Homemade Chicken Manchow Soup Recipe
Chicken Manchow Soup is another latest cuisine from the Indian-Chinese, where the warmth of a soup meets the magnificence of bold flavors of Chinese spices and Indian heat. Chicken manchow soup is just one item from the large item list to be found in Indo-Chinese cuisine, which is sorely the fusion of Indian taste with the traditional Chinese cooking techniques. Kolkata, formerly Calcutta, is the birthplace of the soup, where the Chinese immigrants adapted the recipes for their taste with more heat and tangy flavor.
Manchow is derived from Manchuria, the region located in North-Eastern China, but the soup itself is an Indian conception and not authentic Chinese. Over the years, chicken manchow soup has gradually crept into almost all of India’s restaurants and street food stalls, especially in the monsoon and winter seasons, when it cheers up spicily hot broth. Equally, it has become popular due to it being an appetizer or a light meal.
Chicken Manchow Soup Ingredients
The heart of any great dish lies in its ingredients to create a balance of flavors, and the whole is a medley of fresh vegetables, tender meat, aromatic spices, and sauces.
Key Ingredients of Chicken Manchow Soup:
- Chicken: Mostly taken from boneless breast or thigh meat, boiled and shredded to provide lean protein and tenderness.
- Vegetables: Includes smaller amounts of cabbage, carrots, capsicum, spring onions, green beans, mushrooms, and sometimes celery or baby corn, all of which lend crunch, nutrition, and color.
- Aromatics: Fresh ginger, garlic, and green chilies are fry sautéed to build the soup’s spicy aromatic base.
- Broth: The body of it is given life by chicken stock or bone broth, which adds depth and umami.
- Sauces: Soy sauce for the saltiness and umami; vinegar for the tanginess; chilli sauce for the heat; oyster or fish sauce may complete the flavor-building process.
- Egg: Beaten egg is drizzled over the hot surface to form silky egg ribbons that bring richness.
- Cornflour Slurry: A mixture of cornstarch and water to thicken the soup to a perfect consistency.
- Seasonings: Salt, either white or black pepper, and sometimes a pinch of sugar to enhance overall flavor.
- Garnish: Fresh coriander leaves, sliced spring onion greens, and crispy fried noodles on top add a contrasting texture.
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Chicken Manchow Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and the Stock
You could boil it with salt and turmeric, shred it, and save the stock.
Step 2: Saute Aromatics and Vegetables
- Heat oil in a wok or pot; add ginger, garlic, and green chilies; and season. Saute until fragrant.
- Add onions, carrots, cabbage, capsicum, beans, and mushrooms, stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the chicken and Sauces
- Stir a little shredded meat.
- Pour soy sauce, vinegar, a little chili sauce, and sugar.
Step 4: Add Broth and Traumatized
- Bring chicken stock to a boil.
- Mix cornflour with water and add to the soup with stirring to thicken.
Step 5: Add Egg and Garnish
- Slowly drizzle in a beaten egg while stirring to create egg ribbons.
- Spice with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Serve
Pour into bowls with fried noodles on top, garnished with spring onions and coriander.
How to Prepare Chicken Manchow Soup
- Fresh Chicken Stock: Homemade meat stock adds richness and depth that store-bought broth can always miss.
- Balance the Flavours: Hot-n-Spicy, sour, and savory, your soup needs all. Adjust soy sauce, vinegar, and chili sauce according to your liking.
- Ribbon the Eggs: Pour the beaten egg while stirring gently and it should drop down into the pot in thin silky ribbons instead of clumping together.
- Fried Noodles: Deep-fry fresh noodles right before serving to ensure crispness. Don’t add them too early if you don’t want them to be soggy.
- Customize Your Heat Level: Extra green chilies or extra chili sauce will give you the heat; fewer green chilies will make for a milder soup.
- Be Sure to Add Cornflour Slurry with Care: Add it in bits to avoid over-thickening; the Chicken Manchow Soup should not be thick but should not be thin either.
How many calories are in 1 bowl of chicken manchow soup
Typical nutritional breakdown for 1 bowl of calories (approx. 250-300 ml serving without fried noodles):
- Calories: 140-160 Kcal
- Protein: 12-15 g (from chicken and egg)
- Total Fat: 6-8 g (from oil and egg)
- Total Carbohydrates: 15-20 g (from vegetables and cornflour)
- Total Fiber: 2-4 g (from vegetables)
- With Fried Noodles: The extra oil and carbs in the noodles increase the calories per bowl to an estimated 180-200 kcal.
It comes in a lower calorie intake but with much more protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling choice for lunch and dinner. If prepared using little oil, it has very low saturated fat.
Is it Good for a Cold and a Cough?
Yes it has some benefits and characteristics:
- Warmth and Steam: The hot broth soothes the sore throat and helps loosen mucus congestion to enable relaxed breathing.
- Ginger and Garlic: They have natural anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, preventing the possibility of infections.
- Spices and Chilies: Green chilies and black pepper create warmth to relieve nasal congestion and stimulate circulation.
- Chicken Protein: Boosts immunity and recovery with its nutrients.
- Hydration: This broth replaces fluids lost due to illness.
Variations of Chicken Manchow Soup
Popular variations in Chicken Manchow soup are:
- Vegetarian: Instead of meat, you may use mushrooms, tofu, or paneer and opt for vegetable stock. This version tastes fabulous and is equally popular among vegetarians.
- Spicy: If you want more punch, just add more green chilies and chili sauce.
- Low Cal Version: A light soup with reduced quantities of oil, no fried noodles, and extra veggies.
- Seafood: Add either shrimp or chunks of fish for a seafood twist!
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and exchange fried noodles for rice noodles or skip altogether.
Serving Suggestions and Accompaniments
Traditionally, it is served as a starter, but can also be relished as a light meal. Here are some ideas for serving:
- Add Fried Noodles: Crispy fried noodles on top will always give that authentic texture and crunch.
- Side Dishes: Pair this main dish with Indo-Chinese favorites-spring rolls and chicken momos or fried rice for a complete meal.
- Garnish: Top it with fresh coriander, chopped spring onions, and a squeeze of lemon juice for flavor enhancement.
Conclusion
Chicken manchow soup is a delicious, comforting, and healthy dish with excellent taste that brings Indian and Chinese flavors together. Whether sought in cold weather for a cozy meal, a great starter for a guest, or to enjoy a healthy, protein-rich has it all. Simple ingredients, adaptable recipes, and the benefits of health have made it a dish that has stood the test of time.
