If you love Indo-Chinese cuisine and are looking for a restaurant-style dish at home, veg Manchurian gravy is a must-try. This saucy, flavorful dish combines crispy vegetable dumplings with a rich, tangy, and spicy gravy that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or fried rice.
This 5-step guide to preparing veg Manchurian gravy for rice will help you create a delicious, authentic Indo-Chinese meal in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a weekend treat, or meal prep, this recipe is easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing.
Step 1: Gather Fresh Ingredients
The key to a perfect veg Manchurian gravy is fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for 4 servings:
For the Vegetable Manchurian Balls:
- 1 cup finely chopped cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrots
- ½ cup finely chopped beans or bell peppers
- 2-3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Oil for shallow frying or baking
For the Gravy:
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, minced
- 2-3 green chilies, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
- 1 tbsp chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp vinegar
- 1 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 3 tbsp water (for thickening)
- Salt to taste
- Spring onions for garnish
Pro Tip: Use fresh vegetables for the Manchurian balls and crisp, colorful bell peppers in the gravy for visual appeal.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetable Manchurian Balls
The first step is making the crispy, flavorful vegetable dumplings:
- In a large bowl, combine chopped cabbage, carrots, beans, green onions, salt, and black pepper.
- Add all-purpose flour and cornstarch to bind the mixture. Mix well to form a dough-like consistency.
- Shape small portions of the mixture into round balls, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.
- Cooking Options:
- Shallow Frying: Heat 2-3 tbsp oil in a pan and cook the balls until golden brown on all sides.
- Baking (Healthier Option): Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the balls on a baking tray and brush lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
Tip: Baking is a healthier alternative to frying, and the balls still turn out crispy and flavorful.
Step 3: Prepare the Gravy Base
The gravy is the heart of veg Manchurian gravy, providing the saucy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor:
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and green chilies for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
- Add onions and bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Stir in soy sauce, tomato ketchup, chili sauce, and vinegar. Cook for 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Pro Tip: Adjust chili sauce according to your preferred spice level. Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
Step 4: Combine Manchurian Balls with Gravy
Now it’s time to bring everything together:
- Add vegetable broth or water to the pan and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the gravy thickens to your desired consistency.
- Carefully add the cooked Manchurian balls to the gravy.
- Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the balls to absorb the flavors of the gravy.
Tip: Avoid stirring too vigorously to prevent the Manchurian balls from breaking. Gentle folding ensures they remain intact and plump.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Your veg Manchurian gravy is ready to enjoy:
- Sprinkle chopped spring onions over the top for freshness and crunch.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
- Optionally, add a drizzle of soy sauce or chili sauce for extra flavor.
Pro Tip: Veg Manchurian gravy tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld, making it perfect for meal prep.
Extra Tips for Perfect Veg Manchurian Gravy
- Crispiness: Shallow fry or bake the balls just before adding to the gravy for maximum crispiness.
- Vegetable variety: Add mushrooms, baby corn, or zucchini to the balls or gravy for more nutrition.
- Sauce consistency: Adjust the amount of cornstarch slurry for thinner or thicker gravy.
- Healthier option: Steam or bake the Manchurian balls instead of frying.
- Kid-friendly: Reduce chili sauce and green chilies for a milder version.
Why Veg Manchurian Gravy Is a Must-Try
- Flavor-packed: Crispy dumplings in tangy, spicy gravy create the perfect bite every time.
- Versatile: Can be served with rice, noodles, or as a standalone appetizer.
- Healthy alternatives: Baking the balls or using less oil reduces calories without sacrificing taste.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly and visually appealing: Colorful vegetables and plump Manchurian balls make it attractive to kids and adults alike.
Fun fact: Veg Manchurian is an Indo-Chinese classic, combining Chinese cooking techniques with Indian spices, creating a unique and irresistible fusion dish.
Conclusion
Cooking veg Manchurian gravy for rice at home is easier than you think. With this 5-step guide, you can create a restaurant-quality Indo-Chinese dish that is flavorful, satisfying, and packed with vegetables.
From preparing the crispy Manchurian balls to cooking the tangy, spicy gravy and combining them for the perfect finish, this dish guarantees authentic flavor without the hassle. Serve it with steamed rice or noodles, garnish with spring onions, and enjoy a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent.
Try this recipe today and bring the flavors of Indo-Chinese cuisine into your American kitchen, impressing family and friends with a dish that’s both delicious and visually stunning.