HOW TO MAKE CHILLI MAKANA FRY?

Chili Makana Fry, a popular Indo-Chinese dish, is a flavorful and spicy appetizer. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing it:

**Ingredients:**

* 250g Paneer (Indian cottage cheese), cut into cubes

* 1 large onion, cut into cubes

* 1 bell pepper (capsicum), cut into cubes

* 2-3 green chilies, slit or finely chopped (adjust to your spice preference)

* 1 inch ginger, finely chopped

* 4-5 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

* 2 tablespoons soy sauce

* 1 tablespoon chili sauce (red or green)

* 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup

* 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or rice)

* 1 teaspoon cornstarch

* 2 tablespoons water

* 2 tablespoons oil

* Salt to taste

* Fresh coriander leaves for garnish (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Paneer:**

* Cut the paneer into medium-sized cubes. You can shallow fry the paneer cubes in a little oil until lightly golden for a firmer texture, or use them directly if you prefer them soft.

2. **Make the Cornstarch Slurry:**

* In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 2 tablespoons of water, ensuring there are no lumps.

3. **Sauté the Aromatics:**

* Heat the oil in a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat.

* Add the chopped ginger and garlic, and sauté for a minute until fragrant.

* Add the slit green chilies and sauté for another minute.

* Add the cubed onions, and saute until the onions are translucent.

4. **Add the Vegetables:**

* Add the cubed bell pepper to the wok and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened but still crunchy.

5. **Add the Sauces:**

* Pour in the soy sauce, chili sauce, and tomato ketchup. Mix well.

* Add the vinegar, and mix well.

6. **Thicken the Sauce:**

* Pour the cornstarch slurry into the wok and stir continuously.

* Cook for a minute or two, until the sauce thickens.

7. **Add the Paneer:**

* Gently add the paneer cubes to the wok and mix them with the sauce, ensuring they are coated evenly.

* Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the paneer to absorb the flavors.

8. **Season and Garnish:**

* Add salt to taste.

* Garnish with fresh coriander leaves, if desired.

9. **Serve Hot:**

* Serve the Chili Makana Fry hot as an appetizer or a side dish.

**Tips and Variations:**

* For a spicier version, add more green chilies or a dash of red chili powder.

* You can add other vegetables like carrots or spring onions to the dish.

* If you prefer a slightly sweeter taste, add a little more tomato ketchup.

* If you would like a more saucy version, add a little more water to the sauce.

* You can also use Tofu in place of Paneer.

Enjoy your homemade Chili Makana Fry!