Gobi Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy, tangy sauce. It is a perfect starter or snack for any occasion and is loved by both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. This dish is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.
One of the most famous manchurian dishes in Indo-Chinese cuisine is Gobi manchurian. In Hindi, “gobi” is the word for “cauliflower,” and “manchurian” is the name of a sweet, tangy, and slightly sour sauce prepared with ketchup, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and some other spices.
The dish’s precise origin is unknown, but many people think it originated around a century ago from the Chinese community that had migrated to Kolkata. Even though it has a lot of Chinese tastes, it also has some Indian influences. It is a great appetizer that can be eaten before a meal.
You can prepare manchurian at home using this recipe, which is incredibly tasty and flavorful.
If you’ve never tried Indo-Chinese food, you probably want to learn more about this recipe.
See, Vegan Cauliflower Casserole and Whole Roasted Cauliflower
What Is Gobi Manchurian?
To prepare gobi manchurian, the cauliflower florets are first covered in batter and then deep-fried until crisp. These are then slathered in a spicy, sour, and sweet manchurian sauce.
Although many different ingredients can be used in a manchurian recipe—chicken, fish, soya chunks, mixed vegetables, etc.—most Indians absolutely adore this version prepared with cauliflower.
The flavor and fragrance of fried cauliflower give gobi manchurian its distinctive and exceptional appeal as an appetizer.
There are two types of gobi Manchurian: the first is a dry or semi-dry version, and the second is a gravy version.
Which version of the gobi manchurian tastes better?
My preference is for the gobi manchurian to be dry or semi-dry. In comparison to the gravy variety, it is tasty and much healthier. The main component of the gravy is corn flour, which I always try to use as little as possible. Additionally, the gravy form requires more soy sauce and chili sauce, which I do not opt for. In general, it is a matter of personal preference.
Appealing Features Of This Recipe:
- It is hearty, flavorful, and really tasty.
- This recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free.
- It is a perfect filling meal or snack.
- It requires less than 30 minutes to prepare and the majority of ingredients are readily available or pantry staples.
- It has a nice blend of spices that makes it a pleasantly warming dish and will surely please everyone’s taste buds.
- The star ingredient in this dish, cauliflower, is very healthy.
- Even people who don’t like vegetables will like this gobi manchurian.
- The dish’s crunchy texture will be particularly beloved by kids.
- This delicious dish is perfect for family dinners or parties.
- If you want to add some adventure to your dinner, you could also eat it with rice or rotis.
Is Gobi Manchurian Healthy?
The benefits of Gobi Manchurian all derive from cauliflower’s nutritional value. It is a vegetable that will benefit your health greatly because it is incredibly nutritious and abundant in vitamins and minerals. It offers a good quantity of fiber, which reduces digestive discomfort and vastly enhances digestion. Additionally, because it will make you feel fuller throughout the day, it is a great choice if you want to reduce weight and control how much food you eat.
Because cauliflower is high in antioxidants, it provides a variety of health advantages, one of which is a stronger immune system. Additionally, regular consumption has been connected to a reduced chance of heart disease and a number of cancers.
Cauliflower is strong in choline, an essential ingredient that supports metabolism, brain growth, and nervous system function, and is insufficient in many people. It also keeps cholesterol from building up in the liver.
Ingredients For Gobi Manchurian:
- Cauliflower: I used 1 large-sized cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets. Make sure to thoroughly wash cauliflower florets before cooking.
- Cornflour: For getting a crispy coating. Corn flour is naturally gluten-free. It is frequently used in baked goods or fried items and has a light, finer feel.
- Salt: Salt will help to balance the flavors.
- Cumin powder: Among the most delicious spices from India that adds amazing flavor to your dishes.
- Red Chili Powder: Gives a nice kick to the cauliflower florets.
- Oil: For shallow frying the cauliflower florets.
For The Sauce:
- Oil: You may use any available plant-based oil.
- Garlic: Use fresh garlic for a strong flavor.
- Onion: Use white, red, or yellow whatever is easily available in the pantry will work.
- Capsicum: It adds a pleasant crunch.
- Tomato: I used fresh tomatoes.
- Carrot: It adds a hint of nutrition, flavor, and sweetness.
- Tomato ketchup: For a sweet tangy flavor and bright red color. You can use tomato puree instead of tomato ketchup.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari or soy sauce with a lower salt content.
- Smoked Paprika: To get a nice color and smokey flavor.
- Garam masala powder: A well-known Indian spice mixture for adding aroma and flavor to the sauce.
- Salt: To further enhance the taste.
- Jaggery: For adding a little sweetness, you may use coconut sugar.
- Spring onions: For adding an umami, grassy flavor.
How To Make Gobi Manchurian?
- In a large bowl, combine cornflour, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter and coat well.
- Heat oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated cauliflower florets and fry until they turn golden brown. Drain the excess oil on a paper towel.
- For the sauce, heat the oil in a pan on medium heat. Add chopped garlic and sauté for a few seconds.
- Add onions, capsicum, tomato, and carrot. Sauté for a few minutes until the vegetables are cooked but still retain their crunch.
- Add in the fried cauliflower florets.
- Add tomato ketchup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garam masala, and salt. Mix well.
- Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Gobi Manchurian!
Serving Suggestions
Gobi Manchurian is best served immediately after cooking, as the crispy cauliflower florets will become soggy over time.
You can serve this Gobi Manchurian with some steamed brown rice or on its own as a healthy feast.
Leftover Storage Guidelines
Gobi Manchurian tastes the greatest when it is freshly prepared and served. However, you should keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for two to three days in an airtight container. Serve after reheating in the microwave for a few minutes.
Recipe Notes:
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili sauce or red pepper flakes, depending on your taste.
- You can also make this dish healthier by baking the cauliflower instead of deep-frying and using low-sodium soy sauce and other sauces.
- You may add some water or vegetable broth to the sauce to make a thicker gravy-like consistency.
- You may add some pineapple chunks or pineapple juice to the sauce for a sweet and sour flavor.
More Delicious Cauliflower Dishes To Try:
- Cauliflower Nuggets
- Jamaican Jerk Cauliflower
- Easy To Bake Cauliflower Wings
- Roasted Cauliflower In Spicy Marinara Sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Gobi Manchurian Not Crispy?
To get a perfect crispy gobi manchurian, ensure that the oil is hot. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the florets won’t get crisp and will soak up more oil. Add one batter-covered cauliflower floret to the skillet to test the oil. Then fry the remaining floret until golden on both sides.
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower To Make Manchurian?
Although you may use frozen cauliflower to make this gobi manchurian, I strongly advise using fresh cauliflower for greater flavor, taste, and texture.
What Is the Difference Between Chili Gobi And Gobi Manchurian?
Chili Gobi is a fiery appetizer that also makes a fantastic side dish with fried rice, pulao, or any other Indian rice dish. Gobi Manchurian is saucier and uses red chili powder instead of chilies, whereas Chili Gobi uses more green chilies and red chili powder to make it more piquant.
Is Gobi Good For Weight Loss?
Yes, there are a number of qualities of cauliflower that may facilitate weight loss. To start, there are only 25 calories in a cup, so you can consume a great deal of it without worrying about putting on weight. It can also replace high-calorie meals like rice and flour with low-calorie alternatives.
What Are The Side Effects Of Gobi Manchurian?
As I always suggest moderation is key. Gobi manchurian is healthy but if you overeat it you may experience stomach upset, giddiness, headache, excessive sweating, or chest pain.
Bottom Line!
I have made this recipe multiple times and it always turns out amazing. Try it now. I’m sure it will be a hit every time you make it to your home.
Thanks for reading this blog post on Gobi Manchurian. I hope it has inspired you to try out a new cauliflower dish. If you have any questions or suggestions, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you tried this recipe or any other from my website, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Keep visiting healthiersteps for more delicious and easy recipes.
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gobi manchurian
Ingredients
For the Gobi (Cauliflower) Fry:
- 1 large-sized cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup corn flour or chickpea flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 4 tablespoons oil for shallow frying
For the Manchurian Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
- 1 medium onion cubed
- 1 medium red bell pepper cubed
- 1 medium tomato cubed
- 1 medium carrot cubed
- 4 tablespoons tomato ketchup/ tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
- Salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon jaggery or maple syrup optional
- Spring onions chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine corn flour or chickpea flour, salt, cumin powder, and red chili powder. Add cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until all the florets are evenly coated.
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cauliflower florets and fry until they are crispy and golden brown. Remove the florets from the pan and drain them on a paper towel.
- For the Manchurian sauce, heat the oil in another pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant.
- Add the cubed onion, bell pepper, tomato, and carrot to the pan. Stir and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the tomato ketchup or tomato puree, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garam masala, and salt. Mix well and let it simmer for a couple of minutes.
- If you want a slightly sweet touch to your sauce, add the jaggery or maple syrup.
- Add the fried cauliflower florets to the pan and toss until all the florets are evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish the Gobi Manchurian with chopped spring onions before serving, if desired.
- Enjoy your homemade vegan Gobi Manchurian!
