Chettinad Mushroom Masala

Ingredients  
Mushroom - 2 cups (chopped)
Tomato - 1
Turmeric powder - a pinch
Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
Curry leaves - 1 strand
Oil - 2 tblsp
Cilantro - for garnish
 
Spice Mixture
  Peppercorns- 1 tsp
Dry red chillies - 2
  Coriander seeds - 1 tblsp
Cumin seeds - 1/2 tsp
Fennel seeds - 1/2 tsp
Shallot onions - 2-3
Garlic cloves - 2

Method
1. Roast all the ingredients under 'spice mixture' separately till a nice aroma is released. If you do not have time roast everything together.
2. Once it cools, grind it to a coarse powder and keep aside.
3. Clean the mushroom using a paper towel and chop it lengthwise.
4. Heat oil in a pan, splutter the mustard seeds and curry leaves.
5. Add the chopped mushrooms to this and saute for 5 minutes till the mushrooms get a
nice color. Do not add water. The water from the mushroom is sufficient.
6. Add the tomatoes  required salt and turmeric powder. Cover and let it cook for a few minutes.
7. Add the spice mixture and mix everything for a minute.
8. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve as a side-dish for rice or roti or use as a stuffing for mushroom puffs or masala dosa.

Tips
   - A tblsp of grated coconut can also be added along with the spice mixture for added flavor.