Garlic and Spice Mushroom Bhaji

Step 1: Roast the Garlic

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (160°C fan) or gas mark 4. This ensures a consistent cooking temperature for the garlic.
• Prepare the Garlic: Slice the garlic bulb in half horizontally through its center. This allows the natural sweetness to develop as it roasts.
• Wrap and Oil: Place each half on a piece of foil, placing one black cardamom pod on top of each half. Drizzle with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, which helps in caramelization and adds flavor.
• Seal and Bake: Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil to trap steam. Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes or in an air fryer for 20-25 minutes. The garlic should be soft, jammy, and lightly caramelized. Check for doneness by gently pressing it; it should yield easily.

Step 2: Sauté the Mushrooms

• Heat the Pan: In a large frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the mushrooms for better browning.
• Cook the Mushrooms: Add the exotic mushroom mix (400g) and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The mushrooms should reduce in size and develop a nice color.
• Set Aside: Remove the mushrooms from the pan and set aside in a bowl. This prevents them from becoming soggy when combined with other ingredients.

Step 3: Cook the Onions

• Add More Oil: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. This helps the onions to soften and enhances their flavor.
• Sauté the Onions: Add the roughly chopped onion (1 small) and cook over medium heat until soft and just starting to brown, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
• Incorporate Aromatics: Add the roasted cardamom pods from the garlic, along with 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds. These spices add depth and fragrance. Stir well for about 30 seconds.
• Add Ginger and Chilli: Incorporate finely grated or chopped ginger (1 teaspoon) and sliced green chilli (1, optional) for heat. Cook for another 30 seconds, allowing the spices to bloom.

Step 4: Add the Garlic

• Squeeze in the Garlic: Carefully squeeze the roasted garlic cloves from the bulb into the pan. You can use the back of a spoon to extract all the sweet, soft garlic.
• Smash Lightly: Gently smash the garlic with the spoon to release its flavor further, blending it with the onion and spices.

Step 5: Combine the Spices

• Mix in Tomato Purée: Add 2 tablespoons of tomato purée and stir it into the mixture, cooking for a few minutes. This adds acidity and richness to the dish.
• Add Ground Spices: Incorporate the ground spices: 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of ground coriander, and 1-2 teaspoons of Kashmiri chilli powder (adjust to taste). Stir well.
• Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is sticking to the pan, add a splash of water (about 2-3 tablespoons) to loosen it up and prevent burning.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

• Final Touches: Stir in the juice of half a lemon (about ½ lemon), which brightens the dish and balances the flavors.
• Add Mushrooms: Fold the previously sautéed mushrooms back into the pan and mix thoroughly with the spice mixture.
• Garnish: Stir in roughly chopped coriander (30g) just before serving for freshness.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Immediately: Plate the mushroom bhaji hot, garnished with additional coriander if desired.
• Accompaniments: This dish pairs well with cooked rice or naan bread. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of yogurt or a simple salad to complement the flavors.

Cooking Tips

• Mushroom Variations: You can experiment with different types of mushrooms such as shiitake, portobello, or cremini for varied textures and flavors.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice levels according to your preference. For a milder dish, reduce the amount of Kashmiri chilli powder or omit the green chilli.

This detailed guidance ensures a flavorful and well-balanced mushroom bhaji that you can enjoy as a comforting dish or serve at gatherings!