Chilli Manchurian Recipe - A Spicy Indo-Chinese Delight

Introduction: 

Chilli Manchurian is a beloved Indo-Chinese dish that perfectly combines the robust flavors of Chinese cuisine with the spice and flair of Indian spices. This delightful recipe features deep-fried vegetable or paneer balls tossed in a tangy and spicy Manchurian sauce. In this article, we'll guide you through creating the tantalizing Chilli Manchurian, a popular dish that's sure to please your taste buds with its enticing flavors.

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Ingredients:

For the Manchurian Balls:

1 cup cabbage, finely shredded

1/2 cup carrots, grated

1/2 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), finely chopped

1/4 cup spring onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste

1 teaspoon soy sauce

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for deep frying

For the Manchurian Sauce:

2 tablespoons oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

2-3 green chilies, finely chopped

1/2 cup onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup bell peppers (mixed colors), thinly sliced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon tomato ketchup

1 tablespoon chilli sauce

1 teaspoon vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup vegetable broth or water

1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Spring onions for garnish

Instructions:

For the Manchurian Balls:

Prepare the Vegetables:

In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, grated carrots, chopped bell peppers, and spring onions.

Add all-purpose flour, cornstarch, ginger-garlic paste, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a sticky mixture.

Shape the Balls:

Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into round balls. Ensure they are compact and hold their shape.

Deep Fry the Balls:

Heat oil in a deep pan for frying.

Fry the Manchurian balls until they turn golden brown and crisp.

Remove and place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

For the Manchurian Sauce:

Sauté Aromatics:

In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat.

Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped green chilies. Sauté until aromatic.

Add Vegetables:

Add finely chopped onions and thinly sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry until the vegetables are slightly tender.

Prepare the Sauce:

Add soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Pour in vegetable broth or water. Allow the mixture to simmer.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

If you prefer a thicker consistency, slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce while stirring continuously. Simmer until it thickens.

Toss in Manchurian Balls:

Add the fried Manchurian balls to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the balls evenly with the flavorful sauce.

Garnish and Serve:

Garnish with chopped spring onions.

Serve the Spicy Chilli Manchurian hot as an appetizer or a side dish.

Optional Tips:

Adjust the quantity of green chilies and chilli sauce based on your spice preference.

For a variation, you can use paneer (cottage cheese) cubes instead of vegetable balls.

Conclusion: 

Chilli Manchurian is a delectable fusion dish that seamlessly blends the best of Chinese and Indian flavors. With its crispy Manchurian balls bathed in a spicy and tangy sauce, this dish is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the bold and zesty taste of Chilli Manchurian, bringing the excitement of Indo-Chinese cuisine to your dining table.