How To Make Authentic Manchow Soup At Home

Manchow soup combines finely chopped vegetables, ginger, garlic, and sauces like soy, vinegar, and chili for a spicy, tangy flavor. The soup is thickened with cornflour slurry and garnished with fried noodles for a crunchy twist. It’s quick to prepare and versatile, with vegetarian or non-vegetarian options. A comforting dish, it pairs well with other Indo-Chinese favorites.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

• Oil: 2 tbsp
• Garlic: 6-8 cloves (finely chopped)
• Ginger: 1 inch (finely chopped or grated)
• Green chilies: 2-3 (finely chopped)
• Spring onions: 1 cup (finely chopped, separate white and green parts)
• Carrots: ½ cup (finely chopped)
• Cabbage: ½ cup (finely shredded)
• Capsicum (green bell pepper): ½ cup (finely chopped)
• Mushrooms: ½ cup (optional, finely sliced)
• Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
• Vinegar: 1 tbsp
• Red chili sauce: 1 tbsp
• Black pepper powder: ½ tsp
• Cornflour (cornstarch): 2 tbsp (mixed with ¼ cup water for slurry)
• Vegetable stock or water: 4 cups
• Salt: to taste

For Fried Noodles (Topping):

• Noodles: 1 cup (boiled and drained)
• Cornflour: 1 tbsp
• Oil: for deep frying

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Fried Noodles

• Boil the noodles: Cook the noodles as per the packet instructions. Drain and let them cool completely.
• Coat with cornflour: Sprinkle cornflour over the cooled noodles and toss gently to coat evenly.
• Fry until crispy: Heat oil in a deep pan, and fry the noodles in small batches until they turn golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Set aside for garnishing.

Step 2: Prepare the Soup Base

• Heat oil: Heat 2 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium heat.
• Sauté aromatics: Add chopped garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add spring onions (white): Stir in the white part of the spring onions and sauté for another minute.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

• Add vegetables: Add the carrots, cabbage, capsicum, and mushrooms. Sauté for 3-4 minutes on high heat until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crunchy.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasoning

• Add sauces: Stir in soy sauce, red chili sauce, and vinegar. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
• Pour in stock or water: Add vegetable stock or water and bring the mixture to a boil.
• Season the soup: Add black pepper powder and salt to taste. Stir well.

Step 5: Thicken the Soup

• Add cornflour slurry: Gradually stir in the prepared cornflour slurry while continuously stirring the soup. This will thicken the soup to a desired consistency.
• Simmer: Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 3-4 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Add greens: Stir in the green part of the spring onions and mix well.
• Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with crispy fried noodles, and serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the Manchow Soup hot with extra fried noodles on the side for added crunch.
• Pair it with spring rolls, dumplings, or fried rice for a complete meal.

Tips for Perfect Manchow Soup:

• Crunchy vegetables: Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their crunch and texture.
• Fried noodles: Ensure the noodles are dry before frying to avoid clumping.
• Spice level: Adjust green chilies and chili sauce according to your spice tolerance.
• For a non-vegetarian twist: Add shredded chicken or prawns while sautéing the vegetables.

Enjoy the spicy, tangy flavors of homemade Manchow Soup, a perfect comfort food for any occasion.