Vegetable Manchurian Gravy Recipe: Vegetable Manchurian Gravy is a delectably spicy and soupy variation of Manchurian, featuring vegetable balls made from shredded cabbage, carrot, and capsicum. Whether served as a zesty chewy soup starter or as a side dish with Chinese schezwan fried rice, these deep-fried veg balls, dipped in a cornflour-based spicy gravy, are guaranteed to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients:
Vegetable Manchurian Gravy Recipe
For Veg Manchurian Balls
- 1/3 cup All-Purpose Flour (Maida)
- 2 tablespoons Cornflour
- 3/4 cup shredded Carrot (Gajar)
- 3/4 cup shredded Cabbage
- 1/2 cup finely chopped Capsicum
- 1 finely chopped Green Chilli (Hari Mirch)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Powder
- 1 pinch Ajinomoto (MSG), optional
- 1 teaspoon + for deep frying Cooking Oil
- Salt
For Gravy
- 2 teaspoons crushed Ginger
- 2 Green Chillies (Hari Mirch), slit and cut into halves
- 1 tablespoon minced Garlic (Lasoon)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped Spring Onion
- 1 tablespoon Cooking Oil
- 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon Chilli Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Pepper Powder
- 2 tablespoons Cornflour (corn starch)
- 1 cup + 2 cups Water
- Salt
Directions
for Making Manchurian Balls:
Step 1
In a bowl, combine shredded carrot, shredded cabbage, chopped capsicum, chopped green chilli, 1 teaspoon oil, pepper powder, a pinch of ajinomoto (MSG), maida, cornflour, and salt.
Step 2
Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Shape the mixture into 10-12 small round balls. Do not add water; the moisture from the vegetables will suffice. If the mixture doesn’t bind well, add a little water.
Step 3
Heat oil in a pan and deep-fry the balls until golden brown. Drain excess oil on a kitchen paper-lined plate.
Directions
for Making Gravy for Vegetable Manchurian Recipe:
Step 4
Dissolve 2 tablespoons of cornflour in 1 cup of normal water.
Step 5
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan. Add minced ginger, minced garlic, chopped green chilli, and chopped spring onion. Sauté for a minute. Add soy sauce, chilli sauce, and tomato ketchup; sauté for another minute.
Step 6
Pour 2 cups of water, pepper powder, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, let it simmer for a minute.
Step 7
Add the dissolved cornflour mixture. Mix the gravy ingredients thoroughly. Cook on low flame for 1-2 minutes.
Step 8
Add the deep-fried balls and cook for an additional 3 minutes over medium flame.
Final Step
Turn off the flame, garnish with chopped spring onion, and enjoy the hot and spicy veg cabbage manchurian with Chinese fried rice or veg noodles.
Tips and Variations:
Vegetable Manchurian Gravy Recipe
- Avoid adding water to the vegetable mix for binding the balls; use the natural moisture from the vegetables. Add water only if needed.
- Keep the gravy initially thin and slightly watery to prevent it from becoming too thick upon cooking.
- Cook the Manchurian balls just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- The use of Ajinomoto (MSG) is optional for an authentic Chinese taste; feel free to omit it if preferred.
Taste: Delicious soft veg fried balls dipped in a spicy and flavorful gravy.
Serving Ideas: Serve with hakka noodles for dinner or enjoy the hot and spicy dish on its own.
Conclusion:
In summary, this versatile Vegetable Manchurian Gravy Recipe allows for customization in ingredients, cooking methods, and serving styles. For the best results, fry the veggie balls just before eating for a hot and crispy texture. Adapt this flavorful dish to suit your preferences.
FAQs:
Vegetable Manchurian Gravy Recipe
Q: Is Ajinomoto (MSG) necessary for this recipe?
A: No, Ajinomoto is optional. The gravy will still be full of flavor without it.
Q: Do I need to deep fry the vegetable balls?
A: Deep frying gives the crispiest texture, but you can also pan fry or bake them for a healthier option.
Q: Can I make the balls ahead of time?
A: For the best texture, it’s recommended to fry the balls right before serving. Frying in advance can make them soggy.
Q: What are some serving suggestions?
A: Serve with rice, noodles, or on its own for a tasty appetizer. Feel free to get creative with your pairings!
Q: Can I customize the vegetable mix?
A: Absolutely! Swap in your favorite veggies to make this recipe your own. Mushrooms, beans, and water chestnuts also work well.
