dirt or debris.
- Choose fresh and tender spinach leaves for the best texture and flavor in the bhaji.
- Squeeze out excess water from the shredded spinach before adding it to the dish to prevent it from becoming watery.
In conclusion, Spinach and Mushroom Bhaji is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms with the vibrant green goodness of spinach. The blend of aromatic spices, including mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and cumin seeds, adds depth and fragrance to the dish. This recipe offers a delicious medley of sautéed onions, tomatoes, and spices that infuse the mushrooms and spinach with a burst of flavors.
Spinach and Mushroom Bhaji can be enjoyed as a side dish or a main course, paired with rice or bread. The versatility of this dish makes it suitable for vegetarians and vegetable enthusiasts alike.
The easy preparation and use of readily available ingredients make Spinach and Mushroom Bhaji a convenient choice for a flavorful and wholesome meal. By following the steps provided, you can create a delicious bhaji that will add a vibrant touch to your dining experience.
To personalize the dish, consider adjusting the amount of chilli powder according to your preferred level of spiciness. Additionally, ensure that the mushrooms are thoroughly cleaned and the spinach is well drained to maintain the desired texture and flavors.
Serve the Spinach and Mushroom Bhaji hot and garnish it with desiccated or shredded coconut for an added burst of flavor. Indulge in the rich and aromatic flavors of this bhaji, savoring the combination of mushrooms and spinach in every bite.
