Soya chunks pepper masala |How to make soya chunks curry from scratch|Meal maker curry

Soya chunks /meal maker/soy meat/soya nuggets  is an excellent source of plant protein.Its made from defatted soya,it means oil is extracted from soya beans and processed to form a meaty textured soya meat.Its a stiff competitor to any meat and can be easily mistaken to animal protein(meat).Soya chunks curry is a  no fuss curry with minimal ingredients almost available in an Indian kitchen.An excellent vegetarian/vegan option to be enjoyed.I have used fresh turmeric but it can be substituted with powder too.TO MAKE IT COMPLETELY VEGAN USE COCONUT MILK WHILE SOAKING THE SOYA CHUNKS.It is a south Indian style curry using coconut .If you are trying to avoid it replace it with cashews.Use the smaller version of soya chunks,smaller the better they absorb the flavours.It tastes equally good with plain rice or chapati ,but i would prefer the later.Can be served for lunch or dinner.If you are in a hurry pressure cooker too can be used to ease the process.Use the peppercorns to your liking.

Let's check the recipe .....

Step wise tutorial to make soya chunks curry 

Preparation time:10 minutes

Cooking time :30 minutes 

servings:4 

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup -soya chunks
• 1 -onion
• 1 tomato
• 1 tablespoon-coriander seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon -cumin seeds
• 2 -garlic cloves
• 1 inch- ginger root
• 1 teaspoon-black pepper corns
• 1/2 inch -fresh turmeric
• 1 tablespoon -coconut paste 
• 1 sprig -curry leaves
• 3 tablespoon+1 tbsp -oil
• 1 tablespoon -coconut milk/ milk
• 1 cup- water
• salt to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon -garam masala
• coriander leaves 

Procedure

1.Add soya chunks to hot water along with milk.Set aside for 10 minutes.

2.To a pan with 1 tbsp oil  add onions and the whole spices saute it until  the onions turn pink .Add tomatoes and cook until mushy .

3.T o a grinder jar add the onions and coconut paste and blend to a fine paste.

4.By now the soya would have doubled in size wash it thoroughly under running water by squeezing it gently for 3 -4 times.

5.To a pan with oil add the ground paste and saute for 1 minute.Add squeezed soya chunks and saute for 2 minutes until all the masala gets well coated .

   

  

6. Add 1 cup water, garam masala, cover and cook until the soya chunks are tender enough .

7.Saute the curry until oil starts leaving the side of the pan .

8.,check the seasoning and add water accordingly to make the curry .

9.Add coriander leaves and simmer the curry for 2 minutes .

10 ,Soya chunks pepper masala is ready to be served.