Recipe For Oats Manchurian

Oats Manchurian is a tasty and healthy alternative to the traditional meat-based Manchurian.

By
Priti Jha
-

Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish loved by many people worldwide for its delicious mix of flavours. Originally made with minced meat, the dish has evolved to include vegetarian and vegan versions, which are now very popular. Recently, health-conscious people have turned to oats as a healthier substitute for traditional flours, creating Oats Manchurian.

Recipe For Making Oats Manchurian 

Here’s how to make this tasty dish, a step-by-step approach, and valuable tips.

Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s important to know the main ingredients that give Oats Manchurian its distinctive taste and texture:

  1. Oats: Oats are the core of this dish. They offer a good amount of fibre and protein, making them heart-healthy.
  2. Vegetables: Various vegetables, including carrots, cabbage, capsicum (bell peppers), and onions, add important nutrients and make the dish visually appealing.
  3. Spices: Ginger, garlic, and green chillies provide a pleasant aroma and flavour.
  4. Sauces: Soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar combine to create a tangy and savoury taste.
  5. Cornstarch: This ingredient helps thicken the gravy, giving it a rich and smooth texture.

Preparing

  1. Grind the Oats: Use a blender or food processor to grind rolled oats into a fine powder. This powder will serve as the base for the Manchurian balls.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the ground oats with grated carrots, finely chopped cabbage, capsicum, and onions.
  3. Seasoning: Add minced ginger, garlic, and finely chopped green chillies. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste.
  4. Bind the Mixture: Slowly add water to the mixture, stirring constantly, until it forms a dough-like consistency. Be careful not to add too much water, as this can make it hard to shape the balls.

Forming And Frying the Manchurian Balls

  1. Shape the Balls: Roll small portions of the dough into round balls. You can adjust the size of the balls based on your preference.
  2. Coat in Cornstarch: Lightly coat each ball with cornstarch. This helps to prevent them from sticking together and gives them a crispy exterior.
  3. Deep-frying: Heat oil in a deep pan. When the oil is hot enough, gently drop the Manchurian balls. Fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  4. Drain Excess Oil: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried balls from the oil. Place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any extra oil.

Preparing the Manchurian Gravy

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat some oil in a wok or a deep pan. Add minced ginger and garlic, and cook until they release their fragrance.
  2. Add Vegetables: Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and capsicum to the pan. Stir-fry until they become slightly soft.
  3. Create the Base: Pour in soy sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Add a little water to create the base of the gravy. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
  4. Thicken the Gravy: Mix cornstarch with a small amount of water to make a slurry. Slowly add this slurry to the gravy while stirring until it reaches the desired thickness.
  5. Seasoning: Season the gravy with salt and black pepper. To balance the sauce’s acidity, you may also add a pinch of sugar.

Combining Manchurian Balls And Gravy

  1. Add Manchurian Balls: Gently add the fried manchurian balls to the gravy, stirring to coat them evenly with the sauce.
  2. Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes. This allows the flavours to blend.

Serving

Oats Manchurian is best served hot. Traditionally, it goes well with fried rice. However, it can also be enjoyed with noodles, roti, or even on its own. For a fresh touch, garnish with chopped spring onions.

Tips for Perfect Oats Manchurian

  • Healthier Option: For a healthier version, consider baking or air-frying the Manchurian balls instead of deep-frying them.
  • Variety: Try using different vegetables to add variety to your dish.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of green chillies according to your spice preference.
  • Enhance Flavour: To add depth of flavour, you can include a bit of white pepper or Sichuan peppercorns in the gravy.

Oats Manchurian is a tasty and healthy alternative to the traditional meat-based Manchurian. By following this recipe and incorporating the tips, you can make a homemade version that is just as delicious as the one you might enjoy at your favourite restaurant. Enjoy this wholesome dish with family and friends and appreciate its delicious, nutritious benefits.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR