Green peas and mushrooms cooked to a delicious gravy.

Mushrooms, though classified as vegetables in the food world, are not technically plants. They belong to the fungi kingdom and although they are not vegetables, mushrooms provide several important nutrients. Mushrooms are naturally low in sodium, fat, cholesterol, and calories and have often been referred to as “functional foods.” In addition to providing basic nutrition, they help prevent chronic disease due to the presence of antioxidants and beneficial dietary fibers such as chitin and beta-glucans.

Preparation Time : 15-20 minutes

Cooking time : 15 minutes

Servings : 4

Cuisine: North Indian

Course: Main Course

Level Of Cooking: Easy

Ingredients:

• 200 gms Button mushrooms , finely sliced
• 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
• 2 medium size Onions, cut into small pieces
• 2 medium size Tomatoes
• 8-9 Cashew nuts, finely powdered
• 12 Peppercorns, finely powdered
• 1/4 tsp Cinnamon powder
• 3 Clove, powdered
• 1 tsp Fennel / saunf seeds, powdered
• 1 Green cardamom, finely powdered
• 3 Green chillies
• 1 tsp Ginger paste
• 1 tsp Garlic paste
• 1/4 tsp Red chilli powder
• 1 level tsp Salt or to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil

Method:

Step 1.

Wash, clean and slice the mushrooms. In a pressure cooker, add sliced mushrooms and 1/4 cup of water. On a high flame, when full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. Once the pressure cooker cools down to room temperature, open the lid and keep the mushrooms aside.

Step 2.

In a pressure cooker take green peas add 1/4 cup of water. On a high flame once full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. When the pressure cooker cools down to room temperature, open the lid and keep the peas aside.

Step 3.

Cut each tomato in two halves. In a pressure cooker add the cut tomatoes and 1/4 cup of water. On a high flame when full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. When pressure cooker cools down to room temperature, open the lid and take out the tomatoes in a small bowl. Remove the skin from all four pieces with a fork and put them into a blender. Add finely chopped green chillies and cashew powder to it and blend the mix. Keep aside.

Step 4.

Cut the onions into small pieces. Put in the pressure cooker with 1/4 cup of water. On a high flame when full pressure is formed, switch off the stove. Once the pressure cooker cools down to room temperature, open the lid and take out the onions into a blender jar. Blend the onions in to a fine paste and keep  aside.

Step 5.

Heat oil in a wok/ pan / kadhai. Add green cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, fennel / saunf powder and sauté lightly, till fragrant. Add the onion paste and sauté for 5-8 minutes on medium flame. Add ginger and garlic paste and sauté for a minute or so.

Step 6.

Add blanched tomatoes, cashew nut powder and green chillies paste. Cook for five to seven minutes on low heat. Add salt and red chili powder, mix well. Add 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. To this, add the mushrooms, peas. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes on low heat.

Step 7.

Serve hot with any Indian bread of your choice.

Possible health benefits of mushrooms:

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Countless studies have suggested that increasing consumption of naturally-grown foods like mushrooms decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, and overall lower weight.

Cancer: Mushrooms contain just as high an antioxidant capacity as carrots, tomatoes, green and red peppers, pumpkins, green beans, and zucchini.⁴

Selenium is a mineral that is not present in most fruits and vegetables but can be found in mushrooms. It plays a role in liver enzyme function, and helps detoxify some cancer-causing compounds in the body. Additionally, selenium prevents inflammation and also decreases tumor growth rates.²

The vitamin D in mushrooms has also been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells by contributing to the regulation of the cell growth cycle. The folate in mushrooms plays an important role in DNA synthesis and repair, thus preventing the formation of cancer cells from mutations in the DNA.²

Diabetes: Studies have shown that type 1 diabetics who consume high-fiber diets have lower blood glucose levels and type 2 diabetics may have improved blood sugar, lipids and insulin levels. One cup of grilled portabella mushrooms and one cup of stir-fried shiitake mushrooms both provide about 3 grams of fiber.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 21-25 g/day for women and 30-38 g/day for men.

Heart health: The fiber, potassium and vitamin C content in mushrooms all contribute to cardiovascular health. Potassium and sodium work together in the body to help regulate blood pressure. Consuming mushrooms, which are high in potassium and low in sodium helps to lower blood pressure and decrease the risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases.

Additionally, an intake of 3 grams of beta-glucans per day can lower blood cholesterol levels by 5%.³

Immunity: Selenium has also been found to improve immune response to infection by stimulating production of killer T-cells. The beta-glucan fibers found in the cell walls of mushrooms stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells and prevent tumors from forming.³

Weight management and satiety: Dietary fiber plays an important role in weight management by functioning as a “bulking agent” in the digestive system. Mushrooms contain two types of dietary fibers in their cell walls: beta-glucans and chitin which increase satiety and reduce appetite, making you feel fuller longer and thereby lowering your overall calorie intake.³

Ref.http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/278858.php

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• Nick’s kitchen is for Vegetarians. It sometimes provides education and support to individuals who want to become vegetarian, or move toward a more vegetarian diet.
• Nick’s kitchen provides some information on vegetarian and vegan diets to the best of their knowledge and abilities.
• Nick’s kitchen does not claim to be health care professional, nutritionist, nor does it claims to treat any illness through vegan or vegetarian diet.
• If you have a medical condition,Nick’s kitchen recommend that you consult your health care professionals before changing your diet.
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