Vegetable Manchurian

Vegetable Manchurian, a culinary crossroads where India meets China, presents a mouthwatering fusion of flavours and textures. This popular vegetarian dish features crispy vegetable balls submerged in a luscious Manchurian sauce. It’s a testament to the culinary creativity that emerges when two distinct culinary traditions combine harmoniously.

The key to this dish is the perfect harmony between the crispy vegetable balls and the savoury Manchurian sauce. To prepare the Manchurian balls, finely chop 2 cups of cabbage, grate two carrots, and chop 1 inch of ginger, two cloves of garlic, one green chilli, and half a bunch of spring onions. Combine these with three tablespoons of cornstarch, one tablespoon of maida, one teaspoon of chilli powder, and a pinch of salt. The vegetable moisture is enough to bind this mixture, so no additional water is required. Shape this mixture into small balls and deep-fry them until they turn golden brown.

The Manchurian sauce is equally essential and adds a burst of flavour. Heat 4 teaspoons of oil in a pan and add finely chopped ginger, garlic, and the white portion of spring onions. Sauté for a minute, then introduce salt, 1/2 teaspoon of chilli powder, 2-3 teaspoons of tomato sauce, and 2-3 teaspoons of soy sauce. Add 1 cup of water, and once it boils, stir in a paste made from 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and water. The sauce will thicken. You can add the Manchurian balls and top them with the green portion of spring onions.

The result is an irresistible, crispy and saucy dish with the perfect blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours. Serve your Vegetable Manchurian hot, ideally paired with Fried Rice or as a delightful appetizer.

Vegetable Manchurian

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Vegetable Manchurian

These Vegetable Manchurian balls are a delightful blend of crunchy vegetables and savoury sauces. They make a delicious vegetarian appetiser, deep-fried to perfection and coated in a rich Manchurian sauce.

Prep Time30 minutes mins

Cook Time15 minutes mins

Total Time45 minutes mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Indo-Chinese

Ingredients

• 2 cups Cabbage (finely chopped)
• 2 Carrots (grated)
• 1- inch piece Ginger (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 Green Chili (finely chopped)
• 1/2 bunch Spring Onions (Scallions, finely chopped)
• 3 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Maida
• Salt to taste
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• Oil for deep frying

For Manchurian Sauce:

• 1/2 bunch Spring Onions (finely chopped)
• 1/2- inch piece Ginger (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
• 1 Green Chili (finely chopped)
• 1/2 tsp Chili Powder
• 2-3 tsp Tomato Sauce
• 2-3 tsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch (mixed with water to make a paste)
• 1 cup Water
• 4 tsp Oil

Instructions

• Mix finely chopped cabbage, grated carrots, ginger, garlic, green chilli, spring onions, 3 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp maida, salt to taste, and 1 tsp chilli powder. Combine the ingredients until they form a mixture shaped into small balls. There's no need to add water as the vegetable moisture is sufficient.
• Shape the mixture into small balls and deep-fry them in hot oil until golden brown. Set them aside.
• Heat 4 tsp of oil in a pan to prepare the Manchurian sauce. Add finely chopped ginger, garlic, and white spring onions. Sauté for a minute.
• Add salt, 1/2 tsp chilli powder, 2-3 tsp tomato sauce, and 2-3 tsp soy sauce to the pan. Stir well.
• Pour in 1 cup of water and bring it to a boil. Then, add the cornstarch paste and stir until the sauce thickens.
• Once the sauce thickens, add the fried Manchurian balls and immediately turn off the stove.
• Garnish with the green portion of spring onions and serve hot with Fried Rice.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Can I make Vegetable Manchurian less spicy?

Absolutely! To reduce the spiciness, you can use a milder chili powder and decrease the amount of green chili in the Manchurian balls. Adjust the chilli powder and green chilli in the sauce to your preferred spice level.

What can I serve with Vegetable Manchurian besides Fried Rice?

Vegetable Manchurian pairs well with other Indo-Chinese dishes like Hakka Noodles, Gobi Manchurian, or even plain steamed rice. Feel free to explore these options for a complete meal.

Can I use other vegetables in the Manchurian balls?

Yes, you can customize the Manchurian balls by adding vegetables like bell peppers, beans, or even sweet corn. Be creative and experiment with your favourite veggies.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make Vegetable Manchurian vegan, ensure that the sauces and cornstarch are free from animal-derived ingredients. Also, use a plant-based oil for frying.

Can I prepare Vegetable Manchurian ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the Manchurian balls and sauce separately and combine them just before serving to maintain their crispy texture.