Chinese Bhel Recipe – Crispy Noodle Salad
Introduction
Embark on a culinary adventure with this delightful Chinese Bhel Recipe, a vibrant and crispy noodle salad that harmoniously blends the flavors of Asian cuisine with Indian street food flair. This dish is not just a snack; it’s a celebration of textures and tastes, perfect for tea time or a refreshing after-school treat for kids. The crispy noodles, fresh vegetables, and zesty chutneys come together in a fusion that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Hakka Noodles | 150 grams |
| Sunflower Oil (for air frying the noodles) | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion (thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose, thinly sliced) | 1 cup |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum, thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Carrot (Gajjar, thinly sliced) | 1 |
| Tomato (finely chopped) | 1 |
| Sweet Chutney (Date & Tamarind) | 1 tablespoon (or more to taste) |
| Green Chutney (Coriander & Mint) | 1 tablespoon |
| Red Chilli Sauce | 1 teaspoon (or more to taste) |
| Salt | To taste |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 2
Instructions
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Prepare the Ingredients:
To commence the delightful journey of making Chinese Bhel, gather all the fresh vegetables—onion, cabbage, bell pepper, carrot, and tomato—and finely chop them as indicated. Additionally, have your sweet chutney, green chutney, and red chili sauce ready at hand to enhance the flavors of the salad. -
-
Cook the Noodles:
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add a pinch of salt. Once boiling, carefully introduce the Hakka noodles into the pot and allow them to cook until they are half done, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Once the noodles are al dente, promptly drain them using a colander and rinse under cold water. This step is crucial as it halts the cooking process, ensuring the noodles retain their delightful texture. -
Oil the Noodles:
After rinsing, transfer the cooled noodles into a mixing bowl and drizzle them with one tablespoon of sunflower oil. Gently toss the noodles with your hands or a spatula to ensure even coating, which not only adds flavor but also aids in achieving that desired crispiness when air-frying. -
Air Fry the Noodles:
To achieve perfectly crispy noodles, it’s essential to fry them in small batches. Cut a piece of aluminum foil measuring approximately 8 x 8 inches and pinch the edges to fit into the basket of your air fryer. Ensure there’s at least an inch of space around the edges for proper air circulation. Puncture a few holes in the foil for additional airflow. Place the oiled noodles in the foil-lined basket and set the air fryer to 180°C (356°F). Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, remembering to check and toss the noodles every 7 minutes for even crisping. -
Assemble the Salad:
Once your noodles have reached that perfect crispy state, remove them from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepped vegetables, the crispy noodles, and your selected chutneys and sauces. Using two spoons, perform a gentle tossing motion to combine everything thoroughly. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference. -
Serve Immediately:
Your Chinese Bhel is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it immediately as a delightful snack or tea-time treat, ensuring the noodles remain crispy until the very last bite. This colorful salad is not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal choice for gatherings and casual get-togethers.
Conclusion
The Chinese Bhel Recipe is a beautiful embodiment of fusion cuisine, blending crispy textures with fresh, zesty flavors. It’s an easy-to-make dish that is sure to please both kids and adults alike, making it a perfect addition to any culinary repertoire. Enjoy this crispy noodle salad as a wholesome snack that is healthy and utterly delicious!
