How to Make Indian Vegetable Manchurian
Indian Vegetable Manchurian is a delightful Indo-Chinese dish that tantalizes taste buds with its perfect blend of spices and flavors. This recipe is easy to make and makes for a perfect appetizer or side dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare this scrumptious dish at home.
Ingredients for Vegetable Manchurian
To make Vegetable Manchurian, gather the following ingredients:
- For the Vegetable Balls:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, cabbage, and bell peppers), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/4 cup cornflour
- 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- Salt to taste
- Oil for deep frying
- For the Manchurian Gravy:
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 tablespoon ginger, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, finely chopped
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tablespoon cornflour (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for thickening)
- Spring onions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Vegetable Balls
1. In a bowl, combine the finely chopped mixed vegetables, all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, chili sauce, black pepper powder, and salt.
2. Mix well to form a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add more cornflour to bind it together.
3. Shape the mixture into small balls, about the size of a golf ball.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium flame. Once the oil is hot, fry the vegetable balls in batches until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Remove the fried balls and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Making the Gravy
1. In a separate pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped ginger and garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers; cook until they are translucent.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, chili sauce, ketchup, vinegar, and black pepper powder, mixing everything well.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
6. Once it starts to boil, add the cornflour mixture to thicken the gravy. Stir continuously until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
Combining the Vegetable Manchurian
1. Add the fried vegetable balls into the gravy and gently toss to coat them in the sauce.
2. Simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped spring onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Indian Vegetable Manchurian hot, accompanied by fried rice, whole wheat noodles, or as a standalone appetizer. This dish is perfect for parties or family gatherings and is sure to impress both vegetarian and non-vegetarian guests alike.
Why You’ll Love Vegetable Manchurian
Vegetable Manchurian offers a burst of flavors and is loaded with nutrients from the veggies. This dish is versatile – you can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level according to your taste. Enjoy this delightful fusion dish and impress your friends and family!