Maggi Ball Recipe- Crispy Noodles in Manchurian Gravy

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Maggi Ball Recipe – Crispy Noodles in Manchurian Gravy

Introduction

Okay, confession time! As a kid, Maggi was always my go-to comfort food. I could practically live on those little noodle packets. But I’ve grown up (a little!), and now I love to get creative with them. This Maggi Ball recipe is a total game-changer – it takes those familiar noodles and transforms them into crispy, flavour-packed balls swimming in a delicious Manchurian gravy. Trust me, it’s way more exciting than just a simple bowl of Maggi! It’s a fun, quirky dish that’s guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another Indo-Chinese recipe; it’s a nostalgic trip with a delicious twist. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend snack.
• Crispy & Chewy: The Maggi balls have the most amazing texture – crispy on the outside, delightfully chewy on the inside.
• Flavour Bomb: The Manchurian gravy is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy.
• Kid-Friendly: A sneaky way to get the kids to enjoy some veggies! (Don’t tell them they’re there, though )

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Maggi magic:

• 1 tsp butter
• 1 ½ cup water
• 2 pack Maggi tastemaker
• 2 pack Maggi noodles
• 2 tbsp onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp carrot, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp cabbage, finely shredded
• 2 tbsp capsicum (bell pepper), finely chopped
• 2 tbsp spring onion, chopped (separate the white and green parts)
• 1 tsp ginger garlic paste
• 1 tsp chilli sauce
• ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
• ¼ cup corn flour
• 1 pack Maggi noodles, crushed (for coating)
• Oil for deep frying
• 2 tbsp oil
• 2 clove garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• ½ cup onion petals
• ½ cup capsicum cubed
• 2 tbsp tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• ¼ tsp pepper powder
• 2 tsp corn flour

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

• Maggi is Key: Don’t skimp on the Maggi! It’s the star of the show. Any brand of instant noodles will do in a pinch, but Maggi just has that something special.
• Veggie Power: Feel free to swap out the veggies for whatever you have on hand. Mushrooms, beans, or even peas would work beautifully.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of chilli sauce and green chilli to your liking. I like a good kick, but you can definitely tone it down for a milder flavour.
• Corn Flour Magic: Corn flour is essential for binding the Maggi balls and thickening the gravy. You can substitute with all-purpose flour, but corn flour gives a nicer texture.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, let’s cook the Maggi. Boil the water with the Maggi tastemaker. Add the crushed noodles and cook for about 2 minutes, until softened. Then, drain and let it cool completely.
2. In a bowl, combine the cooked noodles, chopped veggies (onion, carrot, cabbage, capsicum), chilli sauce, salt, and corn flour. Mix everything really well until it forms a dough-like consistency.
3. Now, shape the mixture into small balls. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect! Roll each ball in the crushed Maggi noodles, ensuring they’re fully coated.
4. Heat oil in a deep frying pan. Carefully drop the Maggi balls into the hot oil and fry until they’re golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
5. Time for the gravy! Heat 2 tbsp oil in a separate pan. Sauté the minced garlic, grated ginger, chopped green chilli, and the white parts of the spring onion until fragrant.
6. Add the onion petals and cubed capsicum and sauté until slightly softened.
7. Stir in the tomato sauce, vinegar, and soy sauce. Add a pinch of pepper powder.
8. To thicken the gravy, mix 2 tsp corn flour with a little water to form a slurry. Add this slurry to the pan and stir continuously until the gravy thickens.
9. Finally, add the fried Maggi balls to the gravy and simmer for about a minute, allowing them to soak up all that delicious flavour. Garnish with the green parts of the spring onion.
10. Serve immediately with fried rice or as a standalone snack!

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the Maggi balls, fry them in batches to ensure they get crispy.
• Cooling is Key: Make sure the cooked Maggi is completely cool before mixing it with the other ingredients. Otherwise, the dough will be too sticky.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t be afraid to taste the gravy and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Variations

Let’s get creative!

• Spice Level: For a milder flavour, reduce the amount of chilli sauce and omit the green chilli. For a fiery kick, add a dash of red chilli powder or use a spicier chilli sauce.
• Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian: Add diced chicken or shrimp to the gravy for a non-vegetarian version.
• Street Food Style: My friend, Priya, swears by adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for that authentic street food tang.
• Restaurant Style: For a richer gravy, add a tablespoon of cashew paste.

Serving Suggestions

These Maggi balls are incredibly versatile!

• Serve them hot with a side of fragrant fried rice.
• Enjoy them as a standalone snack with a cup of chai.
• They’re also fantastic as an appetizer for a party.

Storage Instructions

• Leftover Maggi balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in a pan or air fryer to restore their crispiness. (Microwaving will make them soggy, unfortunately!)
• The gravy can be stored separately for up to 3 days.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

• Is this recipe suitable for kids? Yes, absolutely! Just reduce the amount of chilli sauce and green chilli.
• Can I bake the Maggi balls instead of frying? You can, but they won’t be as crispy. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• What can I substitute for corn flour? You can use all-purpose flour, but the texture won’t be quite the same. Potato starch is another good option.
• How can I adjust the sweetness/sourness of the gravy? Add more tomato sauce for sweetness and more vinegar for sourness.
• Can I prepare the gravy ahead of time? Yes, you can! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it when you’re ready to add the Maggi balls.