What do you do with purple cabbage? Well, first thing, do you like purple cabbage? I was not familiar with purple (also called red) cabbage till 2010. I had since used this purple cabbage in salad, and sautéed along in stir fry. This time around, I am sharing purple cabbage manchurian recipe. This take the taste and deliciousness of normal cabbage to next level.
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What is Purple Cabbage?
Purple cabbage belongs to brassica family. It is similar to normal white cabbage, however purple in color. This color in red cabbage comes from a class of pigment molecules called anthocyanins. This purple cabbage is much more healthier than normal cabbage.
Benefits of purple cabbage
- Helps in fighting inflammation.
- May strengthen bones and good heart health.
- Purple cabbage may also improve the function of gut.
- Is a great source of antioxidants.
- Contains high Vitamin K and C.
- It is massively rich in other vitamins, fibre, less in carbs.
What is Purple Cabbage Manchurian?
A manchurian made with purple cabbage is purple cabbage manchurian. The great taste of this manchurian, coupled with the medley of colours makes it even better than normal vegetable manchurian.
I had been mulling of making this red / purple cabbage manchurian for a while. I ordered one such in my grocery order and here I am with the recipe. If you are wondering how this cabbage tastes, its close to normal cabbage. Its crunchy and delicious even to eat raw in salad (that’s how I normally use it).
Method
- In a mixing bowl, add chopped cabbage, all purpose flour, cornflour, salt, black pepper powder and make a dough.
- Divide the dough in equal portions and make lemon size balls out of them.
- Heat oil over medium heat and deep fry all the balls till they are golden brown. Keep them on a kitchen towel.
- In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat and add chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté till the raw smell fades away. Now add chopped onion and bell peppers to it and sauté again for 4-5 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, chilli sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper powder and brown sugar and mix everything well. Now add Manchurian balls to it and mix so that the balls are well coated with sauces.
- Spread sesame seeds on top and switch off the heat.
Pro Tips
- Remember to squeeze extra water from grated cabbage before making dough, otherwise the dough will be runny.
- Always fry the manchurian balls on medium heat so that they are cooked from inside too.
- You can finely chop the purple cabbage instead of grating.
- Always grate/chop cabbage near to the time of making balls. Don’t leave it for too long otherwise it will release lots of water.
- Adjust the amount of all purpose flour and cornflour to make a soft dough.
This Purple Cabbage Manchurian
- Is a vegan recipe. Though the balls reminds of meat balls but is fully vegan.
- If you love Indo-Chinese food, you will love it.
- Is a relatively new recipe.
- Is delicious, honestly!
Serving Suggestion
Serve this manchurian hot on its own or pair it with rice or noodles. This must be served hot for best taste.
Recipe Card
Purple Cabbage Manchurian
Ingredients
For Manchurian balls
- 2 Cup Purple Cabbage Finely Grated
- 2 Tbsp All Purpose Flour/ Maida
- 2 Tbsp Corn Flour
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/3 Tsp Black pepper powder
- 250 Ml Oil For Frying
Other Ingredients
- 1 Onion Medium Size, Chopped in cubes
- 6 Cloves Garlic
- 1 Tbsp Ginger
- 1 Tsp Sesame Seeds
- 1/2 Cup Bell Pepper Chopped
- 1/2 Tsp Salt
- 1/4 Tsp Black pepper powder
- 2 Tbsp Soy souce
- 1 Tbsp Red Chilli Souce
- 1 Tbsp White Vinegar
- 2 Tsp Brown Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Oil
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add chopped cabbage, all purpose flour, cornflour, salt, black pepper powder and make a dough.
- Divide the dough in equal portions and make lemon size balls out of them.
- Heat oil over medium heat and deep fry all the balls till they are golden brown. Keep them on a kitchen towel.
- In a separate pan, heat oil over medium heat and add chopped garlic and ginger. Sauté till the raw smell fades away. Now add chopped onion and bell peppers to it and sauté again for 4-5 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, chilli sauce, vinegar, salt, pepper powder and brown sugar and mix everything well. Now add Manchurian balls to it and mix so that the balls are well coated with sauces.
- Spread sesame seeds on top and switch off the heat.
- Transfer in a serving bowl and serve hot. Enjoy it with either veg fried rice or veg Hakka noodles.
Notes
- Remember to squeeze extra water from grated cabbage before making dough, otherwise the dough will be runny.
- Always fry the manchurian balls on medium heat so that they are cooked from inside too.
- You can finely chop the purple cabbage instead of grating.
- Always grate/chop cabbage near to the time of making balls. Don’t leave it for too long otherwise it will release lots of water.
- Adjust the amount of all purpose flour and cornflour to make a soft dough.