Non-Fried Vegetable & Oat Manchurian Balls in Sweet & Spicy Oat Sauce
This flavorful and satisfying dish, Non-Fried Vegetable & Oat Manchurian Balls in Sweet & Spicy Oat Sauce, is a delightful fusion from the world of Indian Chinese cuisine. The Manchurian balls are made from a mix of finely minced vegetables and oats, which give them a soft, succulent texture. Instead of the traditional deep frying, these vegetable and oat balls are pan-fried in a Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan, making them lighter while retaining their crispiness. These savory vegetable balls are served in a luscious sweet and spicy chili garlic sauce, offering the perfect balance of heat and tangy sweetness, making this dish an ideal choice for a vegetarian dinner or any special occasion.
The oats add a unique twist, providing not only a great texture but also a heartier feel to the Manchurian. Combined with the aromatic blend of ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and tangy chili sauces, this dish becomes a deliciously well-rounded meal. Pair it with vegetable Hakka noodles or Chinese vegetable fried rice for a complete meal that will surely impress your guests.
Ingredients Table:
| Ingredients for Vegetable Manchurian Balls | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cabbage (Patta Gobi/ Muttaikose), finely minced | 2 cups |
| Cauliflower (Gobi), shredded | 1/2 cup |
| Carrot (Gajjar), finely grated | 1 cup |
| Ginger, grated | 1 inch |
| Rolled Oats or Instant Oats | 40 grams |
| Green Bell Pepper (Capsicum), finely chopped | 1 |
| Corn Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Salt, to taste | – |
| Oil, for pan frying (1/4 teaspoon per ball) | 2 tbsp |
| Ingredients for Sweet Hot and Spicy Chilli Garlic Sauce | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spring Onion (Bulb & Greens), chopped | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 5-6 cloves |
| Green Chillies, finely chopped | 2 |
| Ginger, grated or chopped | 2 inches |
| Corn Flour | 1 tbsp |
| Vegetable Stock (or water) | 1 cup |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tsp |
| Tomato Ketchup | 1 tbsp |
| Sriracha Sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Red Chilli Sauce | 1 tsp |
| Oil (preferably sunflower oil) | 1 tbsp |
| Salt and Pepper, to taste | – |
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Instructions for Non-Fried Vegetable & Oat Manchurian Balls:
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Prepare the Vegetable Manchurian Balls:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the vegetable Manchurian balls. This includes finely minced cabbage, shredded cauliflower, grated carrot, grated ginger, oats, chopped green bell pepper, corn flour, and whole wheat flour. Add salt to taste.
- Mix everything together thoroughly. Add just a little water if needed to bind the ingredients. The consistency should be firm enough to shape into small balls. Knead the mixture well until everything is combined.
-
Cooking the Manchurian Balls:
- Preheat a Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan (or any pan with small divots). Add a little oil to the pan.
- Spoon a portion of the mixture into each divot and cook the Manchurian balls on medium heat until they are browned and crispy on all sides. Ensure that the balls are cooked through.
- Once the first batch is done, remove the balls and set them aside. Continue with the rest of the mixture in the same way.
-
Prepare the Sweet & Spicy Chilli Garlic Sauce:
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the corn flour with the vegetable stock (or water). Stir well to dissolve the corn flour.
- Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, sriracha sauce, red chilli sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the corn flour mixture. Stir to combine.
-
Make the Sauce:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large frying pan on high heat. Add the chopped garlic, ginger, green chillies, and spring onions. Stir-fry for a few seconds until the aromatic flavors are released.
- Add the corn flour mixture to the wok and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens. If the sauce gets too thick, you can add a little more water to reach the desired consistency. Taste and adjust the salt and spice levels according to your preference.
-
Combine the Manchurian Balls with Sauce:
- Once the sauce has thickened and the flavor is balanced, add the cooked vegetable Manchurian balls into the wok. Stir the balls gently in the sauce for a few minutes, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Garnish with extra spring onion leaves before serving.
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Serving:
- Serve the Non-Fried Vegetable & Oat Manchurian Balls hot in the sweet and spicy chilli garlic sauce. Pair them with Vegetable Hakka Noodles or Chinese Vegetable Fried Rice for a full meal.
Allergen Information:
This recipe contains gluten from the whole wheat flour and oats. It also contains soy from the soy sauce and may contain traces of sesame, depending on the soy sauce brand used. Please adjust the ingredients accordingly if you have any allergies or intolerances to these components.
Dietary Preferences:
- Vegetarian-Friendly: Yes
- Vegan-Friendly: This recipe can be made vegan by substituting honey or non-vegan sauces with plant-based alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free oats and substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free alternative to make it suitable for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Dairy-Free: Yes, this recipe is dairy-free.
Advice for Best Results:
- Texture of Balls: The key to the perfect Manchurian balls is getting the right consistency. The mixture should be moist enough to hold together but not too wet. If the mixture feels too sticky, you can add a little more corn flour or whole wheat flour to adjust the texture.
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce can be adjusted to your preferred thickness. If you like a thicker sauce, let it reduce for a few extra minutes. If you prefer a more fluid sauce, just add a bit more vegetable stock or water.
- Serving Suggestions: These Manchurian balls pair beautifully with stir-fried noodles or rice. For a healthier alternative, serve them alongside a fresh salad or sautéed vegetables.
Conclusion:
Non-Fried Vegetable & Oat Manchurian Balls in Sweet & Spicy Oat Sauce offer a delightful twist on the traditional Indian Chinese dish. The pan-fried vegetable and oat balls, with their perfectly crispy exterior and soft interior, combine harmoniously with the vibrant, sweet, and spicy chili garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, and its unique flavors make it an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these Manchurian balls will certainly add a burst of flavor and excitement to your table!
