Mushroom Chilli: A Delicious Indian Treat
Mushrooms are like tiny flavor bombs waiting to burst in your mouth, and when you mix them with the zing of chili, something magical happens. Mushroom Chilli is a delicious dish that’s simple to make and perfect for sharing with your family and friends. In this blog, we’ll guide you through a step-by-step process to create this Indian-inspired delight for four people.
Origin:
Mushroom Chilli is not only popular in India but also loved in Chinese cooking. The mix of Indian spices and Chinese cooking methods creates a dish that’s both tasty and satisfying. It’s a top choice for vegetarians and a treat for anyone who enjoys the savory goodness of mushrooms.
Ingredients You'll Need:
Before you start making Mushroom Chilli, make sure you have these ingredients ready:
For the Marinade:
- 200g button mushrooms, cleaned and cut in half
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- A 1-inch piece of ginger, finely chopped
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (capsicum), thinly sliced
- 2 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- Salt to taste
For Garnish:
- Spring onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Fresh coriander leaves (optional)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Marinate the Mushrooms:
- In a bowl, mix the halved mushrooms with cornflour, salt, black pepper, and red chili powder. Make sure the mushrooms are evenly coated.
- Fry the Mushrooms:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan or wok on medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the marinated mushrooms, making sure they aren’t too crowded.
- Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. Take them out of the pan and put them aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed.
- Put in minced garlic and ginger, sauté for a minute until they smell nice.
- Now, add sliced onions and bell pepper, and stir-fry for a few minutes until they become soft and a bit brown.
- Add the green chilies and stir for some extra spiciness.
- Create the Tasty Sauce:
- Pour in soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and a pinch of sugar.
- Add water and a bit of salt to taste.
- Let the sauce cook for a couple of minutes, allowing it to thicken.
- Mix It All Together:
- Put the fried mushrooms back into the pan, making sure they are nicely covered in the savory sauce.
- Stir-fry for a few more minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped spring onions and coriander leaves on top.
- Your Mushroom Chilli is ready to be served hot.
Tips for Cooking:
- Use fresh mushrooms for the best flavor. You can choose any kind, but button mushrooms work great for this recipe.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the number of green chilies. Be mindful of your taste preferences.
- If you prefer more sauce, you can increase the amount of water and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
- Feel free to try adding other vegetables like baby corn, broccoli, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Variations:
Mushroom Chilli is a versatile dish. You can try these changes to suit your taste:
- Paneer Mushroom Chilli: Add cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) along with mushrooms for a creamy twist.
- Mushroom Chilli Garlic Noodles: Serve the Mushroom Chilli on a bed of garlic-flavored noodles for a complete meal.
- Vegan Mushroom Chilli: Substitute soy sauce with tamari and replace honey with agave nectar or maple syrup for a vegan version.
Utensils List:
- A large pan or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Chopping board and knife
- Spatula or spoon
Nutritional Facts:
Here’s an approximate idea of the nutritional content of Mushroom Chilli per serving:
- Calories: 150-200 kcal
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Fat: 7-10g
- Fiber: 2-3g
These values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Cost of Making:
Mushroom Chilli is a budget-friendly dish. You can make it for around ₹150 to ₹200 for four servings, depending on the cost of ingredients in your area. Mushrooms are usually inexpensive, and you probably have most of the other ingredients in your kitchen.
Conclusion:
Mushroom Chilli is a delightful dish that’s quick, easy, and full of flavors. It’s a great choice for a simple weeknight dinner or when you want to impress your loved ones with a tasty, homemade meal. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just someone who loves mushrooms, this dish will leave your taste buds craving more. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a yummy meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!
