Some food cravings can only be satisfied by Desi Chinese. There is something about its fusion flavours that bring us comfort, unlike any other food. Another great thing about Desi Chinese dishes is their convenience. You don't need exotic ingredients or complex skills to make them. Even beginners can easily prepare them and relish their results. Today, we bring you a classic veg recipe to try: Gobi Manchurian. Now, this dish can be enjoyed as a dry preparation and makes for a great appetiser, at any time. But it can also be modified to make a thick gravy that can then be paired with noodles or fried rice. Here's yet another reason to try this dish: Gobi Manchurian was recently declared 24th among the top 50 traditional vegan dishes in the world (Read more here).
What Is The Origin Of Gobi Manchurian?
Gobi Manchurian, specifically tailored to suit the preferences of Indian taste buds, originated from the Chinese community in Kolkata. They aimed to adapt their traditional dishes to better suit the Indian palate. Despite its delicious taste, the preparation of gobi manchurian is relatively simple.
Also Read: 5 Easy Indo-Chinese Recipes To Satiate Your Desi Chinese Food Cravings
How To Make Gobi Manchurian At Home | Quick And Easy Recipe For Cauliflower Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian consists of fried cauliflower florets tossed in spicy gravy. Photo Credit: iStock
What you need:
Among the veggies, you require cauliflower, onions, capsicum, spring onions and green chillies. For the Manchurian base, you need sauces like soy, ketchup, chilli and others. Maida and corn flour (or cornstarch) are required for the frying batter. You can also add red chilli powder to it at your discretion. Also keep basic ingredients like ginger, garlic, and pepper handy.
How to prepare:
Parboil cauliflower florets in salted water for around 5 minutes. Pat them dry to remove all moisture and set aside. Prepare a batter by mixing maida, corn flour, water, salt and pepper. Coat the dried florets in this batter and deep fry them in a kadhai. Once they turn brown in colour and look crisp, take them out.
In a pan, heat oil and add chopped garlic, ginger and chillies. Later, add the chopped veggies and saute well. Add the sauces to make the Manchurian base, and add sugar to balance the flavours. Taste and adjust salt as well as spice level. Add the deep-fried cauliflower florets and toss them well with the gravy/sauces. Add more water or cornflour slurry to get the desired consistency. Once the florets are properly coated with the rest of the ingredients, turn off the heat. Garnish the dish with spring onion greens and enjoy immediately. Click here for the complete recipe for Gobi Manchurian.
How To Make Gobi Manchurian Crispy?
For achieving the ideal crispy texture of gobi manchurian, ensure that the oil is heated to the right temperature. Inadequate heating of oil may result in less crispy florets that tend to soak more oil. To check the oil temperature, place a cauliflower floret coated in batter in the pan and fry it until it turns golden brown on both sides.
Also Read: Cooking Tips: 7 Easy Ways To Give Your Snacks A Crispy Coating
The next time you're wondering what to indulge in, opt for making this dish. If you're looking to prepare restaurant-style veg Manchurian, then watch the recipe video here. If you like such savoury treats, you would also love Kung Pao Paneer - another dish that can be enjoyed as a starter or as a main course. Click here for the recipe. Remember, Desi Chinese never disappoints!
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About Toshita SahniToshita is fuelled by wordplay, wanderlust, wonderment and Alliteration. When she is not blissfully contemplating her next meal, she enjoys reading novels and roaming around the city.