Soya Chunk Biryani: A balanced meal

Soya Chunk Biryani, yes you heard me right. I did make a soy chunk biryani and it turned out amazing.

Soy chunks are a great source of veg protein. They are simple to use and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Hence it is one ingredient that has always been there on my grocery list.

While I’ve made cutlets, sheekh kababs, and gravies with soy chunks. The basic soy chunk gravy has always been my family favourite. Probably, that’s one reason why I wanted to try out something new and different. Thus I ended up making the soya chunk biryani.

This soya chunk biryani when made or served with vegetables can be served as a balanced one-pot meal.

Let me share the delicious recipe with you with the hope that you will give it your twist.

Soya Chunk Biryani

Ingredients:

Mini Soy chunks: 1 cup

Basmati rice: 1 cup

Curds:1 cup

Onion:2, finely chopped

Capsicum: 2, cubed

Biryani Masala:2tsp

Red chili powder:2 tsp

Ginger-garlic paste-1 tsp

Turmeric: 1/2 tsp

Bay leaf-2

cloves-2

Cinnamon-1 inch piece

Star anise-1/2

Salt

Coriander

Oil

Procedure:

Pre preps:

• • Heat water in a wide bowl. Soak the soya chunks for around 15-20 mins and then remove them from the bowl and squeeze the water out. Set aside in a  bowl.
  • Wash the basmati rice at least 2-3 times and leave it soaking for 20 mins.

Marination:

• Meanwhile, take a bowl that contains the soya chunks then add in the capsicum, curds, turmeric, chili powder, biryani masala, and ginger garlic paste. Mix it nicely and set it aside for 20 mins.

Main procedure:

• In a wok, heat oil. Add in the bay leaf, cloves, star anise, and cinnamon, and saute it for about 30 seconds.
• Add in the onion and saute it till it turns pinkish brown.
• Then add in the marinated soy chunks and saute it for a few minutes.
• Adjust the spices as per taste.
• Add in the washed basmati rice and salt.
• Lastly, add around 2-2.5 cups of water and let it cook till done.
• Serve the soy biryani hot with raita or salad.

Note:

• Soy chunks can be replaced with soy granules, tofu, or panner.
• Soy chunk biryani can be made rather quickly in a pressure cooker.
• One can saute the soy chunks prior to marination to give a slightly different taste and texture.
• I had only capsicums in the fridge hence I’ve only added those but one can add other vegetables like peppers, carrots, beans, corn too.