Soya Chunks Curry – Protein-Packed Meal Maker Curry

Soya Chunks Curry, also known as Meal Maker Curry, is a hearty and nutritious vegetarian recipe made with soya nuggets simmered in a rich and flavorful gravy. This protein-packed curry is an excellent meat alternative and is perfect for those seeking a wholesome, plant-based meal.

Ingredients

• For Cooking Soya Chunks:
  • 1 cup soya chunks (meal maker)
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2–3 green cardamom pods
  • 1-inch cinnamon stick
  • 3–4 cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• For Gravy:
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
  • 2 tomatoes, pureed
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Soya Chunks

• In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
• Add the soya chunks, salt, bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cumin seeds.
• Boil for 5–7 minutes until the soya chunks become soft and expand.
• Drain the water and set the soya chunks aside.

2. Prepare the Gravy

• Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the chopped onions and sauté until they turn golden brown.
• Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
• Add the pureed tomatoes and cook until the oil separates from the masala.
• Stir in ground coriander, ground cumin, red chili powder, turmeric powder, and garam masala.
• Cook the masala for 2–3 minutes until the spices are well-blended and aromatic.

3. Combine Soya Chunks with Gravy

• Add the cooked soya chunks to the gravy and mix well.
• Add water to adjust the consistency of the curry.
• Simmer the curry on low heat for 10–15 minutes, allowing the soya chunks to absorb the flavors.
• Season with salt to taste.

4. Garnish and Serve

• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with rice, roti, or naan.

Tips

• Soaking Soya Chunks: Soaking the soya chunks in hot water for 10–15 minutes before cooking can help reduce their cooking time and improve texture.
• Adjusting Spice Levels: Modify the amount of red chili powder and garam masala to suit your spice preference.
• Adding Vegetables: For added nutrition, you can include vegetables like peas, carrots, or potatoes in the curry.
• Creamy Texture: For a richer curry, add a splash of cream or a dollop of yogurt towards the end of cooking.

Final Thoughts

Soya Chunks Curry is a versatile and nutritious dish that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. With its rich flavors and protein content, it’s a satisfying meal option for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re looking to reduce meat consumption or simply enjoy a hearty vegetarian dish, this curry is sure to please your palate.