🍄 Mushroom Xacuti Recipe | Goan Style Spicy Mushroom Curry

Are you craving a rich and aromatic Indian curry that’s packed with bold coastal flavors? Look no further than this Goan Mushroom Xacuti Recipe. This vegetarian version of the traditional Xacuti (pronounced “Shakuti”) is bursting with roasted spices, coconut, and earthy mushrooms – a real treat for your taste buds. Whether you’re searching for a spicy mushroom curry, Indian mushroom recipe, or vegan Goan curry, this dish checks all the boxes.

This easy mushroom xacuti recipe is perfect for dinner, meal prep, or even festive occasions. Let’s dive into this flavorful Goan curry with a healthy twist!

🛒 Ingredients for Mushroom Xacuti (Serves 4)

🔹 For Xacuti Masala (Dry Roast & Grind):

• Dry coconut (grated or shredded) – ½ cup

• Coriander seeds – 1½ tbsp

• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp

• Fennel seeds – 1 tsp

• Cloves – 4

• Black peppercorns – 6–8

• Cinnamon stick – 1-inch piece

• Poppy seeds – 1 tsp

• Dried red chilies – 3–4 (adjust to taste)

• Star anise – ½ (optional)

🔹 For Curry:

• Button mushrooms – 300g (sliced or halved)

• Onion – 2 medium (finely chopped)

• Tomato – 1 large (finely chopped)

• Garlic – 5–6 cloves

• Ginger – 1-inch piece

• Tamarind pulp – 1 tbsp

• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

• Salt – to taste

• Oil – 2 tbsp

• Water – as needed

• Fresh coriander leaves – for garnish

👨‍🍳 Make Mushroom Xacuti – Step by Step

✅ Step 1: Prepare the Xacuti Masala

1. In a dry pan, roast grated coconut until golden brown. Set aside.

2. Dry roast the spices: coriander seeds, cumin, fennel, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, poppy seeds, and dried red chilies. Toast until aromatic.

3. Combine the roasted coconut and spices. Let cool.

4. Grind with a little water to make a smooth, thick xacuti masala paste.

📝 Tip: You can store the extra homemade xacuti masala in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

✅ Step 2: Sauté the Base

1. Heat oil in a pan. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

2. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry till the raw smell disappears.

3. Add chopped tomatoes and cook till soft and mushy.

✅ Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

1. Add the sliced button mushrooms to the onion-tomato masala. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until mushrooms begin to soften.

2. Add turmeric and salt. Stir well.

✅ Step 4: Add Xacuti Masala & Simmer

1. Add the ground xacuti masala paste to the mushrooms.

2. Pour in enough water to form a gravy (about 1.5 cups).

3. Add tamarind pulp and mix well.

4. Simmer the curry on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the mushrooms absorb all the flavors and the oil begins to separate.

✅ Step 5: Garnish and Serve

• Turn off the flame and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🍽️ Best Ways to Serve Mushroom Xacuti

🍛 This curry is ideal for dinner, lunchboxes, or even festive menus when paired with side dishes like Goan salad or pickle.

🗓️ When to Serve Mushroom Xacuti?

• Weekend family dinner

• Vegan meal prep

• Special Goan-themed dinner

• Festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi (without onion/garlic version)

• Dinner party main course

🧾 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)

✅ Vegan, gluten-free, and rich in antioxidants, thanks to the spices and mushrooms.

❓ FAQs About Mushroom Xacuti

Q. What is Xacuti?

Xacuti is a traditional Goan curry made with roasted spices and coconut. Usually made with meat, this vegetarian xacuti recipe substitutes mushrooms for a healthy twist.

Q. Can I use canned mushrooms?

Fresh mushrooms are preferred for best texture and flavor, but you can use canned mushrooms in a pinch – rinse and drain before use.

Q. Is this dish spicy?

Yes, Goan xacuti is naturally spicy, but you can adjust the number of chilies and pepper to suit your heat tolerance.

Q. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, the curry tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Q. Is this curry freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. Cool and freeze in airtight containers for up to a month. Reheat with a splash of water.

📝 Interesting Facts

This Mushroom Xacuti Recipe is a flavorful celebration of Goan cuisine in a healthy, vegan, and vegetarian form. Whether you’re looking to explore regional Indian curries, prepare a quick mushroom curry for chapati, or spice up your dinner with a South Indian-style coconut curry, this dish is a perfect choice.

With bold spices, earthy mushrooms, and creamy coconut undertones, this curry is bound to become a household favorite. Pair it with rice or roti and enjoy a taste of coastal India in your kitchen!