Mushroom Chilli is a tantalizing Indo-Chinese dish that blends the earthy flavor of mushrooms with a spicy, tangy, and umami-packed sauce. Perfect as a starter or side dish, it’s a favorite among food enthusiasts for its delightful crunch and vibrant taste. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
For the Mushrooms:
- 250g button mushrooms, cleaned and quartered
- 3 tablespoons cornflour
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed for the batter)
- Oil for frying
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color), diced
- 2-3 green chilies, slit
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon red chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
For Garnish:
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped spring onion greens
Instructions
Preparing the Mushrooms:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cornflour, all-purpose flour, ginger-garlic paste, black pepper, and salt. Gradually add water to form a thick batter.
- Coat the mushroom quarters evenly in the batter.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Deep-fry the mushrooms in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
Making the Sauce:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Toss in the diced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crunchy.
- Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and sugar. Mix well.
- Pour in 1/4 cup water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the cornflour slurry and stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
Combining:
- Add the fried mushrooms to the sauce and toss well to coat evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle chopped spring onion greens on top.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or alongside fried rice or noodles.
Tips for Perfect Mushroom Chilli
- Mushroom Choice: Button mushrooms work best, but you can use cremini or shiitake for a variation in texture and flavor.
- Crispiness: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the mushrooms to get a crispy coating.
- Customization: Adjust the spice level by modifying the quantity of green chilies and chili sauce.
- Serving: Serve immediately to maintain the crunch of the mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Sugar: 3g
Enjoy this spicy, savory, and addictive Mushroom Chilli dish at your next meal or gathering!