Veg Manchurian

Make the dumplings

Dice and pulse the vegetables for dumplings in a food processor. Alternatively, you can chop or grate it finely .

In a mixing bowl, combine the vegetables, poha or bread crumbs , rice flour and all the seasoning ingredients. Add some water and create a smooth dough. Measure the dough and make even sized small balls. lime size is perfect.

If using Appe / Paniyaram pan to cook :

Heat up the paniyaram / appe pan. When warm ,brush each cavity lightly with oil. Place the prepared balls in the pan and let it cook on low to medium heat for 5 -6 minutes rotating mid way until golden brown . Take them out of the pan and keep aside .

If using Air-fryer :

Arrange the veggie balls in single layer on the Fryer basket. Lightly spray some cooking oil over the balls. Choose 350 F and 15 minutes. Halfway through, check and flip the balls so they get golden brown evenly.

Making the Manchurian Gravy:

Heat oil in a heavy bottom pan on medium heat. Once warm, add in the onions , celery and bell peppers. Sautee for couple minutes. Add in ginger and garlic and keep sautéing till you sense the aroma.

Add all the sauces. Mix well and cook for a minute. Now add in 1 cup of water and let the gravy come to a simmer .

In the meantime, whisk the rice flour with ½ cup of water in a separate bowl. Once the gravy starts simmering , add in the prepared rice flour slurry slowly by one hand and whisking the gravy with a spoon by another hand. Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

The gravy will start to thicken within a minute. Turn off the heat.

Toss the veggie balls in the gravy. Gently mix everything well. Adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with diced green onions. Serve hot.