Coimbatore Kaalan - Air Fried Mushroom Fry

 COIMBATORE KAALAN - Air Fried Mushroom Fry

This is bound to be a favorite for mushroom lovers and is my simplified take on a popular dish from Coimbatore.  While the real deal is deep fried, this is a healthier version and leverages the air fryer to reduce the calories without sacrificing the taste of the dish. Ever since I tried this version, this has become one that is always requested when we have mushrooms at home. 

Coimbatore Kaalan

Ingredients: 

Mushrooms - 16 oz (white or baby bella), cleaned and quartered 
Onion - 1 large, chopped
Garlic - 4 small cloves, chopped
Ginger - 1 inch piece, minced
Green Chillies - 3, chopped
Chilli powder - 1/2 tsp
Garam Masala Powder - 1 tsp 
Cumin Seeds - 1/2 tsp
Fennel seeds (Sombu) - 1/2 tsp
Black pepper powder - 1/2 tsp
Salt - 1/2 tsp or to taste
Oil - 2 tsp
Coriander leaves - chopped, garnish 

For the Batter:
All purpose flour (Maida) - 4 tbsp
Cornstarch - 3 tbsp 
Chilli powder - 3/4 tsp
Coriander powder - 3/4 tsp 
Salt - half tsp or to taste
Garlic powder - 1/2 tsp (optional) 
Oil - 2 tsp 
Water - as required to make a smooth, thick batter

Method: 

1) Mix all the ingredients listed under batter (except water) - you can also add some ginger garlic paste if desired and skip the garlic powder. Now add water little by little and mix thoroughly to get a lump-free, thick batter. 

2) Add the chopped mushrooms into the batter and mix to coat each piece. Spread this in an airfryer and allow to cook at 370F for about 20 mins. Tossing once when halfway through.  If you don't have an airfryer, cooking this in a conventional over at 400F should do the trick or use the same temperature for a convection oven (with fan). Set the mushrooms aside when done. 

3) Now in a wide pan, heat the oil and season with cumin and fennel seeds. Add in the chopped garlic, ginger, g. chillies and onion and sauté for a few minutes till they get cooked and  onion gets translucent. 

4) Now add the salt, chilli powder, garam masala and pepper powder, continue to stir and add a few tbsp of water to prevent the masala from burning. After a few mins when most of the water has evaporated add in the cooked mushrooms and stir together for a few mins. 

5) Switch off the stove and garnish with coriander leaves. Tasty mushroom fry is ready to serve.