Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish known for its crispy texture and bold flavors, often made with vegetables like cauliflower or paneer. However, this time, let’s take a healthy and protein-packed twist on the classic and make Soybean Manchurian. With the goodness of soybeans, this dish offers a wholesome alternative while keeping all the flavors intact. It’s perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a side dish for your main course.
Ingredients:
For Soybean Balls:
- 1 cup soybeans (dried, soaked overnight)
- 1 medium-sized onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch ginger, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cornflour
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (optional)
- 1 tablespoon rice flour (for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Oil for frying
For the Manchurian Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
- 1-2 green chilies, chopped (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon chili sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavor)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon cornflour mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
- Salt, to taste
- Spring onions, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prepare Soybean Balls:
- Cook the Soybeans: Drain the soaked soybeans and pressure cook them for about 2-3 whistles or until tender. Let them cool down. Once cooled, mash the soybeans into a coarse mixture.
- Prepare the Mixture: In a mixing bowl, add the mashed soybeans, finely chopped onion, garlic, ginger, cornflour, rice flour, black pepper, soy sauce, and salt. Mix everything well until it forms a dough-like consistency.
- Form the Balls: Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into small balls. If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more cornflour to bind it together.
- Fry the Balls: Heat oil in a deep pan or wok on medium-high heat. Fry the soybean balls in batches until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
2. Prepare the Manchurian Sauce:
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a separate pan or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, bell pepper (if using), ginger-garlic paste, and green chilies. Stir-fry until the onions become soft and translucent.
- Make the Sauce: Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, and sugar to the pan. Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: Add 1/2 cup of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it heats up, add the cornflour slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a desired consistency.
- Combine the Soybean Balls and Sauce: Add the fried soybean balls into the sauce and gently toss them to coat the balls evenly with the sauce. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
3. Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped spring onions.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or side dish with fried rice, noodles, or a refreshing salad.
Tips for Perfect Soybean Manchurian:
- Texture: The key to making crispy soybean balls lies in the right balance of flour and water. Avoid making the mixture too runny.
- Flavor Variations: You can add vegetables like carrots, cabbage, or even mushrooms to the soybean balls for an extra crunch and texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili sauce and green chilies to your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce the chili sauce and green chilies.
- Baking Option: If you want to make it healthier, you can bake the soybean balls instead of deep-frying them. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Conclusion:
Soybean Manchurian is a great alternative for anyone who loves the classic Manchurian dish but wants to incorporate more plant-based protein into their diet. It’s tasty, nutritious, and guaranteed to be a hit at your next dinner party or family meal. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or just looking to try something different, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy the crispy goodness and the delightful flavors of this healthy twist on a beloved classic!
