Chinese Bhel Recipe – No Onion, No Garlic

Cuisine: Fusion | Course: Snack | Diet: Vegetarian | Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 2

Introduction:

This flavorful and crunchy Chinese Bhel is a delightful fusion snack inspired by Indian street food but tailored for those who prefer a no onion, no garlic version. The dish combines fried crispy noodles with stir-fried vegetables and tangy sauces, making it a quick and fun snack. Perfect for serving at tea time or a light munching option during the day, this version retains all the flavor without using onion or garlic, making it ideal for those observing specific dietary restrictions.

Ingredients:

Nutritional Information (per serving):

Instructions:

1. Boil the noodles:

   • Start by boiling the wheat noodles in a saucepan filled with hot water. Add a little oil and a pinch of salt to the water to prevent the noodles from sticking.
   • Cook the noodles until they are half done (al dente), then drain the excess water. Set aside.

2. Stir-fry the vegetables:

   • In a saucepan, heat a tablespoon of oil. Add the thinly sliced French beans and carrots. Stir-fry them for about 2 minutes on medium heat until slightly tender but still crunchy.
   • Now, add the green bell pepper (capsicum) slices and sauté them for another 2 minutes.

3. Prepare the sauce:

   • Add the soy sauce, red chilli sauce, and tomato ketchup to the stir-fried vegetables. Mix well, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated with the sauces.
   • Adjust the salt to taste, and add a sprinkle of crushed black peppercorns to enhance the flavor.
   • Stir the mixture thoroughly and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the sauces to infuse with the vegetables.

4. Fry the noodles:

   • In the meantime, deep fry the boiled noodles until they turn golden brown and crispy. You can alternatively use an air fryer to achieve the same crispy texture with less oil.
   • Once the noodles are fried and have reached room temperature, crumble them gently using your hands to break them into bite-sized pieces.

5. Assemble the Chinese Bhel:

   • Add the crispy fried noodles to the prepared vegetable and sauce mixture. Toss them together lightly to avoid breaking the noodles too much.
   • Saute the mixture for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Garnish and serve:

   • Finally, garnish the Chinese Bhel with freshly chopped coriander leaves. Serve the dish immediately while the noodles are still crunchy for the best experience.
   • Pair this delightful snack with a hot cup of Masala Chai for a satisfying munching session during your evening break or serve it as an appetizer at gatherings.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chinese Bhel is best enjoyed right after preparation, as the noodles maintain their crispy texture. If you are planning to serve this dish later, it’s recommended to keep the fried noodles separate and toss them with the vegetable mixture just before serving to preserve the crunchiness.

Recipe Tips:

• Customization: You can add or substitute vegetables like shredded cabbage, julienned zucchini, or sliced mushrooms depending on your preference. Keep in mind to maintain the “no onion, no garlic” guideline.
• Crispy Noodles: For an even healthier option, try air-frying the noodles instead of deep-frying. This will cut down on oil while keeping the crunch intact.
• Make it spicy: If you enjoy more heat, you can increase the amount of red chilli sauce or even add a dash of Sriracha sauce for an extra kick.
• Vegan-friendly: This recipe is naturally vegan, but always double-check the sauces to ensure they do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
• Storage: Although best enjoyed fresh, you can store the stir-fried vegetables and sauce mixture separately in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Just fry the noodles fresh and combine when ready to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Can I use rice noodles instead of wheat noodles?
Yes, rice noodles can be a great gluten-free substitute for wheat noodles in this recipe. Just follow the cooking instructions for rice noodles, and then fry them as per the recipe to achieve the same crispy texture.

2. How can I prevent the noodles from becoming soggy?
To prevent the noodles from getting soggy, it’s important to toss them with the vegetable mixture only at the last minute. Also, ensure the noodles are fully fried and crispy before mixing with the sauce.

3. Can I make this recipe in advance for a party?
Yes, but to maintain the best texture, store the crispy noodles and vegetable mixture separately and only combine them just before serving.

4. What can I serve with Chinese Bhel?
Chinese Bhel pairs wonderfully with beverages like Masala Chai, or you can serve it alongside light soups or finger foods like Spring Rolls to complete a snack platter.

This No Onion No Garlic Chinese Bhel Recipe is an exciting fusion of textures and flavors, making it a crowd-pleasing snack for any occasion. Its versatility in preparation and the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and crispy elements make it an irresistible dish to try out!