Chilli Baby Corn

Chilli Baby Corn is a spicy, zesty appetizer prepared with baby corn stir-fried in a medley of peppers and spicy sauce. By no means is Chilli Baby Corn a subtle dish, the spicy flavors scream out - loudly announcing their presence in one's mouth in the first tantalizing bite. Just the sizzling aroma that rises while stir-frying this dish is enough to make a person smack one's lips in anticipation of the piquant taste to follow. 

Chilli Baby Corn is an Indo-Chinese dish, a category of Indian cooking that is inspired by Chinese cooking. It is very popular in Indian restaurants as an appetizer. At home, it is a great party starter and as an evening snack item. Definitely do not prepare this dish if you are looking to have leftovers ;)

CHILLI BABY CORN RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Oil
1 tbsp chopped Garlic
1/2 cup sliced Onion
1/2 cup Green Bell Pepper (cut into 2" long strips)
1/2 cup Red Bell Pepper (cut into 2" long strips)
1/4 tsp Ajinomoto (MSG), optional
1 1/2 tbsp Soy Sauce
1 tbsp Vinegar
1 1/2 tbsp Sambal Oelek (Ground Fresh Red Chili paste) or to taste
Salt to taste
Oil for frying
1/4 cup chopped Spring Onion greens; for garnishing

For Marnination:
15 pieces of Baby Corn; if too big, cut diagonally into 2" pieces
1 tsp Garlic paste
1 tsp Ginger paste
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Red Chilli Powder), or to taste

For Batter

2 tbsp Corn Starch
2 tbsp All Purpose Flour (Maida)
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp Red Chilli Powder or to taste

How to make Chilli Baby Corn:

1. In a wide bowl, add all the "marination" ingredients (except baby corn) & mix well. Add the baby corn & mix well. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
2. In another bowl, add all the "batter" ingredients. Add sufficient water & whisk to make a batter of thick consistency (just enough to coat the baby corn).
3. Heat sufficient oil in a wok. Dip the marinated baby corns one by one in the batter (ensure all corn pieces are well-coated with the batter) & deep fry till golden and crisp. Drain on an absorbent paper.
4. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a deep pan or wok on medium heat. Add chopped garlic & saute for 15-20 seconds.
5. Add sliced onions & saute till translucent.
6. Add red & green bell pepper & saute till bell pepper is cooked but crunchy.
7. Add MSG, soy sauce, vinegar, red chilli paste & salt. Mix well.  
8. Reduce the heat. Add fried baby corn & mix well.
9. Chilli Baby corn is now ready. Transfer it to a bowl.
10. Garnish with spring onion. Serve hot.