# Mushroom Manchurian Recipe: A Tasty Indo-Chinese Starter
Mushroom Manchurian is a cherished item in Indian Chinese cuisine, celebrated for its amazing flavors and crunchy texture. This dish serves as an ideal starter for any meal or a wonderful snack by itself. With its origins in Indo-Chinese culinary practices, Mushroom Manchurian has emerged as a favorite in numerous Indian homes and eateries. Let’s delve into how to create this delightful dish at home.
## What is Mushroom Manchurian?
Mushroom Manchurian features deep-fried mushroom balls enveloped in a mouthwatering sauce made from soy sauce, chili sauce, and other aromatic components. It is commonly presented as an appetizer or a side dish and is loved for its crunchy outer layer and tender, tasty center. This dish is part of a broader array of Manchurian recipes, which includes options like Gobi Manchurian, Vegetable Manchurian, and Chicken Manchurian.
## Ingredients
To create Mushroom Manchurian, gather the following ingredients:
### For the Mushroom Balls:
– 250 grams of button mushrooms
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
– 1/4 cup cornflour
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 teaspoon red chili powder
– Salt to taste
– Water (as needed for batter)
– Oil (for deep frying)
### For the Sauce:
– 2 tablespoons oil
– 2 tablespoons spring onion whites (finely chopped)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon green chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– Salt to taste
– Spring onion greens (for garnish)
– Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
## Preparation Steps
### Step 1: Prepare the Mushroom Balls
1. **Clean the Mushrooms**: Wash the mushrooms under running water and dry them with a kitchen towel. Remove the stems if you wish.
2. **Make the Batter**: In a mixing bowl, mix all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, red chili powder, and salt. Gradually add water to create a thick batter. The batter should be dense enough to adhere to the mushrooms without dripping.
3. **Coat the Mushrooms**: Dip each mushroom into the batter, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Avoid leaving them in the batter too long to prevent excess moisture.
### Step 2: Deep Fry the Mushrooms
1. **Heat Oil**: In a deep frying pan or kadhai, warm oil over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small amount of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float.
2. **Fry the Mushrooms**: Carefully place the battered mushrooms into the hot oil in batches. Fry until they achieve a golden brown color and crispy texture. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
### Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
1. **Sauté Spring Onions**: In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil. Add the chopped spring onion whites and sauté for a minute until aromatic.
2. **Add Sauces**: Mix in the soy sauce, green chili sauce, tomato sauce, and sugar. Stir well and adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.
3. **Combine**: Introduce the fried mushroom balls to the sauce and toss gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
### Step 4: Garnish and Serve
1. **Garnish**: Move the Mushroom Manchurian to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped spring onion greens and fresh coriander leaves.
2. **Serve Hot**: Present the Mushroom Manchurian warm as an appetizer or side dish, accompanied by fried rice or noodles for a complete meal.
## Tips for Perfect Mushroom Manchurian
– **Crispiness**: Make sure the oil is sufficiently hot before frying to achieve a crunchy texture.
– **Batter Consistency**: The batter should be thick enough to coat the mushrooms well, but not so thick that it overshadows their flavor.
– **Serving**: Serve promptly after making, as the mushroom balls can become soggy if they sit in the sauce for too long.
## Conclusion
Mushroom Manchurian is an enchanting dish that merges the finest of Indian and Chinese tastes. With its crispy texture and flavorful sauce, it’s guaranteed to delight your loved ones. Whether you’re throwing a gathering or simply in the mood for a delectable snack, this recipe is essential. Enjoy the culinary adventure of crafting this popular restaurant-style dish right in your kitchen!