Chicken Manchurian With Gravy:

Chicken manchurian with gravy is an Indo-Chinese favorite, the perfect harmony of savory, spicy flavors as from the east-with a little something Indian. It has become part of the common lexicon in many households, restaurants, and street food joints-well bought by many who love their food really tasty and just a little hot chicken manchurian.

SOURCE OF Chicken Manchurian:

Though the dish sounds pure Chinese, chicken manchurian was actually invented in India by a Chinese immigrant in Calcutta during the 19th century. And gradually, Indian chefs started modifying the Chinese recipes according to local tendencies, bringing forth the famous 'Indian-Chinese' cuisine. Chicken Manchurian is among the most-prepared from this fusion.

Chicken manchurian dish refers to the method of cooking by which the chicken is first crispy coated and then smothered with a delicious sauce prepared from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and so on.

The main constituents of Chicken Manchurian with gravy:

Essential ingredients are required to prepare Chicken Manchurian with gravy and include these:

Boneless Chicken: Usually small cubes of boneless chicken breast or thigh are used.

Cornstarch and All-Purpose Flour: These two combine into preparation before coating chicken and frying it for a crispy texture.

Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a unique ingredient accentuating the rich umami flavor that characterizes the recipe just in the way it is.

Ginger and Garlic: Ginger and fresh minced garlic will form a good aromatic foundation for the gravy; they will lend their warmth and pungent flavor to the sauce. 

Spring Onions: Garnishing the dish and providing some mild onion flavor for the sauce.

Green Chilies: Chopped green chilies are an addition for heat and a feeling of freshness.

Vegetables: Some versions of Chicken Manchurian have these such as bell peppers, onions, and carrots adding texture and crunch.

Chili Sauce and Tomato Ketchup: Add their share of balancing to major tastes, which give the dish partly tangy and partly spicy flavor.

Vinegar: A little bit of vinegar is found in the sauce that gives an extra boost to its tangy flavor and makes it deep.

Chicken Stock or Water: Helps reach the desired consistency of gravy and coats chicken pieces well.

Making Chicken Manchurian with Gravy:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First  prepare boneless chicken by cutting it into small cubes, bite-size. In a bowl  mix corn flour all-purpose flour salt, and pepper. Coat chicken pieces in this mixture so they get evenly dry covered. Heat the oil in to deep fry pan and deep fry chicken pieces until they all turn golden brown and little crispy. Drain the chicken pieces from the oil and then place them on a butter paper to absorb the excess oil.

Step 2: Bring forth the gravy.

In another pan or wok heat little oil and sauté finely chopped ginger garlic and green chilies till it begins to give an alluring aroma. Then, throw in chopped onions (if using), bell peppers, and any other vegetables you are using. Stir-fry on high flame for some minutes until just tender and else crunchy. Now, introduce soy sauce, chili sauce, tomato ketchup, and vinegar. Combine and allow to cook for a minute. Pour the chicken stock or water and simmer-the gravy will thicken a bit. If you want it even thicker, you can add some slurry made of cornflour and water. That will assist to form a smooth glossy gravy.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Gravy:

Crispy fried chicken pieces should be added to the gravy and gently stir to cover the chicken completely into the gravy. 

Put on simmer on the heat for a few minutes so that chicken swallows the gravy flavor. 

Taste and correct the seasoning with more soy sauce chili sauce, or salt as needed. 

Step 4: Garnish and Serve :

Using freshly chopped spring onions or cilantro garnish and colorify the green with the fresh topping. 

Serve the Chicken Manchurian in gravy hot with steaming rice or fried rice for complete enjoyment. 

Perfect Chicken Manchurian Tips: 

1. Keep Chicken Crisp: Keeping the chicken crunchy is the secret to making perfect Chicken Manchurian. Don't cook the chicken in the sauce too neatly; just sear it a little into the gravy, so it absorbs flavor for a few minutes. 
2. Adjust Spice: Increase green chilies or more chili sauce in case you want to serve a spicier dish. In case you like it milder, reduce the amount of chili sauce and add a little sugar to balance out the heat. 
3. Vegetable Variations: Add whatever other vegetables you like such as carrots baby corn or broccoli to make it more colorful and healthier. 
4. Thickening the Gravy: To thicken the gravy, add a little cornflour mixed with water to create a thicker sauce.

Final Crunch:

Just before serving, toss the fried chicken in gravy. This keeps it crunchy. 

Adjust the amount of chili sauce and green chilies to suit the spice level you would like. 

If you want richer gravy, add a dollop of cream or coconut milk to obtain a creamier consistency. 

Now spoil yourself with this beautiful homemade Chicken Manchurian gravy.