Soy Chunks Pulav

Recipe No: 80
Soy chunks are processed Soy beans (what left after extracting soy bean oil and hence fat free) which is a very good source of protein for vegetarians. When combined it with rice, this becomes so good and flavorful. Adding a salad and a pickle makes it a meal.

Ingredients                                         Serves 8

• Dry Soy Chunks………...…………………..1 Cup
• Basmati Rice………………………………....3 Cups
• Ghee…………………………………………….1 Tablespoon
• Whole Garam Masala…………………….4 Cardamom pods, 2 one inch Cinnamon and 8 Cloves
• Veggies cut into cubes…………………….1 Cup (I used Carrot, Beans and Peas)
• Onion chopped……………………………...1/2 Big
• Vegetable Oil………………………………....2 Tablespoons
• Ginger-Garlic paste……………………......1 Tablespoon
• Store Bought Garam Masala Powder…2 Teaspoons
• Boiling Water…………………………………6 Cups
• Coriander leaves…………………………....2-3 Tablespoons
• Salt………………………………………….......as per taste

Method of Preparation

1. Boil 8 cups of water in a pot. Once boiled, add the Soy chunks and let it boil for a minute and off the flame. Cover it and let it sit for 5 minutes. Drain the Soy chunks and put it in cold water. Squeeze and take the chunks out. Repeat it for 3 times. This will take that ‘processed’ taste out of Soy Chunks and make it rehydrate properly.
2. Wash the Basmati rice really good and soak in warm water for 20 minutes. Drain and keep till ready to be used.
3. Heat Ghee in a pan and add the whole Garam Masala and fry till it is fragrant.
4. Add the rice and fry till the rice on the bottom of the pan starts to move on its own. Switch off the flame, take the rice out and keep aside.
5. In the same pan heat the Oil and saute the Onion. Add Ginger-Garlic paste and saute till the raw smell is gone.
6. Add the Veggies and saute for two minutes.
7. Mix in the prepared Soy chunks followed by Garam Masala Powder and fry together for 2 or 3 minutes.
8. Mix in the rice to the Veggie mixture followed by boiling water and enough salt.
9. Mix once and close the pan and let cook on a very low flame till the water is absorbed and the rice is nicely cooked. Mix the rice once or twice along the way gently, taking care not to break the rice.
10. Once cooked keep the lid open for a few minutes, sprinkle the coriander leaves and serve hot.

Notes:

• I happen to like store bought Garam Masala for this particular dish as it contains a bit of Coriander, Cumin and Chilly powder (My homemade Garam Masala is different) which is very essential for this dish.
• Soy Chunks are available in most of the Indian stores.

 




Make it, enjoy the deliciousness and 
serve it to your family with love…