This winter-style mushroom starter uses curry leaves as the hero element, giving every bite a sharp, fragrant lift. The crushed spices create a solid base of warmth, while the rice flour–cornflour coating keeps the exterior crisp. The mushrooms stay juicy inside, making this an easy yet reliable warm appetiser for cold evenings.
Start by grinding curry leaves, green chillies, garlic, and ginger into a coarse paste. Avoid adding water; the natural moisture keeps the mixture thick. Crush cumin, fennel, and peppercorns separately and fold them into the paste. This mixture forms the aromatic backbone of the coating and should remain slightly textured.
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Step 2: Build the Coating Mix
Add turmeric, red chilli powder, coriander powder, salt, and lemon juice to the prepared paste. Stir until everything binds together evenly. Sprinkle in the rice flour and cornflour to create a sticky but firm coating. The mixture should cling to the mushrooms without sliding off, ensuring an even crust during frying.
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Step 3: Prepare the Mushrooms
Wipe the mushrooms thoroughly with a dry cloth to remove any surface moisture. Excess water weakens the crust and prevents crisping. Halve the mushrooms only if they are large, keeping the pieces uniform so they cook at the same pace. This also helps the coating grip the surface properly.
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Step 4: Marinate the Mushrooms
Toss the mushrooms in the curry leaf mixture, making sure every piece is fully coated. Spread them out so they aren’t stacked, allowing the coating to firm up. Resting time is important here; it lets the flavours settle and ensures the crust doesn’t fall off when heated.
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Step 5: Pan-Fry the Mushrooms
Heat oil in a wide pan on medium flame. Arrange the coated mushrooms in a single layer to avoid steaming. Let them cook until the underside turns golden and starts to crisp. Flip gently and fry the other side, allowing the curry leaf crust to harden without burning. The mushrooms should stay tender inside.
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Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove onto a plate lined with absorbent paper. The coating will stay crisp as it cools slightly. A small drizzle of lemon juice brightens the flavours and enhances the curry leaf aroma. Serve immediately while the crust retains its crunch.