Gobi Manchurian

Ingredients:

1 medium sized cauliflower, cut into florets, placed in salted hot water for 10-12 mts, drained

2 tbsps maida/all-purpose flour

2 tbsps cornflour

1/2 tbsp rice flour (optional)

1 tbsp ginger-garlic-green chilli paste

approx a little less than 1/2 cup warm water

salt to taste

For sauce:

1/4 cup spring onions, finely chopped,

1/2 capsicum, finely sliced

1 1/2 tbsps finely minced garlic

1/2 tbsp finely sliced ginger

2 finely chopped green chillis

1 tsp red chilli pwd (preferably Kashmiri)

2 tsps soya sauce

1 tbsp chilli sauce

2 tsps vinegar

3 tbsps tomato sauce

1/2 tsp brown sugar (optional)

salt as required

1 1/2 tbsps sesame oil

1 tbsp finely chopped coriander leaves

Method:

Heat oil for deep frying in a heavy bottomed vessel.

In a bowl, combine maida, cornflour, rice flour, salt, ginger-garlic-green chilli paste and water to make a thick paste. Dip the washed and drained florets into the batter such that its well coated. Place each floret that is well coated with the batter into the hot oil. Do not crowd the vessel. Reduce flame and deep fry till the gobi is almost cooked. Increase the flame towards the end of the cooking process and fry the gobi till it turns golden brown. Remove onto absorbent paper and keep aside.

Heat oil in a large wok and once the oil is piping hot, add the chopped garlic and stir fry for a few seconds. Add the green chillis and ginger and stir fry on high for a few seconds.

Add the whites of spring onions and stir fry on high for 3-4 mts, constantly tossing them. Add the sliced capsicum and stir fry for another 3 mts. They should retain their crunch.

Reduce to medium heat and add the brown sugar, soya sauce, tomato ketchup, chilli sauce and vinegar. Combine well and cook for 2 mts. Add 3-4 tbsps of water and cook for 2 mts.

Add the deep fried gobhi and combine. Toss on high flame for 1-2 mts. Turn off heat. Garnish with the chopped spring onion greens and coriander leaves.