The versatile mushroom provides a wealth of inspiration. Bear in mind that mushrooms are not only fabulously flavoursome and versatile, they also provide plenty of nutritional worth. The unassuming white button and large brown mushroom therefore deliver value for money because they’re packed with nutrients, including potassium, copper and niacin. In fact, just a handful of white button mushrooms have about 12 times more antioxidants than wheat germ and four times more than chicken liver. So, there are many good reasons to place mushrooms high up on the menu this winter; these easily-made, flavourful recipes were prepared for Habitat:

Curried Mushroom Bunny Chow (left)
serves 6

Ingredients:
1kg mushrooms, cubed
1 onion, sliced into rings
2 tomatoes
30ml vegetable oil
2-3 curry leaves
1 stick cinnamon
10ml fresh ginger, grated
10ml fresh garlic, crushed
20ml Durban masala (homemade or bought)
5ml  ground turmeric
10ml garam masala
3-4 potatoes, cubed
Season to taste with salt and pepper
Fresh coriander for garnish

Method:
Cut the mushrooms into quarters and peel and dice the tomato. Heat the oil and add the cinnamon stick, onion and curry leaves. Fry until the onion is light golden brown in colour. Add the masala mix (or curry powder), turmeric, ginger, garlic and tomato. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mix resembles a purée.  Add the mushrooms and cook for about 10 minutes. Then add the potatoes and about 1/4 cup of water. Lower the heat and simmer over the low heat until the potatoes are cooked. Keep an eye on it to make sure the bottom of the pot does not burn. Once the potatoes and mushrooms are tender, add the garam masala mixture. Test for seasoning and add salt if necessary. Simmer for a further 10 minutes on a low heat. Take a fresh loaf of white bread and halve it. Scoop out the soft white crumb, leaving the crust to form a ‘bowl’. Spoon the curry into the half loaf and serve, garnished with coriander leaves. The soft crumb can be dipped into the curry and eaten as well.

July/August 2010 Issue

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