Breaking your fast with a flavorful and satisfying meal is key to a fulfilling Iftar. This recipe combines two culinary delights—crispy Gobi Manchurian and vibrant Vegetable Egg Fried Rice—to create a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The Gobi Manchurian, with its irresistible crispy cauliflower florets in a spicy, savory sauce, offers a delightful contrast to the fluffy, egg-studded fried rice, packed with fresh vegetables. This dynamic duo promises a delectable Iftar experience that's both comforting and exciting.
Forget complicated Iftar preparations; this recipe is surprisingly simple to execute. The detailed step-by-step instructions, complete with helpful tips and tricks, will guide you through the process of making these two dishes with ease. Let's dive into the recipe and prepare a delicious and memorable Iftar meal!
Tools Needed
- Chopper
- Muslin cloth
- Pan
- Bowl
Ingredients
- Cabbage: medium-large size
- Carrot
- Green chilies: 3-4
- Black pepper powder: 1 teaspoon
- Turmeric powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1-2 teaspoons
- Kashmiri chili powder: 1 teaspoon
- Crushed red chili
- Chopped coriander
- Taste masala: a handful
- Finely chopped ginger
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup
- Corn flour: 1/2 cup
- Oil
- Garlic: 1 tablespoon (for sauce), 1 teaspoon (for Manchurian balls)
- Onion: medium size (for sauce), 2 medium (for fried rice)
- Capsicum
- Eggs: 2
- Soy sauce
- Chili sauce
- Tomato ketchup
- Vinegar
- Chilli garlic sauce: optional
- Boiled long grain rice
- Water: approximately 1 cup (for sauce)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Gobi Manchurian
- Chop cabbage, carrot, and green chilies in a chopper.
- Wrap the mixture in a muslin cloth to squeeze out excess water.
- Add spices (black pepper, turmeric, salt, Kashmiri chili powder, crushed red chili, coriander, taste masala, ginger) to the squeezed mixture.
- Mix in flour and cornflour as a binder.




- Make small lemon-sized balls from the mixture.
- Deep fry the balls in hot oil until golden brown and crispy.
- Heat oil, sauté garlic, green chilies, and ginger.
- Add chopped onion and fry until slightly pink.




- Add capsicum and fry briefly.
- Add soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, vinegar, chili garlic sauce (optional), black pepper, and salt.
- Thicken the sauce with a cornflour slurry.
- Add the fried Manchurian balls to the sauce and simmer until heated through.



Step 2. Prepare the Vegetable Egg Fried Rice
- Heat oil, sauté garlic, ginger, green chilies, and onions.
- Add carrots and capsicum, stir-fry briefly.
- Add eggs and scramble them with the vegetables.
- Stir in boiled rice, chopped coriander, and optional taste masala.




Step 3. Combine and Serve
- Serve the Gobi Manchurian with the vegetable egg fried rice.

Read more: Authentic Chinese Mapo Tofu Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- Using a chopper makes the preparation quicker and easier.
- Squeezing out excess water from the vegetables prevents the mixture from becoming too soggy.
- Fry the Manchurian balls on high flame for optimal crispiness.
- Don't overcook the vegetables in the fried rice.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 600-750
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbs: 70-90g
- Protein: 15-20g
FAQs
1. Can I make the Gobi Manchurian and Fried Rice ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare both dishes in advance and reheat them gently before serving. The Gobi Manchurian might lose a bit of its crispness, but it will still be delicious.
2. What can I substitute for cauliflower in the Gobi Manchurian?
You can substitute broccoli or even paneer (Indian cheese) for a similar texture and flavor profile. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. Can I make this vegetarian/vegan?
Absolutely! The fried rice is naturally vegetarian. For a vegan Gobi Manchurian, ensure you use a vegan-friendly oyster sauce substitute or make your own sauce without oyster sauce.
This Gobi Manchurian and Vegetable Egg Fried Rice combo offers a delightful and satisfying Iftar experience, balancing textures and flavors perfectly. The relatively simple preparation makes it an achievable meal even on busy evenings. Enjoy this delicious and memorable Iftar feast!