Soyanuggets & kaju masala

A soya chunks masala  tastes more or less like a mutton curry.It has got that chewy texture and is excellent substitute for meat. Great ingredient to play with specially for vegetarians. My mom used to make this soya chunks masala curry... . I love to have this recipe with parathas & rice. If the curry rests for an hour or more, the taste will even better with all the flavors settling in. Good amount of onion and oil is used for this recipe to get good results.  ...so friends.....Here goes the recipe... 

Ingredients:


Soya chunks - 100 grams
Large Onion sliced 2 nos
Ginger / garlic paste - 2 tbsp
Red Chilly powder - 1 tbsp
Tomato - 2 nos (blend the tomatoes & make a puree)
Coriander leaves chopped
Garam masala powder - 1 tbsp
Broken Kaju/ cashews- 1tblsp
Oil
Salt for taste


Method:
Boil the soya chunks in hot water for 1 min, Drain water. Squeeze all the soya chunks .Heat 1-2 tblsp Oil in a pan.Put the soya chunks to hot oil & stir continuously for 1-2 min till it turns to brownish colour. Keep the soya chunks aside.
 Heat oil in a Pan, add onions and fry till golden brown. Add ginger/garlic paste and saute for 2 min. Add chilly powder & tomatoe Puree and saute for 2-3 min till oil separates from masala. Add garam masala powder and stir it.
 Now add soya chunks, broken cashews , salt and Mix well. Stir for another 5-7 min. cook till its done. Turn off the flame. Garnish with coriander leaves . Serve with roti, chappati or rice .


Note: Soya is considered to be one of the holy crops along with wheat, barley, millet and rice. However, an excessive intake of soya can actually lead to health issues too. Excessive intake can redce the body's ability to take in minerals. In women, soya contributes to the development of hormones associated with cancers of the prostate and breast. In men, it reduces fertility and in children it affects mental development. Go easy on the soya intake. A moderate consumption is just about right.


Avoid Soya if you have


Thyroid disorders
Dampness in the form of excess mucus, yeast sensitivity, tumours and cysts
Digestive problems like loose stool, irritable or bloated bowel.

Tiny Soya Chunks with cabbage & Channa dal gravy:

Soya chunks  a synonym for veg. Meat. , have long been a favourite of mine. The very fact the boiled nuggets turn spongy, all ready to absorb any flavours you dunk them in, make them a delight to cook with. These nuggets are made like our Indian vadis, using soy flour - dried out in the sun and used as per need. The dried nuggets have to be either soaked in salted boiling water for a few minutes or boiled in salted water for 3-4 minutes, until they have ballooned out and become soft, before use.....

After coming to US  when I saw these soya chunks in the store,I took a pack of it and wanted to try at home. I chose the small nuggets and I made a diff. Recipe with channa dal & cabbage which my mom used to make when i waz a kid ....

The result was so so yummy and flavourful curry. .. so friends wid out much ado lets starts the recipe....

Ingredients...

1 cup boiled channa dal

1 cup of soya chunks

1 cup grated cabbage

2 medium size onions

1 medium size tomato

Ginger / garlic paste - 2 tbsp

Red Chilly powder - 1 tbsp

Coriander leaves chopped

Garam masala powder - 1 tbsp

1 bay leaf

Oil

Salt for taste

Soak soya chunks in hot water for 15-20 min. Drain the water and wash it in tap water once. (squeeze it if there is so much of water)

Heat 1-2 tblsp Oil in a pan. Put the soya chunks to hot oil , add salt & stir continuously for 1-2 min till it turns to brownish colour. Keep the soya chunks aside.

In a another pan heat 1tsp oil & fry the  cabbages till it becomes soft. Add litl bit salt & mix well. Switch off the flame & keep aside.

Now again heat oil in apan. Add bay leaf & Cumin seeds. when they starts crackling add onions. Sauté for 1 min till it turns to golden brown in colour.

Add ginger garlic paste, haldi, red chilly powder, garam masala & sauté. Add  tomatoes. Stir for 3-5 min till oil separates from masala.

Then add the boiled channa dal , soya chunks , kasi huyi cabbage & salt . Mix well. Add 1 cup of water. Mix properly.

Boil the curry for 5-7 mins on low flame till all the water evapourates from the gravy & gravy becomes thick.

Remove from gas & garnish with chopped coriander leaves. Serve hot with rice or roti.