Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that is enjoyed by people of all ages. It consists of deep-fried vegetable balls made from cabbage, carrots, capsicum and onions, which are then tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce. Manchurian is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or as a main course, depending on the serving size. It is often served with fried rice or noodles and is a favourite among vegetarians.
Ingredients for Manchurian
The primary ingredients for making Manchurian are vegetables, including cabbage, carrots, capsicum and onions, which are finely chopped and mixed with spices, cornflour and bread crumbs. The sauce is made from a mixture of soy sauce, chilli sauce, ketchup, vinegar and sugar, which are cooked together to create a thick, sweet and tangy sauce.
Two Manchurian Recipes
Veg Manchurian Gravy Recipe
To make veg Manchurian gravy, follow these steps:
● Mix finely chopped cabbage, carrots, capsicum and onions in a bowl.
● Add ginger, garlic, soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar and salt to the vegetables and mix well.
● Add cornflour and bread crumbs to the mixture and form small balls.
● Deep fry the balls in hot oil until golden brown.
● In a separate pan, heat oil and add finely chopped garlic, ginger and green chilies.
● Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar and water to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes.
● Add the fried vegetable balls to the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes.
● Garnish with spring onions and serve hot with fried rice or noodles.
Veg Manchurian Dry Recipe
To make veg Manchurian dry, follow these steps:
● Mix finely chopped cabbage, carrots, capsicum and onions in a bowl.
● Add ginger, garlic, soy sauce, chili sauce, vinegar and salt to the vegetables and mix well.
● Add cornflour and bread crumbs to the mixture and form small balls.
● Deep fry the balls in hot oil until golden brown.
● In a separate pan, heat oil and add finely chopped garlic, ginger and green chillies.
● Add soy sauce, chilli sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, sugar and water to the pan and cook for 5-7 minutes.
● Add the fried vegetable balls to the pan and toss them in the sauce until they are coated evenly.
● Garnish with spring onions and serve hot with fried rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for Making Tasty Manchurian
● Use fresh vegetables and chop them into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
● Add the cornflour and bread crumbs to the vegetable mixture just before forming the balls to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
● Fry the vegetable balls in hot oil to ensure they become crispy and golden brown.
● For a healthier option, you can bake the vegetable balls instead of deep frying them.
● Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences by adding more or less chilli sauce or green chillies.
● Use a non-stick pan to prevent the vegetable balls from sticking to the bottom while cooking in the sauce.
Notes/Instructions for Making Manchurian
● Ensure that the vegetables are dry before mixing them with the spices and other ingredients to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.
● Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried vegetable balls from the hot oil and drain them on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
● The sauce can be adjusted to your taste preferences by adding more or less of the ingredients, depending on the desired sweetness, tanginess or spiciness.
● It is best to serve Manchurian hot, as it tends to lose its texture and flavour when it cools down.
Conclusion
Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish that can be easily made at home with simple ingredients. With our easy-to-follow recipes and pro cooking tips, you can make delicious veg Manchurian dry and veg Manchurian gravy that will surely impress your family and friends. Experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your unique version of this classic dish and enjoy the delightful flavours of Manchurian at home.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in Manchurian besides cabbage, carrots, capsicum and onions?
Yes, you can use other vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, beans or even mushrooms to make Manchurian.
Can I make Manchurian without cornflour or bread crumbs?
Cornflour and bread crumbs help bind the vegetable mixture together and make it crispy. However, you can substitute cornflour with all-purpose flour or rice flour and bread crumbs with crushed cornflakes or panko crumbs.
Can I make Manchurian without deep frying?
Yes, you can bake the vegetable balls in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. However, the texture and flavour may differ slightly from the deep-fried version.