A bite of appetizing Soya chunk fry-The Marvel Meal Maker

Today I am bringing in a yummy recipe by my mom, Mrs Sridevi Balakrishnan. A magician in the kitchen, she always prepares full-flavoured dishes which leaves us craving for more.

Soya Chunk Fries

The Meal maker is here to add a wallop of magic to your table. Soya chunks commonly known as meal maker can be used to prepare a creative vegetarian dish rich in protein. This dish can be used as a substitute for non-vegetarian dishes as well.

Ingredients

1. For Soya chunks preparation

• Soya chunks large -2 Cups
• Ginger-garlic paste- 1 Tablespoon
• Turmeric powder – ½ teaspoon
• Chilly powder -1 tablespoon
• Coriander powder-1 tablespoon
• Salt- as per your taste
• Garam masala powder-1 teaspoon
• Butter -1 tablespoon for marination
• Coconut oil- as required for frying

2.For the dry gravy preparation

• Coconut dices (small )
• Onion- 1 large
• Cashew nut -a handful
• Pepper- 1 teaspoon
• Coriander powder-1 teaspoon
• Chilly powder-1 teaspoon
• Curry leaves- a handful
• Finely chopped Coriander leaves- 2 tablespoons

Method of preparation

• Take the required quantity of soya chunks and wash well. Soak soya chunks in hot water. After 15mns, the chunks would have absorbed water and increased in size. Now drain the water, squeeze dry the soya chunks.
• Marinate the soya chunks well with the ingredients from the first list and put in the pressure cooker. Let it cook till one whistle is heard. Remove from heat and open the cooker.
• Deep fry the soya chunks in coconut oil . (This can be stored in the fridge for a week. When required, take the chunks and  fry again in coconut oil /butter. Continue the recipe as below)
• In another pan, add the required quantity of coconut oil and butter and fry the coconut dices.  Remove and set aside. Then fry the cashew nuts and keep together with the fried coconut dices.
• After this, saute the sliced onion till golden brown in the same pan.
• Add the fried cashew nuts and coconut dices to the sauteed onions.
• Add pepper, coriander powder and chilly powder and saute till the raw smell of the masala disappears.
• Add curry leaves to this mixture and stir well.
• Now our masala is ready.
• Add the deep-fried soya chunks to the fried masala. Saute well for 5 minutes till the masala is absorbed into the soya chunks. You can add a bit of oil at this stage if you prefer.
• Once crispy, remove from heat and shift to a serving bowl. Garnish with finely chopped coriander leaves.
• This protein-rich curry is super tasty and serves as a great side dish with Chapathi or white rice.