Cauliflower Manchurian Veg Recipes of India Made Easy

Cauliflower Manchurian is a beloved Indo-Chinese dish that perfectly blends the crunch of fried cauliflower florets with a spicy, tangy, and savory sauce. This popular street food-inspired recipe offers a delightful burst of flavors that appeal to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

Originating from Indian-Chinese cuisine, Cauliflower Manchurian has become a staple appetizer and snack in many households and restaurants across India. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving something exciting and different for dinner, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

Its vibrant colors and bold flavors make it irresistible, and the best part? It’s completely vegetarian!

In this post, we’ll explore a detailed recipe for Cauliflower Manchurian, including tips and variations to help you customize it to your liking. Plus, we’ll share serving suggestions and nutritional insights to give you a complete understanding of this delectable dish.

Get ready to dive into a culinary adventure that brings together the best of Indian spices and Chinese technique!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cauliflower Manchurian is a perfect combination of crispy, saucy, and spicy—all in one bite. This dish is a fantastic way to enjoy cauliflower, transforming it into something exciting and flavorful.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Versatility: Serve it as an appetizer, side dish, or even a main course with rice or noodles.
• Vegetarian-friendly: A great option for those seeking plant-based dishes without compromising on taste.
• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or unexpected guests.
• Bold Flavor Profile: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and chili creates a savory and slightly tangy sauce that’s addictive.
• Textural Delight: Crispy fried cauliflower coated in a luscious sauce is a textural delight that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients

• For the Cauliflower:
• 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornflour (cornstarch)
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup water (adjust as needed for batter consistency)
• Oil, for deep frying
• For the Manchurian Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger
• 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped capsicum (bell pepper)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Deep frying pan or wok
• Slotted spoon
• Spatula
• Knife and chopping board
• Small bowl for cornflour slurry
• Serving plate or bowl

Instructions

1. Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornflour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add water and whisk to form a smooth, thick batter that can coat the cauliflower florets.
2. Coat the cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until each piece is well coated.
3. Heat oil: In a deep frying pan or wok, heat enough oil for deep frying over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
4. Fry the cauliflower: Carefully drop coated cauliflower florets into hot oil in batches. Fry until golden brown and crisp, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Prepare the sauce: In a separate pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
6. Add vegetables: Stir in chopped onions and capsicum. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
7. Add sauces and seasoning: Mix in soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well to combine all flavors.
8. Make the sauce thick: Pour water or vegetable broth into the pan and bring to a gentle boil. Add the cornflour slurry slowly, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens.
9. Combine cauliflower and sauce: Add the fried cauliflower florets to the sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly with the Manchurian sauce.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh coriander leaves on top and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double fry the cauliflower florets by frying them once, removing them to drain, then frying again for another 1-2 minutes.

• Make it gluten-free: Use rice flour or chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour, and tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add veggies: Try adding shredded carrots, spring onions, or baby corn to the sauce for extra texture and color.
• Dry vs. gravy Manchurian: This recipe is for dry Manchurian, but you can add more water/broth to make it saucier for Manchurian gravy, perfect with fried rice or noodles.
• Spice level: Adjust the quantity of green chilies and chili sauce to suit your heat preference.
• Vegan option: Ensure the batter and sauces don’t contain any animal products; most standard ingredients are naturally vegan.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on oil absorption and ingredient brands.

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower Manchurian is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with various dishes:

• Serve as a starter or appetizer at your next party alongside Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes.
• Enjoy it as a side dish with steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with noodles or chow mein for a classic Indo-Chinese combo.
• Try serving it with Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Arugula for a fusion twist.
• For a heartier option, add it alongside Lamb Tenderloin Recipes to balance flavors with some protein.

Conclusion

Cauliflower Manchurian is a delightful dish that brings together the best of Indian and Chinese flavors in one spicy, tangy, and crispy package. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy cauliflower in a flavorful, exciting manner that appeals to all palates.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive results every time.

With its bold sauce and satisfying crunch, Cauliflower Manchurian is sure to become a regular feature in your meal rotation. Plus, its adaptability allows you to tweak the spice and ingredients to your liking.

Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or sweet treats such as Lemon Straws Recipe to keep your culinary adventures exciting and diverse.

So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy the delightful journey of making this iconic dish at home!

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