Maggi Manchurian Recipe is prepared by simmering Indo-Chinese flavours and using desi Chinese ingredients. In this recipe, we have used Maggie-2 minute masala noodles. However, you can switch to a healthier alternative by choosing Atta noodles or Oats Masala noodles or in fact, any other brand of instant noodles.
Begin by boiling the Maggi along with the taste enhancer for around 7-8 minutes in 2-3 cups of water. Make sure you crush the noodles well. The Maggi must not be overboiled and mushy.
After boiling them well, drain it into a large bowl and sprinkle some olive oil on it. let it cool completely.
In the same bowl add 1 tsp butter, chopped onions, chopped carrots, chopped cabbage, chopped capsicum and finely cut spring onions along with ginger garlic paste and soy sauce. Add salt to taste and combine the mixture well.
Now it is time to add the cornflour and all-purpose flour in good amounts and knead them into a soft dough but make sure you are not mashing the noodles completely. You can sprinkle some water if the dough looks very dry.
Next, prepare Kofta sized balls. If the dough is sticky, grease your hands with oil. This will further help in coating a crispy texture on the outside after frying.
Once the balls are prepared, deep fry them in vegetable oil on a medium flame till they turn crispy and golden brown. Once the balls are deep-fried, keep them aside.
To Make the Manchurian Gravy
In a wok, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil and add chopped garlic and ginger. Let them fry for a while and add slit green chillies and spring onion.
On a high flame, sauté the onions until they become translucent and add 1/4 teaspoon of sugar to nicely caramelise them. Next, add capsicum and stir fry it for about 2 to 3 minutes.
Now it is time to add the sauces. Add tomato ketchup, vinegar (optional), soy sauce, green chilli sauce and Schezwan chutney. Mix well the sauce well till they coat the onions and capsicums well.
Add salt to taste and black pepper powder. Meanwhile, prepare a mixture of 1 tsp red chilli powder in half cup of water and add it to the gravy.
Next, it is time to add water depending on the consistency you wish for. If you want to prepare this dish dry there is no need to add water. However, if you want a semi-dry gravy, add one cup of water and 2 cups if you want more gravy. Once the sauce is perfectly mixed and simmers for about 3 to 4 minutes, add the Maggie balls and coat them well with the gravy.
Let them simmer on a closed lid for about a minute or two.
Serve hot with steamed rice, fried rice or Hakka noodles.
Notes
Make sure the Maggi is not overboiled. It is completely fine if you feel it is not boiled properly. Keep the noodles undercooked to make the dough properly.
Feel free to add vegetables and herbs of your choice. You can add cilantro, chopped cauliflower, chopped celery, chopped spinach to make the Manchurian balls healthier.
For a healthy alternative, instead of regular instant noodles, you can also use atta noodles or oat noodles.
Serve as an appetizer or a dish, with Spring Rolls, Steamed rice, Fried rice, Hakka noodles, Vegetable Stir Fry or with a sizzler.