Rashmi Sharma Chilly Baby is a popular and flavorful Indian dish, usually made with baby corn, that’s coated in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. It is a great appetizer or snack, perfect for any occasion or as a side to your main course. The dish is a part of the popular “Chili” family of Chinese-style Indian recipes, where vegetables are deep-fried and tossed in a hot and savory sauce with a mix of Asian flavors.
Here’s a simple recipe to make Chili Baby using baby corn:
Chilly Baby Recipe | What is the Recipe of Chilly Baby
Ingredients
- 12-15 baby corn
- ½ inch ginger/adrak finely chopped
- 2-3, Green chilies slit
- 3-4 garlic/lahsun finely chopped
- ½ cup onion or spring onions finely chopped
- 1 small capsicum/green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 tsp soy sauce or as required
- ½ tsp apple cider or white vinegar optional
- 1 tsp coriander chopped
- 2 tbsp Water
- 1 tsp corn starch/corn flour to be sprinkled from above
- Salt pepper and sugar as required
- 2-3 tsp oil for frying the baby corn
- 1 tbsp oil for the sauce
for the batter
- 2 tbsp all purpose flour/maida
- 2 tbsp cornstarch/cornflour
- water as required to make a thick paste
- Salt and pepper as required
Instructions
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Make a smooth paste with the cornflour, all purpose flour (maida), salt, pepper and water.
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Rinse and dry the baby corn with kitchen towels.
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chop the baby corn if they are larger in size or keep them whole if they are smaller.
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Heat oil on a tava or a frying pan.
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Dip each baby corn piece in the batter and coat it well with the batter.
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Fry the baby corn till the edges and sides are golden brown.
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Since we have used less oil, you don't need to drain the babycorn on kitchen napkins.
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In another pan, heat about 1 tbsp oil.
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add chopped onions or spring onions, ginger, garlic and slit green chilies.
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Stir fry on a medium flame till the onions have become translucent. Now, add capsicum. Stir fry till the capsicum have partly cooked but still retain their crunch.
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Add the soy sauce and stir well.
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Now sprinkle black pepper powder, salt and sugar. add 2 tbsp water and stir.
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Add the fried baby corn with chopped celery to this mixture. stir well.
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To give a glaze and smoothness in the dish, sprinkle about 1 tsp of corn flour. mix well and cook for 1-2 minutes or more till the corn flour has cooked.
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Lastly add the apple cider or white vinegar and stir again.
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Check the seasonings and add salt, pepper or soy sauce if required.
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Serve the baby corn garnished with some spring onions or chopped celery.
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Serve chilli baby corn as a starter or with bread or even veg fried rice.
Tips:
- Crispy Baby Corn: Make sure the oil is hot enough to fry the baby corn so that they become crispy and not soggy.
- Adjust the Sauce: You can adjust the level of sweetness, tanginess, and spice in the sauce by adjusting the amount of sugar, vinegar, and chili sauce.
- Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of red chili sauce or omit the green chili.
Healthier Variations:
- Air-fried Baby Corn: For a healthier version, you can air-fry the baby corn instead of deep-frying them.
- Less Oil: Use minimal oil to sauté the sauce ingredients and opt for a non-stick pan to reduce the fat content.
Health Benefits:
- Baby Corn: Baby corn is a low-calorie vegetable rich in fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins like vitamin A and C, which support eye health and immunity.
- Garlic and Ginger: Both garlic and ginger have anti-inflammatory properties and are great for digestion and immune function.
Chili Baby is a flavorful, crunchy, and spicy snack that’s sure to impress anyone who loves bold flavors. It’s perfect for a party, special occasion, or just when you need something savory and satisfying!
