### Mushroom Manchurian Recipe: A Favored Restaurant-Style Indian Chinese Appetizer
Mushroom Manchurian is a cherished item in Indian Chinese gastronomy, celebrated for its exquisite tastes and crunchy texture. This dish is a popular appetizer in numerous Indian restaurants and food stalls, making it a crucial component of any Indo-Chinese feast. The mix of deep-fried mushroom balls coated in a flavorful sauce produces a scrumptious starter that is bound to amaze.
#### Ingredients
– **For the Mushroom Balls:**
– 250 grams of mushrooms (button mushrooms are ideal)
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
– 1/4 cup cornflour
– 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt to taste
– Water (as needed for batter)
– Oil (for deep frying)
– **For the Sauce:**
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 1/2 cup spring onion whites (chopped)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon green chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons tomato sauce
– Salt to taste
– Spring onion greens (for garnish)
– Fresh coriander (for garnish)
#### Preparation Steps
1. **Prepare the Mushrooms:**
– Rinse the mushrooms thoroughly and dry them with a cloth. Slice them into halves or quarters, based on their size.
2. **Make the Batter:**
– In a mixing bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate water to create a thick batter that adequately coats the mushrooms.
3. **Deep Fry the Mushroom Balls:**
– Warm the oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
– Dip each mushroom piece into the batter, ensuring it is coated nicely, and gently drop them into the hot oil.
– Fry the mushrooms until they turn golden brown and crispy. Take them out and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
– Add the chopped spring onion whites and sauté for one minute.
– Add the sugar, soy sauce, green chili sauce, and tomato sauce. Stir well and cook for another minute.
– Adjust the seasoning with salt as needed.
5. **Combine and Serve:**
– Toss the fried mushroom balls in the sauce to coat them uniformly.
– Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and fresh coriander.
6. **Enjoy:**
– Serve the Mushroom Manchurian hot as an appetizer or alongside fried rice or noodles.
#### Tips for Perfect Mushroom Manchurian
– **Batter Consistency:** Ensure the batter is sufficiently thick to adhere to the mushrooms without dripping off.
– **Frying Temperature:** Keep the oil temperature stable to guarantee the mushrooms fry uniformly and become crispy.
– **Serving:** Serve immediately after cooking for optimal texture and flavor.
Mushroom Manchurian is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that unites the finest Indian and Chinese culinary arts. With its crunchy exterior and delicious sauce, this dish is certain to be a favorite at any event. Enjoy crafting this restaurant-style starter at home!