Soya Chunks Curry Recipe

Learn to Make Protein-Packed Soya Chunks Curry Recipe

If you are a vegetarian or vegan and struggle to meet your protein requirements, then you have to make this hearty, nutritious recipe, soya chunks curry! Prepared by tossing protein-rich soya nuggets in a flavour-bomb Indian gravy, this dish is super delicious and, at the same time, easy to make. You can have it with roti, paratha, naan, rice or anything you like, and it will taste incredible. Without any further delay, follow this easy recipe and learn how to cook soya bean curry in just 20 minutes!

The Delectable Soya Curry Recipe 

This dish is popular throughout India, given its irresistible taste and nutritional value. Soya chunks, the main element of this recipe, are a great source of plant-based protein. When soaked in water, they plump up and get a unique meaty texture. And when mixed in a spicy onion-tomato gravy, it tastes lip-smacking good. Here, you can find a detailed recipe for making soya bean curry with minimal ingredients at home.

Ingredients for Soya Ball Curry:

• 1 cup soya chunks
• ½ cup roughly chopped onion
• ½ cup roughly chopped tomato
• Handful of cashews
• 1 spoon ginger garlic paste
• 2 roughly chopped green chillies
• 1 ½ tablespoons of any cooking oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 inch cinnamon stick
• ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• ½ teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon roasted kasuri methi leaves
• Salt to taste

Follow The Steps to Make Soya Chunks Curry Recipe

Now that you have brought all the required ingredients in one place, it's time to discuss how to make soya chunks curry! Remember, it is a customisable dish. You can use any spices per your liking. So do not restrict yourself, and have fun cooking!

Step 1: Boil the Soya Chunks

Soya chunks come in a dehydrated form, and that's why you have to soak them well. So take a saucepan and heat a sufficient amount of water to boil the soya chunks. Turn off the heat once they swell up and become soft. After that, take out the soya chunks and squeeze the excess water. They have a dry coating around them that can cause digestive problems. That is why it is recommended to rinse the soya again in fresh water to get rid of this frothy covering.

Step 2: Make the Onion-Tomato Paste

Take some oil in a pan. Add ginger garlic paste, green chillies and onion and saute them for 5-10 minutes until the onion becomes golden brown. Then, add tomatoes and cashews and roast them well until the oil separates the mixture. Take your pan off the gas stove and let the ingredients cool for some time. Now, transfer the mixture into a grinder to form a smooth paste.

Step 3: Preparation of Gravy

Take the same pan in which you roasted the onion and tomato and pour in the remaining oil. Add cumin seeds, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Now, it's the time to add the prepared paste and all the spices, including chilli powder, coriander powder, black pepper, turmeric powder and salt. Mix it until the paste becomes thick in consistency. 

Step 4: Add the Boiled Soya to the Gravy

The soya chunks that you had boiled earlier have to be tossed in the spicy gravy. Be sure to combine it well. Cover the pan with a lid and keep the flame low so that the soya chunks get coated with all the spices. Then, add some water and bring it to a boil. Adjust the consistency as you like. You can keep it dry, semi-dry or completely gravy-based.

Step 5: Final Touches

After your dish is ready, add kasuri methi and some garam masala. It is suggested that you first roast the kasuri methi on a hot pan at low flame for a great aroma and flavour. Crush the leaves and add them to the curry. Serve it hot in a glass bowl with rice or chapati, and relish it with your family!

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Here are a few tips that you can consider to enhance the flavour of your soya bean curry recipe: 

For better taste, use whole spices like cardamoms, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. 

You can add cream or thick coconut milk for a rich-creamy texture if you make a vegan version. 

You can also marinate the soya chunks to obtain a rich flavour. For marinating, take ½ teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, ¼ teaspoon of chilli powder, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of garam masala in a mixing bowl. Add the soya chunks and coat them well with the mixture. Let the marinated soya rest for at least 30 minutes, and then add them to the gravy.

Add peas or any vegetable of choice, such as carrots, capsicum, or baby corn, to bring a crunch factor to the dish.

Conclusion 

This soya chunks recipe is enriched with protein, amino acids and healthy fats, making it a wholesome meal. Don't be shy to experiment with different flavours and create your own unique version. Do give it a try and make it for your entire family for lunch or dinner. Your kids will love it, too. So, what are you waiting for? Run to your kitchen and make this soya bean Indian recipe right now!

FAQs

For how much time should I boil the soya chunks?

Usually, soya chunks take approximately 10-15 minutes to hydrate, so you must not boil them more than that or else they will become extra mushy and lose their texture.

Can I add almond milk instead of coconut milk or cashews to the soya curry paste?

Yes! Feel free to add any kind of milk. The idea is to obtain a creamy and thick texture. Almond milk will work, too.

How much protein can I get from one serving of soya bean chunks recipe?

A single serving of curry soya ideally offers roughly 16g of protein, which is an incredible amount for a single dish.