Veg Kebab in Spicy Garlic Sauce

 

I found this recipe online and it is a must try! It looks like there is a lot going on when you read the recipe but it's actually very simple.  I broke it down into many steps to make it more simple.

It has a lot different flavors and will remind you of Chinese food you get back in India.

 Ingredients for the szechuan sauce:

• 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 3 tbsp red chili paste (details on how to make in notes below)
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce
• 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp finely chopped onion or spring onions/scallions
• 3-4 szechuan peppers, crushed
• 1 tbsp chopped celery
• 1/2 tsp black pepper powder or freshly crushed black pepper
• sugar & salt as required

For the veg Kebabs (makes approx. 9-10 balls):

• 1 cup grated carrot
• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped spring onion/scallion greens
• 1/2 tsp freshly crushed black pepper or black pepper powder or white pepper powder
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• salt to taste

For the hot garlic sauce:

• 4-5 tbsp finely chopped garlic
• 1/2 inch finely chopped ginger
• 1 green chili, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped spring onions/scallions (reserve some greens for garnish)
• 1 tbsp corn flour dissolved in 2 tbsp water
• 1.5 cups water (or for additional flavor, use vegetable stock)
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 3 tbsp of the homemade szechuan sauce
• ground pepper & salt as required

Method:

Preparing the szechuan sauce:

• Heat oil in a pan.
• Add the chopped garlic. fry for a minute.
• Add the chopped onion and fry till they become transparent.
• Now add the red chili paste, tomato sauce, soy sauce, celery and crushed szechuan pepper.
• Fry for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Season with salt, sugar and pepper.
• The sauce is ready.

Preparing the veg Kebab:

• Mix all the ingredients listed under veg kebab.
• Keep aside for 15-20 minutes.
• Shape into small round balls and shallow fry or deep fry till golden brow on a medium hot oil.
• Drain on kitchen tissues and keep aside.

Preparing the hot garlic sauce:

• You can use the same oil used for frying the veg kebabs... about 2 tbsp of oil.
• Add the chopped spring onion and fry till they become transparent.
• Now add the ginger, garlic and green chilies. Fry them for a minute
• Add soy sauce, the szechuan sauce made earlier, salt and pepper.
• Cook again for a minute and mix the sauces well.
• Add vegetable stock or water and stir.
• When the mixture comes to a boil, add cornflour paste slowly and stir - this will thicken the mixture.
• Keep stirring to avoid lumps from forming.
• Let the gravy thicken and then add the fried veg Kebabs.
• Serve hot, garnished with spring onion greens.