Soy Chunks (Nutrella) Birayani

Soy Chunks BiryaniRevisiting this old post. Looking for some good vegetarian options, and this soy chunks biryani came to mind. I remade this in the instant pot, and it was easy and comforting.  Done with minimal fuss an effort, this Soy chunks biryani ended up being the perfect weekend close out meal. The meaty texture of the soy chunks or nutrella fits in an offers a good low calorie meatless option in this soy chunks biryani.

The rice setting worked perfectly for this dish.

My Soy Chunks Biryani Story

Today turned out to be a really great day.  Most people find the rain a disappointment. But something about the rain calms and cheers me. I spent the morning revitalizing our grill for the season.  Walking in our back porch amid the dampness and taking in the green blossoming garden was rejuvenating. The backyard was full of life. I was happy to see that the little fig tree that the husband had gotten for me has found its spot and sprouted some little, small figs. And then I did what I love doing, I made a biriyani.

There is something about this regal one dish creation that came to India, through the Mogul rulers of Central Asia that makes me happy.

Soy Chunks Biryani

What is Nutrella?

This recipe was one for the husband, he loves nutrela  which is an Indian textured soy-based protein. . Since, it added a textured protein very different from other vegetarian protein options such as paneer or chickpeas. I use it on occasion, mostly for its nutritional value and to satisfy vegetarian guests. This particular recipe did work out well.

Soy Chunks Biryani

Another meatless biryani on this site is my Egg Biryani and also works well as a quick and easy dish.

If you like this recipe and want more ideas, do join my Indian Instant Pot Facebook group and Legume Love Group. Of course Instant Indian is ready for order, joining its siblings The Bengali Five Spice Chronicles and Spices and Seasons.

Do not forget to get social with me, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and even Youtube.

Print
Soy Chunks (Nutrella) Birayani

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 1 hour

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

A vegetarian birayani made with soy chunks

Ingredients

  • 2 cups boiling hot water
  • 1/2 cup dried nutrela chunks
  • 1/2 cup Greek low fat yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon powdered mint
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus extra for rice if desired
  • 3 tablespoons oil
  • 1 thinly sliced medium onion
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste (optional)
  • 2 tomatoes (well chopped in a food processor)
  • 1.5 teaspoons powdered garam/birayani masala (see recipe below)
  • 2-3 cardamoms
  • 1 large stick cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • 3/4 cup basmati rice soaked for at least 2 hours
  • 1/2 cup green peas
  • 1 cup of water
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 teaspoon saffron strands
  • 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

  1. Place the water and the nutrela chunks in a bowl and let the chunks swell up, this takes about 5minutes. Drain the chunks well, and return to a mixing bowl with the yogurt, powdered mint, salt and chili powder and let the mixture marinate for at least 1/2 hour.
  2. Heat the oil in a large cooking pot on medium heat for about 1 minute and add in the onion. Lower the heat and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft, translucent and beginning to turn golden.
  3. Add in the ginger paste, garlic paste, tomatoes and the garam masala powder and cook for about 5 minutes and add in the marinated soy chunks with the marinade and cook this mixture for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. The mixture should be nice and thick. Add in the whole spices and the ghee with the rice and the green peas and stir well.
  5. Stir in the water and cover the pot and cook the mixture on low heat for about 25 to 30 minutes.
  6. Check the seasonings and stir in the cilantro. Dissolve the saffron in the slightly warm milk and sprinkle over the rice. Gently fluff the rice and leave covered for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Place the water and the nutrela chunks in a bowl and let the chunks swell up, this takes about 5minutes. Drain the chunks well, and return to a mixing bowl with the yogurt, powdered mint, salt and chili powder and let the mixture marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes Turn on the saute mode and add the oil and heat for about 1minute. Add in the onion and cook for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft, translucent and beginning to turn golden. Add in the ginger paste, garlic paste, tomatoes and the garam masala powder and cook for about 5 minutes and add in the marinated soy chunks with the marinade and mix well. Add in the whole spices and the ghee with the rice and the green peas and stir well. Add in half cup water. Turn off the saute mode and release the pressure after 10 minutes. Check the seasonings and stir in the cilantro. Dissolve the saffron in the slightly warm milk and sprinkle over the rice. Gently fluff the rice before serving.

https://spicechronicles.com/soy-chunks-birayani/

 

2 Comments

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge