Soya granules are made from soy beans and they work well as meat substitutes. These also come in the form of regular chunks, mini chunks and granules, and can be used in many ways. Soya meat also called as Vegetable textured protein is available in various forms like granules, chunks and even flour too. It is a good source of protein for the vegetarians and is widely used in Indian cuisine for making Soya Veg Momos , Soya kadai Matar, Soy and Spinach pasta and many other varieties.
In this recipe I have used a combination of green peas, Soy granules and Paneer to make the curry. You cam aslo skip the paneer and just make soy matar curry. Addition of paneer increases the amount of protien and carbohydrates to the curry. Since my kids love paneer it is easy for me to attract them to this highly nutritious curry. I also make Soya Paratha using soy Granules.
Soya chunks/granules are dry when you purchase them. They need to be soaked in water, which causes them to become spongy. Plain soya chunks/granules do not have much flavor at all, but they absorb sauces, spices and flavorings well. Use them to make stew, soup, curry and masala dishes, salads and stir-fries.
Here is the recipe
Soya Matar Paneer
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS
Soya Granules- 1/2 cup
Paneer-200 gms
Green peas( boiled)- 1 cup
Ginger garlic paste- 2 tbsp
finely chopped onions- 1 cup
tomato puree-1cup
Kasuri methi powder-1tbsp
turmeric powder-1tsp
corinader powder 1.5 tsp
red chili powder ( Kasmiri mirch )- 1 tsp
yogurt- 1tbsp
Check the footnotes at the bottom too.
Whole Spices used
1 black cardamom
2 green cardamom
3-4 cloves
4-5 black pepper corns
1 inch cinnamon
cumin seeds-1/2 tsp
Oil- 2 tbsp
Method
1.Soak the soya granules in warm water for about 15 minutes. Mean while cut the paneer into small cubes and keep aside.
2. Heat oil in a heavy based non stick pan or kadai and when the oil is heated, add the chopped onions.
Mean while dry roast all the whole spices either in microwave or on a skillet ( tawa) and grind them into fine powder. This will be your fresh garam masala for the recipe.
3. When the onion become transparent add garam masala powder to the pan. Saute for 2 minutes and add ginger garlic paste. Let this mixture cook for 5 minutes on medium flame till the smell of raw flavors go.
4. Next add turmeric and coriander powder and mix well. if you think that the mixture is little dry, you can add little water too. cook for another 2 minutes and then add tomato puree, salt and red chili powder. mix well and cook till this paste starts leaving oil.
5. Squeeze out the soya granules and put them into the pan. Mix well and add let it cook for 5 minutes on low flame. Add boiled green peas and mix well. After 5 minutes add 2 cups of water and mix well again
6. Add ( beaten) Yogurt, Kasoori methi powder and stir well. Cover with lid and let this curry cook for 10 minutes on medium flame. make sure you keep stirring in between.
7 After 10 minutes add the paneer cubes and cover the lid again and let this curry cook for another 5 minutes till the paneer becomes soft.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro/coriander leaves and serve with hot phulkas, rice or parathas.Enjoy!
Thanks,
Swati.
FOOTNOTES
1. The quantity of spices used in each household is different. If you like more spicy food you can increase the quantity of oil and spices.
2. For more richness and silky texture you can add cream to the curry at the stage where you added paneer.
3. It is important to add a good amount of water in the curry because the soy granules have the tendency to absorb water.
4. When you add the yogurt make sure you keep stirring it while adding it to the curry.
Pls check the following Main course Paneer recipes too
Healthy Shahi Paneer
Tawa Paneer Masala
Restaurant Style Tomato Paneer Jalfarezi
looks so delicious..perfectly made:)
Never used soya granules. Can it be made from soya chunks by grinding? The dish looks picture perfect, and healthy!
I tried its reciepe very tasty flavor thanks to u for share this reciepe
I m glad that you liked it Beena!