Veg Manchow Soup
A popular Indo-Chinese soup packed with finely chopped vegetables, ginger, and garlic. This spicy and savory soup is served hot, garnished with crispy fried noodles for a delightful crunch.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Crispy Noodles
- b.First, boil the noodles as per package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and spread on a plate to cool and dry slightly.
- c.Heat vegetable oil in a wok or deep pan over medium-high heat. Test if the oil is ready by dropping a single noodle; it should sizzle and rise immediately.
- d.Carefully add the boiled noodles to the hot oil in small batches. Do not overcrowd the pan.
- e.Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning gently, until the noodles are golden brown and crisp.
- f.Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables
- b.In a large pot or wok, heat the sesame oil over high heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped ginger, garlic, and green chilies. Sauté for about 30-45 seconds until they release their aroma.
- d.Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes translucent.
- e.Add all the remaining chopped vegetables (carrot, cabbage, french beans, capsicum). Stir-fry on high heat for 2-3 minutes. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not mushy.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Build the Soup Base
- b.Pour the vegetable broth into the wok with the sautéed vegetables. Bring it to a rolling boil.
- c.Reduce the heat to medium. Add the soy sauce, red chili sauce, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper powder. Stir well to combine.
- d.Let the soup simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Thicken and Finish the Soup
- b.In a small bowl, mix the cornflour with 1/4 cup of cold water. Whisk until there are no lumps, creating a smooth slurry.
- c.While continuously stirring the simmering soup with one hand, slowly pour the cornflour slurry in a steady stream with the other hand.
- d.Continue to stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Garnish and Serve
- b.Turn off the heat. Stir in the chopped spring onion greens and coriander leaves, reserving some for garnish.
- c.Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls.
- d.Generously top with the crispy fried noodles just before serving to maintain their crunch. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best texture, chop all vegetables as finely and uniformly as possible.
- 2Stir-frying the vegetables on high heat is key to keeping them crunchy.
- 3Always use cold water for the cornflour slurry to prevent lumps.
- 4For a richer color and deeper umami flavor, use a mix of 2 tbsp light soy sauce and 1 tbsp dark soy sauce.
- 5The soup will thicken more as it cools. Adjust the cornflour amount if you prefer a thinner or thicker consistency.
- 6You can prepare the crispy noodles ahead of time and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-Rich
Add 150g of cubed firm tofu or paneer along with the vegetables for a more substantial soup.
Mushroom MedleyMushroom Medley
Include 1 cup of sliced shiitake or button mushrooms for an umami flavor boost. Sauté them with the other vegetables.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use gluten-free noodles (like rice vermicelli) for frying and substitute soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add 1/2 teaspoon of Sriracha or increase the amount of green chilies and red chili sauce to your preference.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vegetables
Packed with a variety of vegetables like carrots, cabbage, beans, and capsicum, this soup provides essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Immunity Boosting Properties
The inclusion of fresh ginger and garlic, known for their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, can help boost the immune system.
Warming and Comforting
The hot and spicy nature of the soup makes it a perfect comfort food, especially during colder weather. It can also help in clearing nasal congestion.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of Veg Manchow Soup contains approximately 350-380 calories. The majority of the calories come from the deep-fried noodles and the oils used in cooking.