Meal Maker Biriyani / Soya Chunk Biriyani

Cooking time : 30 mins
Serves           : 2

Soya is very good for health since it is rich in protein and is the best substitute for Non-Veg. Veg lovers can try this yummy Biriyani. My mom used to add soya chunks even in Vegetable Biriyani. Since it tastes very much like meat, even my hubby started eating soya recipes. Here is a simple recipe to make Meal Maker Biriyani. I use this method to make all kind of Veg Biriyanis. Addition of Peas serves as a good combo with soya.

INGREDIENTS:
Soya Chunks                                                          - 10 nos
Basmathi Rice/ Seeraga Samba Rice                       - 1 1/2 cups
Green Peas                                                             - 1/2 cup
Onion (medium sized, chopped lengthwise)              -  2
Tomato                                                                   -  1 (Big Size)                                
Ghee                                                                       -  3 tbsp
Oil                                                                           -  3 tbsp
Cloves                                                                     -  2
Aniseed                                                                    -  2
Cinnamon                                                                 -  1 "
Bay leaves                                                                - 2
Fennel seeds                                                             - 1/4 tsp
Cardamom                                                                -  2
Curd                                                                         -  2 tbsp
Lemon                                                                      -  1 tsp
Mint leaves                                                               - 1 strand
Coriander leaves                                                        - To Garnish
Salt                                                                            - To Taste

To Grind:
Cashew nuts                                                     - 10
Fennel seeds                                                     - 1/2 tsp
Green chillies                                                     - 6
Poppy seeds                                                     - 1/2 tsp
cloves                                                               - 2
Onion                                                               - 1/2 piece
Ginger                                                              - 1 "
Garlic                                                               -  6
Coriander leaves + mint leaves                          -  1/4 cup (Optional)

                 

METHOD:

1. Initial Preparation : Soak Rice in hot water for 10 mins and drain the water completely. Dont soak more than that. Grind all the items mentioned in "Items to grind" section. Soak the soya in water and allow the water to boil for 10 mins in medium flame and remove from the flame. Take the soya from water after 10 mins. Drain the water and squeeze all water from soya and cut each soya into 4 pieces. 
2. In a pressure cooker, heat oil and ghee. Add Mint leaves, Bay leaves, Fennel seeds, Cinnamon, Star anise, Cloves, Cardamom and when the aroma comes, add Onion. Fry Onion till it becomes golden brown. Add Tomatoes and fry well till the oil and tomato seperates. Dont add water.
3. Add Soya Chunks,Peas and cook for 3 mins. Dont add water. Add Curd
4. Add the ground masala and stir well. At this stage, add rice and stir well.
5. Add 2 cups of water (Rice and water Ratio is 1:1 1/4). If required, u can add another 1/4 cup of water. Add salt, Lemon, coriander leaves and let it boil for 2 mins. Adding lemon prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
6. Pressure cook in medium flame for 2 whistles and leave it in low flame for 10 mins. Remove from the flame and allow it to cool.
7. Serve hot with Raitha.

Tips:

• Dont add much water else the rice will become sticky.
• Use freshly ground ginger garlic paste.
• Use mint leaves and coriander leaves to get nice aroma.
• Soya Chunks absorbs Oil much. So you need to add more oil than you add for other Biriyanis.