Goan basic minced meat - vegetarian

This is a basic Goan mince meat recipe which I have converted for vegetarians. It can be used in alebele, potato chops, patties or in any other recipe where Goan mince meat is called for.  You can also add potatoes, carrots and corn if you like.  I have kept it simple because I will be using this recipe to make potato chops and patties in upcoming blogs.
Note: You can substitute 1 pound of ground beef or lamb for the mushrooms if you are not vegetarian or prefer meats. 

Ingredients

1/2 pound brown cremini mushrooms ( about 10), any brown mushrooms will do
2 large shallots
1 lime
1 heaped teaspoon chopped fresh ginger
1 heaped teaspoon chopped fresh garlic
1 green chilly seeded and finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon chilly powder (or less depending on how hot you like your food)
1 heaped teaspoon ground coriander
1 heaped teaspoon ground jeera
1 level teaspoon ground clove
1 level teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup frozen or fresh peas
chopped fresh coriander for garnish

 Method

Wash the mushrooms and remove all dirt.  Dry with a paper towel.
Cut the mushrooms in quarters and put in a food processor bowl.  Using the chopping blade of a food processor, and turning the machine on in pulses, chop the mushrooms until finely chopped BUT not mashed.

Put the chopped mushrooms in a bowl.  I got about 3 cups.

Add the ground spices, the chopped green chilly and the juice of one whole lime to the mushrooms. Mix well and set aside.

Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil to a non-stick pan.  When the oil is hot, add the onions.

 When the onions have cooked for a while, add the garlic and ginger and cook till all the ingredients are soft and fragrant.

Now add the mushroom mixture and stir well.

Cook for about 10 minutes or more until the mixture is cooked and all the flavors are encorporated.

Add the frozen peas ( or fresh) and leave on the heat until the peas are  cooked.  Stir occasionally.

Check if more salt is needed.  Add more lime if it is not sour enough.  Eat with rice or chapati, or use in other recipes where minced meats are called for.