Veg manchurian recipe

 

A Flavorful Fusion of Indo-Chinese Delight

Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its vibrant, tangy, and spicy flavors. Originally inspired by Chinese cuisine, this dish has taken on unique Indian twists to cater to local tastes. This fusion is now a staple in Indian street food and loved by food enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you're looking for a delicious vegetarian appetizer or a savory main course, the Manchurian recipe is versatile and easy to make. Here's how you can prepare this dish at home!

Veg manchurian recipe


Types of Manchurian

There are two main types of Manchurian:

  1. Veg Manchurian : Made with finely chopped vegetables formed into balls.
  2. Chicken Manchurian : Made with boneless chicken pieces or chicken mince shaped into balls.

Both can be served in two styles:

  • Dry Manchurian : Often served as an appetizer.
  • Gravy Manchurian : Best served with fried rice or noodles as a main course.

In this post, we'll focus on Veg Manchurian in both dry and gravy forms.


Ingredients

For Veg Balls:

  • Vegetables : 1 cup grated cabbage, ½ cup grated carrot, ½ cup finely chopped bell pepper, ½ cup chopped spring onions
  • Flour : 3-4 tbsp all-purpose flour (maida)
  • Cornstarch : 2-3 tbsp
  • Spices : Salt and pepper to taste
  • Ginger-Garlic Paste : 1 tsp
  • Oil : For deep frying

For Sauce (Gravy/Dry):

  • Oil : 1-2 tbsp
  • Garlic : 2 tbsp, minced
  • Ginger : 1 tbsp, minced
  • Green Chilies : 1-2, chopped
  • Onion : ½, finely chopped
  • Bell Peppers : ½ cup, chopped
  • Soy Sauce : 2-3 tbsp
  • Chili Sauce : 1-2 tbsp (adjust to taste)
  • Tomato Ketchup : 1-2 tbsp
  • Vinegar : 1 tsp
  • Salt and Pepper : To taste
  • Cornstarch Slurry : 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2-3 tbsp water (for gravy version)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Veg Balls

  1. Mix the Vegetables and Binding Agents : In a large mixing bowl, combine cabbage, carrot, bell pepper, spring onions, flour, and cornstarch. Add salt, pepper, and ginger-garlic paste, then mix well.
  2. Form the Balls : Shape the mixture into small balls. If the mixture feels too loose, add a bit more flour and cornstarch.
  3. Deep Fry : Heat oil in a deep pan. Fry the vegetable balls on medium heat until they are golden and crispy. Drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.

Step 2: Preparing the Sauce

  1. Sautรฉ the Aromatics : In a pan or wok, heat 1-2 tbsp oil. Add minced garlic, ginger, and green chillies. Sautรฉ for a few seconds until aromatic.
  2. Add Vegetables : Add chopped onions and bell peppers. Sautรฉ them on high heat for a couple of minutes to retain their crunch.
  3. Add Sauces : Add soy sauce, chili sauce, and tomato ketchup. Stir well, adjusting the sauce quantities to your taste.
  4. Adjust for Gravy/Dry :
    • For dry Manchurian , proceed to the next step.
    • For gravy , add the cornstarch slurry and 1 cup of water, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Combining the Balls and Sauce

  1. Toss and Serve : Add the fried veg balls to the pan and toss them gently in the sauce. Cook for another minute so the flavors meld together.
  2. Garnish : Garnish with chopped spring onions before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • Dry Manchurian is best enjoyed as an appetizer or a snack. Pair it with a dip like Schezwan sauce or mint chutney.
  • Gravy Manchurian pairs wonderfully with fried rice, noodles, or steamed rice for a complete meal.

Tips for the Perfect Manchurian

  • Crispy Veg Balls : Make sure to fry the balls on medium heat so they cook evenly without absorbing too much oil.
  • Sauce Balance : Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing chili sauce. For a richer taste, you can add a dash of hoisin or oyster sauce (for non-vegetarian versions).
  • Serving : Serve immediately after preparing so the balls remain crispy and don't absorb too much sauce.

Final Thoughts

Manchurian is a fantastic way to enjoy the best of Indo-Chinese cuisine. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, it's a great dish to try at home, especially if you love bold flavors and a hint of spice. Try it as an appetizer for your next gathering or as a satisfying main dish on a cozy night in!

Enjoy your homemade Manchurian and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!

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