Vegetarian Hakka Noodles | Chinese Chow Mein Recipe
Description:
Vegetarian Hakka Noodles is a vibrant and flavorful Indo-Chinese dish that traces its origins to the Chinese community of Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). During the late 18th century, Chinese immigrants settled in Kolkata, particularly in the Tangra area, which eventually became the hub for the city’s distinctive Chinese cuisine. Today, this dish is beloved for its tantalizing mix of stir-fried vegetables, noodles, and aromatic sauces, making it a popular main course for vegetarian lovers and fans of Chinese-style cooking.
Cuisine:
Cantonese (Indo-Chinese)
Course:
Main Course
Diet:
Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hakka Noodles | 1 pack |
| Onions | 2, thinly sliced |
| Ginger | 1 inch, finely chopped |
| Carrots (Gajjar) | 1, thinly sliced |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1, thinly sliced |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose) | 1 cup, thinly sliced |
| Green Beans (French Beans) | ½ cup, thinly sliced |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens) | 4 sprigs, chopped |
| Black Pepper Powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Soy Sauce | ½ teaspoon |
| Red Chilli Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Chilli Vinegar | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Nutritional Information:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 6-7 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45 grams |
| Fat | 8-10 grams |
| Fiber | 3-4 grams |
| Sodium | 600-700 mg |
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.)
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Noodles:
- Start by bringing 1 liter of water to a boil in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the Hakka noodles and cook them until just about done. The noodles should retain a firm texture, not overcooked but soft enough to be enjoyed (al dente).
- After the noodles are cooked, immediately drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures they don’t become too soft or mushy.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the cooled noodles to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large frying pan or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and finely chopped ginger. Sauté them until the onions soften and turn slightly golden.
- Add the thinly sliced green bell pepper (capsicum), carrots, green beans (French beans), cabbage, and spring onions. Season with salt and black pepper powder. Stir-fry on high heat for 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, preserving their color and texture.
- For faster cooking, you may cover the pan for a few minutes, allowing the vegetables to steam lightly while keeping their crispness intact.
-
Combine the Noodles and Sauces:
- Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, and chilli vinegar. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauces to evenly coat the vegetables and create a flavorful base.
-
Final Mixing:
- Add the prepared Hakka noodles to the vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently, making sure the noodles are well mixed with the vegetables and the sauces.
- Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the noodles are heated through and well-coated with the sauce.
-
Serve:
- Turn off the heat and transfer the Vegetarian Hakka Noodles to a serving bowl.
- Serve immediately as a main dish, or pair it with other Indo-Chinese favorites like Gobi Manchurian or Indo-Chinese Mixed Vegetables in Szechuan Sauce for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Hakka Noodles:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Ensure the noodles are cooked al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooking will make them soggy once combined with the vegetables and sauces.
- High Heat Stir-Frying: Always cook on high heat to achieve the desired crisp texture in the vegetables while retaining their vibrant colors.
- Customize with Protein: Feel free to add your choice of protein such as tofu, paneer, or tempeh for a more filling meal.
Vegetarian Hakka Noodles is an easy-to-make, mouthwatering dish that brings together the goodness of fresh vegetables and perfectly cooked noodles, all brought to life with flavorful sauces. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
