Gobi Manchurian & Fried Rice: A Delicious Iftar Combo

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

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.
Prepare the 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.
Prepare the Vegetable Egg Fried Rice

Step 3. Combine and Serve

  • Serve the Gobi Manchurian with the vegetable egg fried rice.
Serve the Gobi Manchurian with the vegetable egg fried rice.
Combine and Serve

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!