Delicious Veg Manchurian: A Flavorful Indo-Chinese Delight

Veg Manchurian, a popular Indo-Chinese dish, combines crispy vegetable balls with a rich, spicy, and tangy sauce, creating a perfect balance of flavors. This dish is a favorite in many households and restaurants due to its versatility and bold taste. Whether you enjoy it as a starter, snack, or main course, Veg Manchurian is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Here’s an easy and delicious recipe to prepare Veg Manchurian at home:

Ingredients:

For Veg Balls:

• 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
• 1/2 cup finely chopped carrots
• 1/4 cup finely chopped beans (optional)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped spring onions (green onions)
• 1/4 cup corn flour (cornstarch)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
• 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (optional for heat)
• Oil for frying

For the Manchurian Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onions
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bell peppers (capsicum)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon red chili sauce (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for balancing the taste)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 teaspoon corn flour mixed with 2 tablespoons of water (slurry for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• A few spring onions for garnishing

Instructions:

Making the Veg Balls:

1. Prepare the Vegetables:
   • In a large bowl, mix the finely chopped cabbage, carrots, beans, and spring onions.
   • Squeeze out any excess moisture from the cabbage and other vegetables using a clean kitchen towel or your hands.
2. Prepare the Dough:
   • Add the ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and red chili powder to the vegetables.
   • Gradually add corn flour and all-purpose flour (maida). Mix well until everything comes together into a dough-like consistency.
   • If the mixture is too wet, add a little more corn flour to bind it. The mixture should be firm enough to form small balls.
3. Shape the Veg Balls:
   • Take small portions of the mixture and roll them into smooth balls, roughly the size of a golf ball.
4. Fry the Veg Balls:
   • Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the vegetable balls in batches until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan.
   • Once fried, drain the balls on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Making the Manchurian Sauce:

1. Sauté Aromatics:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or deep pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté until fragrant, around 30 seconds.
2. Cook Vegetables:
   • Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the wok. Stir-fry them for about 2-3 minutes until slightly softened, maintaining a bit of crunch.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • Add soy sauce, red chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Stir well to combine.
   • Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar (optional) and salt to taste.
4. Thicken the Sauce:
   • Add water to the mixture and bring it to a simmer.
   • Gradually add the corn flour slurry (corn flour mixed with water) while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Combine Veg Balls and Sauce:
   • Once the sauce has thickened, add the fried vegetable balls to the pan. Toss the balls gently in the sauce so they are well coated.
   • Let the balls soak in the sauce for a minute or two to absorb the flavors, but don’t leave them in too long to prevent them from becoming soggy.
6. Final Touches:
   • Drizzle a teaspoon of sesame oil for added flavor (optional).
   • Garnish the Veg Manchurian with freshly chopped spring onions.

Serving:

Serve the hot and flavorful Veg Manchurian with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles for a complete meal. This dish also works as an appetizer or side dish at parties and gatherings.

Tips:

• For extra crispiness, double fry the vegetable balls.
• You can customize the sauce by adjusting the amount of chili sauce or soy sauce based on your spice preference.
• For a healthier version, you can bake the veggie balls instead of deep-frying them.

Veg Manchurian is an excellent fusion of Chinese flavors and Indian spices, and it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves Indo-Chinese cuisine!