### Chilli Mushroom Recipe: An Indian Chinese Starter Inspired by Restaurants
Chilli mushroom is an enticing Indian Chinese appetizer that fuses crunchiness with a blend of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes. This dish enjoys popularity among many, rendering it a sought-after option in eateries and a treasured comfort food at home.
#### Ingredients
– **For the Mushrooms:**
– 250 grams of button mushrooms, cleaned and halved
– ½ cup all-purpose flour
– ¼ cup corn flour
– Salt, to taste
– Water, as necessary for the batter
– Oil, for deep frying
– **For the Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons red chili paste (prepared from soaked and blended dry red chilies)
– 1 tablespoon minced ginger
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 tablespoon vinegar
– 1 tablespoon corn flour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
– 1 green capsicum, sliced
– 2-3 spring onions, chopped
– Salt and pepper, to taste
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Red Chili Paste:**
– Soak dry red chilies in warm water for about 15 minutes. Drain and blend into a fine paste.
2. **Make the Batter:**
– In a mixing bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, corn flour, salt, and sufficient water to form a smooth batter.
3. **Fry the Mushrooms:**
– Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Dip the mushroom halves into the batter, ensuring a good coating.
– Deep fry the mushrooms until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
4. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In a separate pan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add minced ginger and garlic, and sauté until aromatic.
– Incorporate the red chili paste, soy sauce, tomato sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Mix thoroughly.
– Add the sliced capsicum and cook for a couple of minutes until slightly soft.
– Introduce the corn flour mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously until the desired thickness is achieved. Season with salt and pepper.
5. **Combine:**
– Toss the fried mushrooms in the sauce until they are evenly coated. Add chopped spring onions for garnish and added flavor.
6. **Serve:**
– Serve hot as a starter, garnished with additional spring onions. Toothpicks can be used for convenient serving at gatherings.
#### Conclusion
Chilli mushroom transcends being just a dish; it’s an experience that encapsulates the vibrant tastes of Indian Chinese cuisine. Ideal as an appetizer or a snack, this recipe is bound to impress your family and friends. Savor the crispy, spicy delight that will have everyone asking for more!