Vegetable Manchurian Balls Recipe – Indo-Chinese Appetizer
The Vegetable Manchurian Balls are a delightful and crispy appetizer inspired by Indo-Chinese cuisine. These savory, bite-sized balls are made from finely minced vegetables, lightly fried, and then coated in a sweet, spicy sauce that is a perfect blend of tanginess and warmth. The combination of fresh vegetables, cornstarch, and bold seasoning creates a delicious snack, ideal for parties or casual gatherings. With its crispy exterior and soft interior, Vegetable Manchurian makes a tasty, vegetarian-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy!
Cuisine: Chinese
Course: Appetizer
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For Manchurian Balls:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose), finely minced | 3 cups |
| Carrots (Gajjar), finely grated | 1 large |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 medium |
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled, peeled, and mashed | 2 medium |
| Corn flour (for binding) | 1/4 cup |
| Black pepper powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Salt | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | for pan frying |
For Manchurian Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Garlic, finely chopped | 3 cloves |
| Ginger, grated | 1 inch piece |
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens), finely chopped | 1/4 cup |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Corn flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Vegetable stock or water | 1 cup |
| Soy sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Tomato Ketchup | 1 tablespoon |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | to taste |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Manchurian Balls
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Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely minced cabbage, grated carrots, chopped green bell pepper, finely chopped onion, mashed potatoes, corn flour, black pepper powder, and salt. Add a small amount of water if needed to help bind the mixture together. The mixture should be firm enough to shape into balls.
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Shape the Balls: Divide the mixture into 15-20 portions and roll them into smooth, round balls, about the size of a lemon or slightly larger, depending on your preference.
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Pan Fry the Manchurian Balls: Preheat a Kuzhi Paniyaram pan or any non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of Extra Virgin Olive Oil into each cavity or directly in the pan. Place the formed Manchurian balls in the pan and cook them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. You can drizzle additional oil if you want them to be extra crispy. Set the fried Manchurian balls aside.
Step 2: Make the Manchurian Sauce
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Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the corn flour with 1/4 cup of vegetable stock or water. Stir until the corn flour dissolves completely. Add the soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and a pinch of salt to the mixture. Set aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat Extra Virgin Olive Oil in a wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, grated ginger, green chillies, and spring onions. Stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
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Cook the Sauce: Pour the prepared corn flour mixture into the pan with the sautéed aromatics. Stir continuously and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Adjust the seasoning to taste by adding more salt if necessary.
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Combine the Balls and Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, gently add the fried Vegetable Manchurian balls into the sauce. Toss the balls in the sauce, allowing them to coat thoroughly. Stir-fry the mixture on high heat for a few minutes, making sure the Manchurian balls absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
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Garnish: Once everything is well-coated and the sauce has slightly thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with finely chopped spring onion greens for added freshness and flavor.
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Serve: Serve the Vegetable Manchurian Balls hot, straight from the pan, as a flavorful appetizer or snack. Pair them with fried rice, noodles, or enjoy them on their own.
Tips for Perfect Vegetable Manchurian Balls:
- Crispiness: To make the Manchurian balls extra crispy, ensure they are fried on medium heat until golden brown and firm on all sides.
- Adjusting Spice Level: You can control the heat of the dish by adjusting the amount of green chillies and black pepper powder. Feel free to reduce them if you prefer a milder version.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other finely chopped vegetables, such as beans or peas, to create your own twist on this classic dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 180 kcal (approximate)
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
Vegetable Manchurian Balls are a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy, spicy, and flavorful vegetarian treat, perfect for any occasion. The combination of fried vegetable balls with a tangy sauce makes them an irresistible appetizer or snack. Try this easy recipe to bring the taste of Indo-Chinese cuisine to your kitchen!
