Soya Chunks Biriyani

Soya Biriyani is a very healthy and simple Biriyani recipe. Soya chunks contain protein exceeding the amount of protein available in meat, egg, milk and wheat. And it is also a plant based protein. In addition, it contains a high percentage of phosphorous, manganese, iron, omega fatty acids,, dietary fiber, Vitamin B2 and Potassium.

My mother used to make many dishes using Soya Chunks and we were not even aware what it was except that the dishes used to be very tasty. It used to be called meal maker in those days. Use a well-known and trusted brand to buy the Soya Chunks. I prefer to use mini Soya Chunks. You can buy the bigger chunks, cut them and use it.

Ingredients:

To marinate Soya Chunks:

Soya Chunks – ¾  cup

Fresh Curd (Yogurt) – 1 cup

Red Chilli Powder – ¾ tsp

Biriyani Masala or Pulav Masala – 1 tsp

Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 tsp

Coriander Seed Powder – ½ tsp

Finely chopped Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp

Finely chopped Pudhina – 2 tbsp

Salt – to suit taste

Capsicum – ½ (cut into small cubes)

Carrot – 1 (cut into small cubes)

For making Soya Biriyani: –

Oil – 2 tbsp

Basmati Rice – 1 ½ cup (soaked for 30 minutes)

Ghee – 1 tbsp

Cumin Seed – 1 tsp

Bay Leaf – 1

Whole Green Cardamom (slightly opened) – 4

Star Anise – 1

Whole Pepper Corn – 12 to 15

Green Chilli (whole) – 2

Large Sized Onion – 1 (sliced)

Ginger Garlic Paste – 1 tsp

Tomato – 2 (sliced)

Finely chopped Coriander Leaves – 2 tbsp

Finely chopped Pudhina (Mint Leaves) – 2 tsp

Turmeric Powder – 1 pinch

Red Chilli Powder – ½ tsp

Pulav Biriyani Masala Powder – ¼ tsp

Hot water – 2 ½ to 2 ¾ cups

Method:

Boil sufficient water and immerse the Soya Chunks in I for a minute. Switch off the flame. Cover with a lid and allow to rest for 20 to minutes till the Soya Chunks turn soft. Rinse them and squeeze the water out. Repeat once or twice more.

Take these Soya chunks in a mixing bowl Add Yogurt and all other ingredients under the “To Marinate” column in a mixing bowl. Mix them well. Adjust Salt. Allow them to marinate for an hour. Or you can marinate overnight also in the refrigerator so that you can gain time.

Heat 2 tsp of Oil in a pressure cooker. Add Cumin Seeds. Allow it to splutter. Add Bay Leaf, Pepper corns, Green Cardoman and Star Anise, Roast them for few seconds. Add Green Chilli, sliced Onion and Ginger Garlic Paste. Sauté them all till they turn a little brown.

Add Tomatoes, Turmeric Powder, Chilli Powder, Salt, Dhania Leaves and Pudhina Leaves.

Cook them till the Tomato turns soft.

Add the marinated Soya Chunks along with the marination and cook for 3 to 4 minutes in medium flame.

Add the soaked Rice and the hot water. Mix well. Adjust Salt. Allow all of them to boil for 5 to 6 minutes. ¾ of water would get absorbed by the rice, Soya chunks and other ingredients by this time. Add 1 tbsp of Ghee.

Sprinkle the Biriyani or Pulav Masala and few mint leaves. Do not mix. Pressure cook them for a whistle and switch off the flame. Let the pressure drops by itself without removing the weight valve.

Open the lid now. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Done!