Baby Corn Cigar Recipe
Description
The Baby Corn Cigar is a delightful, crispy appetizer, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual tea-time snack or a special gathering. This delectable dish features tender, blanched baby corn, coated in a spiced mashed potato mixture, then deep-fried to perfection. The combination of flavors is a delightful contrastโcrunchy on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. Served with dips like Cottage Cheese Dip with Pepper and Olives or the cool and refreshing Tzatziki, this recipe will leave you craving for more after each bite. It’s a fun, vegetarian twist on traditional deep-fried snacks that will impress guests and family alike.
Cuisine
North Indian
Course
Appetizer
Diet
Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Baby corn | 10, to be blanched |
| Whole wheat bread crumbs (roasted) | 3 tbsp |
| Corn flour | 2 tbsp |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/2 tbsp |
| Vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Potato (Aloo) | 1, boiled and mashed |
| Coriander (Dhania) leaves | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Pizza seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Garlic | 1/2 tsp, paste |
| Red chili powder | 1 tbsp, adjust accordingly |
| Green chili paste | 1 tbsp |
| Ginger | 1/2 tbsp, paste |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil (for frying) | As required |
Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
40 minutes
Instructions
-
Blanching Baby Corn:
Start by blanching the baby corn. Boil a pot of water and submerge the baby corn for 2-3 minutes. Quickly transfer the baby corn to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, slit the baby corn lengthwise into two pieces. This ensures the corn absorbs the flavors well. -
Preparing the Potato Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, mash the boiled potato using a masher until smooth. Add red chili powder, pizza seasoning, garlic paste, salt, and vinegar to the mashed potatoes. Mix everything well. Drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil and stir until combined. -
Coating Baby Corn:
Place the slit baby corn in the potato mixture. Gently coat each piece of corn with the mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered. Let them sit aside for about 10 minutes to let the flavors marinate. -
Pre-cooking Baby Corn:
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and add the coated baby corn. Let it cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip it over to cook the other side for an additional 2 minutes. This step ensures the garlic paste and spices are cooked through and the baby corn is partially crisped. Remove from the pan and let it cool. -
Making the Mashed Potato Cigar Coating:
In another pan, add the mashed potatoes, green chili paste, cornflour, chopped coriander leaves, and salt. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. This mixture will serve as the base to coat the baby corn. -
Shaping the Cigar:
Oil your palms lightly to prevent the potato mixture from sticking. Take a small amount of the mashed potato mixture (about the size of a lemon), roll it into a cylindrical shape, and flatten it. Place a piece of the blanched and coated baby corn in the center, then carefully cover it with the potato mixture, shaping it into a cigar shape. -
Coating with Breadcrumbs:
Roll each prepared cigar in roasted whole wheat bread crumbs, ensuring they are evenly coated. If needed, lightly oil the cigars to make the breadcrumbs stick more effectively. -
Deep-Frying:
Heat oil in a kadai (wok) over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the baby corn cigars in batches until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place them on a kitchen towel to drain excess oil. -
Serving:
Serve the Baby Corn Cigars with your choice of dips such as Cottage Cheese Dip with Pepper and Olives or a refreshing Tzatziki. The crispy, flavorful cigars paired with the dips make for a perfect start to any meal or a savory snack.
Tips for Perfect Baby Corn Cigars
- Make sure to blanch the baby corn for no more than 3 minutes to retain its crunch.
- Let the coated baby corn sit for 10 minutes before frying to allow the potato coating to set and bind well.
- You can adjust the amount of red chili powder and green chili paste depending on your desired spice level.
- To keep the breadcrumbs crisp, avoid overcrowding them while frying. Fry in small batches to get a uniform golden color.
These Baby Corn Cigars will make an irresistible treat for guests and family alike. Whether itโs a festive celebration or a casual evening, theyโll add that perfect crispy touch to your appetizer spread. Enjoy!
