But before we go too far down this path, you need to understand what Indian-Chinese cooking is, and what Gobi Manchurian is really about.
What Is Indian-Chinese Food?
Indian-Chinese food is like nothing you’ve ever had before. Not in India and definitely not in China. I can say this from having eaten extensively in both countries. Really if Indian food and Chinese food had a baby who was determined to be as different from its parents as possible–while still carrying their genes–you’d have Indian-Chinese food. It is really a selection of dishes that takes into account Chinese seasoning and cooking techniques–but adapting them to Indian tastes, and the availability of Chinese cooking ingredients in India. It is said to have been developed by a small Hakka community that migrated to India over a century ago. What this means is that there are several vegetarian dishes, and a lot of use of cumin, coriander, turmeric, hot chilis, and sometimes even yogurt. So Chicken Chili, Chicken Manchurian, Chicken Szechuan, Sweet and Sour Chicken–when made in the Indian Chinese fashion, won’t taste like anything else you’ve ever had before.
What is Gobi Manchurian?
Manchurian. Within Indian-Chinese cooking, Manchurian refers to a spicy brown sauce, usually flavored with ginger, garlic, chilis, soy sauce etc.Gobi. Typically the gobi (Cauliflower) is battered with cornstarch and fried–like making Indian Pakoras. It is then either mixed in with a sauce, or poured into a “gravy” which is more of a soupy liquid thickened with corn flour.My Twist. I don’t like to fry things and the main flavor of traditional Gobi Manchurian to me, comes from the sauce anyway. So I decided to roast the vegetables, and then pour the sauce on, so as to make this healthier.
How to Make Gobi Manchurain
Foil. Line a sheet pan with foil and turn on your broiler.Season. Sprinkle the veggies with oil, salt, and turmeric.Place. Mix well and place veggies on the foil-lined sheet.Cook. Broil for 30 minutes or so until the veggies are cooked.Sauce. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, mix together all the sauce ingredients and microwave for 30 seconds. Let this sit while the veggies cook.Mix. When the veggies are done, remove from the oven and pour sauce on them, mixing as you go.
Tips and Tricks for Making Gobi Manchurian
Veggies. Make sure to make your veggies are all cut at about the same size for even cooking.Sauce. Pour the sauce on the veggies right before serving for the best results.
Want More Cauliflower Recipes?
Aloo Gobi - made the easy way!Cauliflower with Tahini - easy and delicious!Cauliflower and Cheese - forget pasta this is incredible!Spicy Cauliflower Soup - easy to make and crazy good flavor!
You’re going to love making Gobi Manchurian this way, and I can’t wait for you to try it! The sauce is killer and it’s so simple to make. Pin this Gobi Manchurian recipe on Pinterest or share it on Facebook to save it!
