Soya Chunks Pulao | Pulao Recipes

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of making Soya Chunks Pulao, a nutritious and flavorful dish rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It's simple to prepare, making it an excellent option for lunchboxes. Serve it hot with raita for a complete meal.

Step 1: Prepare Soya Chunks

• Soak Soya Chunks:
  • Take 1 cup of soya chunks and soak them in hot water for 15 minutes.
• Squeeze and Marinate:
  • After soaking, squeeze the soya chunks to remove excess water.
  • Marinate them with the following ingredients:
    • 1/4 cup curd (yogurt)
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Let the marinated soya chunks sit for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Basmati Rice

• Soak Rice:
  • Rinse 1 cup of basmati rice and soak it in water for 20 minutes.

Step 3: Heat Spices

• Heat Oil:
  • In a pressure cooker, heat 2 tablespoons of ghee and 1 tablespoon of oil.
• Add Whole Spices:
  • Add the following whole spices to the hot oil:
    • 1 stick of cinnamon
    • 2-3 cloves
    • 2-3 cardamom pods
    • 1 bay leaf
    • 1 tsp cumin seeds
  • Roast the spices until fragrant.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

• Add Onions and Green Chilies:
  • Add 2 chopped onions and 2 chopped green chilies to the cooker. Sauté until the onions turn translucent.
• Add Ginger and Garlic:
  • Mix in 1 tsp of crushed ginger and garlic. Sauté for another minute.
• Add Tomatoes:
  • Add 2 chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften.

Step 5: Season the Mixture

• Add Spices:
  • Stir in the following spices:
    • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
    • 1 tsp chili powder
    • 1 tsp garam masala
• Add Soya Chunks:
  • Mix in the marinated soya chunks and cook for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine with Rice

• Add Herbs and Salt:
  • Stir in chopped coriander and mint leaves, along with salt to taste.
• Add Soaked Rice:
  • Gently add the soaked rice and enough water (1 1/2 cups) to cover the mixture.

Step 7: Cook Under Pressure

• Pressure Cook:
  • Close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook for 2 whistles.
• Rest:
  • After cooking, let the cooker rest for 10 minutes before opening.

Conclusion

Your Soya Chunks Pulao is now ready to be served. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Enjoy it hot with some refreshing raita. For further exploration, consider trying variations by adding different vegetables or spices. Happy cooking!