For a long time, I believed that Gobi/Vegetable Manchurian was a Chinese dish. I am sure I have, at least more than a few, fellow Indians backing me up on that. I remember visiting my first ever authentic Chinese restaurant and being amazed at the menu. 'Cos it was nothing like I was aware or comfortable with. I was ready to question the authenticity of the restaurant rather my own judgment! Naivety to the core ;) It took a bit of reading to know, what I thought was authentic, was no where close to the reality. It was an amazing Indian's mindset to bring out such mind boggling "Chinese" dishes on to the Indian soil customizing it in such a way that it did not feel "blech".  The Indo-Chinese fusion is one craze that exists to date where Indians enjoy an encore of dishes.

Among such recipes, this Vegetable Manchurian is one such gem. Vegetable Balls deep fried and served on a gravy accompanied by fried rice or noodles.  Perfect! Except that for me personally there is one small hitch. Deep frying! :(  I am not among those who shy away from deep frying completely looking at it as if its a sin or something. I enjoy my deep fried goodies - but try to keep it at minimum. I don't believe in skipping anything - just enjoying everything in moderation. And there is always Gym or local park to burn away those additional calories right? Better this method than skipping it altogether is my motto. But there are many recipes out there where additional fat is just not required. If you can achieve almost the same results with a healthier method, then why not? Like these Balls for instance. Instead of deep frying soaking up all that oil, or baking it that it ends up "looking" and "tasting" like healthy and not like the real thing - I choose to go the middle route. Yup, out with my Pancake Puff pan (Kuzhi Paniyaram Pan in Tamil). Those have been a blessing in disguise for such a long time. I have made Koftas, bondas and god knows what else with them with so much little oil.  My better half loves all good food, but he of course does not mind cutting out unnecessary fat. So in order to keep him happy, I make use of these pans for such similar recipes. Enjoy them guilt free - your family and your health will thank you for it :) I have added colorful variety of vegetables - Like I say often enough, vibrant looking dishes not only are pleasing to the eye and palate but also nutrition wise. But go ahead and use whatever vegetables you have on hand.