Friday, March 26, 2010

Curried Oyster Mushrooms

Some years back I had invited some friends over for a get together.  Then I found out that one of the 'drivers' was observing a vegetarian diet due to some vow that he had undertaken.  If I did not cater to his needs, a number of invitees would have to miss the event.

While I did buy some food from a vegetarian restaurant, I also like to serve food I myself cook.  This is one of the ways I cook meat and here I substituted oyster mushrooms for meat. (I had to purchase new knives, a chopping board, a wok and disposable utensils as my friend takes his religion seriously and I have to respect him for that.) 

Ingredients
 about 10 Shallots (Sliced)
5 Shallots, 5 pips Garlic and  about 2 inch Ginger (grind to a paste)
2 tablespoons Thick Coconut Cream or Yogurt
1 tablespoon Meat Curry Powder
200 gm Oyster Mushrooms (wash and tear into pieces)
Salt (about 3/4 teaspoon or to taste)
about 4 tablespoons oil

Method
 Heat Wok
Heat oil
Saute sliced shallots till soft
Add ground paste
Fry till fragrant
Add curry powder
Fry till all ingredients well mixed
Add in the oyster mushrooms
Stir till the seasoning ingredients are well mixed with the mushrooms
As the mushrooms begin to wilt, the juices will flow out of the mushrooms
Keep stirring till most of the juice has dried up
Season with salt
Add the coconut cream or yogurt
 Keep cooking for another 5 minutes or so
  It should be ready to serve.