Introduction
Veg Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese fast food dish that is a combines crispy and crunchy fresh vegetable balls with a tangy, spicy sauce. Loved across India and beyond, it is a perfect appetizer or main course for anyone who enjoys flavorful, savory food. If you have ever wondered how to make veg Manchurian at home, this is detail guide will walk you through every step — from preparing the vegetable balls to making the delicious and spicy sauce.
What is Veg Manchurian?
Veg Manchurian is a vegetarian Indo-Chinese dish in which shredded fresh vegetables are formed to balls and fried until crispy. These are tossed in a dark red, spicy, sweet, tangy & umami Manchurian Sauce. In most restaurants, you will find 1 to 2 of the three versions of Vegetarian Manchurian – dry, semi-dry and gravy. As the names say a dry version has thick sauce coated over the vegetable balls and these are best to be served as an appetizer. The semi-dry version is served with a little more Manchurian sauce and can be eaten with fried rice, rice or noodles.
The gravy version is served with plenty of sauce and you will love this if you are a sauce lover. It is worth noting that plenty of sauce means high calories, high-sodium and high amount of refined flour. So dry and semi-dry versions are better choices for health conscious people. Vegetable Manchurian makes for a great dish for parties, family dinners and weekend meals. Veg Manchurian is an Indo-Chinese dish that consists of deep-fried vegetable balls cooked in a flavorful Manchurian sauce.
It comes in two main varieties:
Dry Manchurian:
The vegetable balls are coated lightly with sauce, making it a great snack or starter.
Gravy Manchurian:
Served with a thick, spicy sauce, this is perfect to pair with rice or noodles. The dish features a harmonious blend of Chinese cooking techniques and Indian spices, making it a staple in many Indian households and restaurants.
Ingredients Needed for Veg Manchurian
To make a veg Manchurian, you all need two sets of a ingredients: one for the fresh vegetable balls and another for the spicy sauce.
For the Vegetable Balls:
Mixed vegetables (cabbage, carrots, beans, bell peppers) – finely chopped or grated
All-purpose flour (Maida)
Cornflour (for binding and crispiness)
Ginger-garlic paste
Green chilies (finely chopped)
Salt to taste
Black pepper powder
Oil for deep frying
For the Sauce:
Oil
Finely chopped garlic
Finely chopped ginger
Green chilies (sliced)
Spring onions (white and green parts separated)
Soy sauce
Tomato ketchup
Red chili sauce (adjust as per spice preference)
Vinegar
Cornflour mixed with water (for thickening)
Salt and pepper to taste it
Tips on Ingredients:
You can substitute all-purpose flour with the gluten-free flour if you needed depend on yourself. For a vegan version, ensure the sauces used are vegan-friendly. Use fresh vegetables for the best texture, taste and delicious.
Step-by-Step Recipe to Make a Veg Manchurian
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Mixture
Start by finely chopping or grating your mixed fresh vegetables. The smaller the pieces, the better the texture of the Manchurian balls. In a mixing a bowl, combine the vegetables with a all-purpose flour, cornflour, ginger-garlic paste, green chilies, salt, and pepper. Add just enough water to make a thick batter that can hold shape.
Step 2: Shape and Fry the Balls
Heat oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat. Shape small portions of the batter into round balls and gently drop them into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Remove the balls and drain excess oil on paper towels.
Step 3: Make the Manchurian Sauce
In a separate pan or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add finely chopped garlic, ginger, and the white part of spring onions. Sauté until fragrant. Add green chilies and stir for a few seconds. Now add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, red chili sauce, and vinegar. Mix well.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix cornflour with water to create a slurry and pour it slowly into the sauce while stirring continuously. This will thicken the sauce to a glossy, smooth consistency.
Step 5: Combine Veg Balls and Sauce
Add the fried fresh vegetable balls to the sauce and gently toss to coat them evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes so the balls absorb the flavors. Garnish with the green parts of spring onions for freshness and crunch.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Veg Manchurian easily
Keep the balls crispy: Do not overcrowd the frying pan, and fry in batches for even cooking.
Adjust spice levels: Add more or less chili sauce depending on your heat preference.
For extra crunch: Add finely chopped cabbage or bell peppers in the batter.
Variations: You can make steamed Manchurian balls instead of deep-fried for a healthier option. Using gluten-free flour can cater to gluten-sensitive diets.
Serving Suggestions
Veg Manchurian pairs wonderfully with:
Fried rice or plain steamed rice
Hakka noodles or chow mien
As an appetizer with a side of chili sauce
Garnish with fresh spring onions and coriander for a appealing presentation. Leftovers can be a stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days and reheated on the stove or microwave before serving.
Health Benefits of Veg Manchurian
While veg Manchurian is a indulgent treat, it is a also contains several nutritious elements:
Mixed vegetables provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The dish is a generally low in saturated fat if shallow-fried or baked instead of deep-fried. Using fresh ingredients means no preservatives or artificial additives. For a healthier version, bake the vegetable balls or air fry instead of deep-frying. Also, reduce sugar and oil in the sauce to cut calories.
People also ask
What are the ingredients of veg Manchurian?
Manchurian Recipe | Veg Manchurian Gravy
The main ingredients for Veg Manchurian Gravy including mixed vegetables (such as cabbage, carrots, bell peppers), all-purpose flour, cornstarch, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, green chilies, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, vinegar, and spring onions.
How is Manchurian prepared?
Manchurian is a class of Indian Chinese dishes made by roughly chopping and deep-frying ingredients such as chicken, cauliflower (Gobi), prawns, fish, mutton, and paneer, and then sautéing them in a sauce flavored with soy sauce.
Is Manchurian veg or non-veg?
Veg Manchurian Recipe
Manchurian can be a both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The term “Manchurian” refers to a style of cooking, often associated with Indo-Chinese cuisine, where ingredients are deep-fried and then sautéed in a flavorful sauce. While Chicken Manchurian and Gobi Manchurian (made with cauliflower) are popular, there are also vegetarian versions like Veg Manchurian made with mixed vegetables, and non-vegetarian options like Prawn Manchurian.
Conclusion
Learning how to make veg Manchurian at home is easier and simple tips than you think. With simple ingredients and easy steps here, you can enjoy this is a flavorful Indo-Chinese classic anytime and anywhere. Whether you want it is a dry as a snack or with rich gravy as a meal, this recipe is a covers it is a all. So why wait? Gather your veggies and get cooking! Do not forget to the share this recipe with friends, your relatives, your neighbours and leave your feedback below. enjoy this recipe any time than you.