Intro: When the Earth Smelled of Rain and Curry
In Odisha, the first rains don’t just bring green fields—they bring mushrooms.
And in my village, that meant it was time for Chhatu Besara. I still remember my grandmother sending us out with old steel plates to gather mushrooms early in the morning, while the dew was still clinging to the soil.
The curry she made was simple — mustard paste, garlic, green chilies — but it tasted like the whole season in a bowl. That first bite always made me feel like the monsoon had truly arrived.
Ingredients:
200 gms mushrooms (washed and sliced)
1 medium potato (optional, cubed)
2–3 green chilies
Salt to taste
½ tsp turmeric
1½ tbsp mustard oil
For Mustard Paste:
1 tbsp yellow mustard seeds
1 tsp poppy seeds (optional)
3–4 garlic cloves
2 green chilies
Water (to grind)
Steps to Make Chhatu Besara:
1. Prepare the Mustard Paste
Soak mustard and poppy seeds for 15–20 mins.
Grind with garlic, green chilies, and a little water into a smooth paste. Set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables
In a pan, heat mustard oil till smoking.
Add potatoes (if using) and sauté with turmeric and salt.
Add mushrooms and sauté for 2–3 mins.
3. Add the Paste
Pour in the mustard paste and mix well.
Add water as needed for gravy. Simmer for 7–10 mins on low heat until everything is tender and flavorful.
4. Final Touch
Adjust salt. Garnish with a slit green chili and drizzle of raw mustard oil for extra zing (optional).
Serving Suggestions:
Serve hot with plain rice and a side of roasted papad
Pair with Kancha Aam Khatta or Mitha Ambula Khatta for a complete monsoon meal
Why I Love It
Chhatu Besara carries the smell of rain, soil, and smoke. It’s a dish that turns the simplest ingredients into a deeply nostalgic, seasonal celebration.
The Pinch of Masala 