A tasty, spicy dish of mushrooms cooked with nigella and fennel seeds--spices commonly used in Indian pickles. It's a delicious flavor you will not be able to forget anytime soon!

Baingan Achari is a mouthwatering side-dish that caters to the great Indian obsession with pickles. This Mushroom Achari is a spin-off from that popular dish and it's just as delicious.
Indian pickles, called achar in north India, are quite different from the pickles we eat here in the United States. They are made with all sorts of vegetables-- mango and lemon being the more popular choices-- and they are fiery red with bold tones of tart and hot that tease your tastebuds and whet your appetite.
The reason why pickles taste so special are a couple of very special spices that go into them: nigella seeds, or kalonji, and fennel seeds, or saunf. Baingan Achari takes the alchemy of those spices and puts them to work in a subzi, or a side dish, that is much quicker-- and easier -- to make than a jar of pickles, and has about the same effect on the appetite.
In my eggplant-loving home Baingan Achari is always a popular choice for dinner. But the last time I had a craving for this dish I didn't have any eggplant on hand. I did have some mushrooms, though, so I thought, why not?
My Mushroom Achari tasted so great, I couldn't wait to share it. The spongy mushrooms soak up all the goodness and flavor of the spices and you can use just about any kind of mushroom-- button, cremini, shiitake, portabella are all good here. This is also a very versatile dish that you can soak up with a roti or naan or serve up alongside some dal and rice.
Try these recipes next:
- Baingan Bharta
- 20-minute Best Vegetable Curry
- Gobi Achari, Cauliflower with five spices
- Baingan Methi Sabzi


Mushroom Achari
Ingredients
- 1 pound mushrooms (I used cremini, cut into halves or quarters depending on their size. You want the pieces to be chunky and not too small. Keep in mind that mushrooms shrink when cooked.)
- 1 teaspoon fennel seeds (saunf)
- ½ teaspoon nigella seeds (kalonji)
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- 2 large tomatoes (finely diced)
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- ¼ cup cilantro (chopped)
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan.
- Add the nigella and fennel seeds and toast for about two minutes over medium-low heat until they release their distinct aroma.
- Add the ginger and garlic and stir-fry quickly for 10-15 seconds. Add the tomatoes with all of their juices. Stir to mix.
- Add the turmeric, coriander powder and cayenne and mix well. Let the tomatoes cook until they darken and shimmer, about 7-8 minutes.
- Add the mushrooms and salt to taste. Stir to mix well and let the mushrooms cook for another 5-7 minutes until they are tender but not soggy.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the coriander leaves.
- Serve piping hot.
Chessie
I made this today and it was delicious. I enjoyed it with some aloo baingan and rice. I'm even looking forward to the leftovers!
Thanks for the terrific recipe. Will definitely make it again.
Vaishali
Hi Catherine, so happy you tried it! I ought to make some aloo baingan myself-- I have two eggplants waiting in my refrigerator for exactly that dish! 🙂
Rathore Jane
Wow Vaishali ! I never heard about mushroom achar. before this. Can I store this for long time like aam achar? I love spice with desserts.
Vaishali Honawar
Hi Jane, this can't be stored long term like regular pickle. It is a subzi and can be refrigerated for a couple of days at most.
Honey
This looks amazing, bookmarking this. Love mushrooms!
Dixya
absolutely delightful dish. I am not a big eggplant but love the idea of adding mushroom
Priya Suresh
Wat a catchy colour, goes awesome with anything.
Gayathri Ramanan
tempting achar...good side dish for chapathi and jeera rice..
Chitz
Fiery looking achar !! And a multipurpose one too.. Can use as a gravy side for roti or just as a simple pickle !! Lovely..
divya
Lovely and inviting pictures.. Truly delicious !!