Gobi Manchurian

A popular Indo-Chinese appetizer made of spicy cauliflower bites.

Whenever you go to any Indian restaurant these days, Gobi Manchurian always seems to be a popular choice of appetizer. Though high in calories with cauliflower being deep fried, the dish is mouthwatering to both young and old. We have also tried an air fryer version of this dish, just to cut down on the calories while still enjoying the wonderful flavors. Turns out, it's just as good!

---

Serves 4 people.

Ingredients:

For marinade:

• 2 big cauliflower heads

• 2 inch piece of ginger

• 6-8 garlic cloves

• 5-6 green chilis

For batter:

• 1 cup of all purpose flour

• 1/4 cup of rice flour

• 1/4 cup of corn flour

• salt to taste

• enough water to make batter

• oil for deep frying

For gravy:

• 1 inch piece of ginger, cut finely into pieces

• 2-3 tbsp oil

• 1-2 tsp dark soy sauce

• 1/2 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup red chili sauce

• 1/2 cup water

• paste of 1 tsp corn flour and water for thickening

Method:

For marinade:

1. Blend ginger, garlic, and green chili with water to make a paste.

2. In a bowl, mix paste in with chopped bite-sized cauliflower pieces (reference first picture).

3. Marinate overnight in fridge or 6-7 hours outside.

For batter/frying:

1. Mix all ingredients to form batter.

2. Heat oil for deep frying or preheat air fryer at 400° F.

3. Dip cauliflower pieces in batter and deep fry.

4. Alternatively, dipped pieces can be air fried for 15 minutes, flipping halfway. (Second picture above has air fried pieces on top and deep fried pieces on bottom)

For gravy:

1. Heat oil in pan. Add ginger pieces and sauté for a minute.

2. Stir in soy sauce, and after a minute, add ketchup and red chili sauce.

3. Add water and let gravy simmer for 2-3 minutes.

4. Stir in corn flour paste and let gravy thicken.

5. Add fried pieces of cauliflower and mix well to coat.

6. Amount of gravy used is up to your choice based on your preference.