Soya Chunks Biryani - Rich in protein

Ingredients

1 cup rice (basmati works great here)
1 cup Soya granules (or use chunks)
1 tsp  cumin
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cumin coriander powder
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 cup peas, frozen
1 onion, chopped finely
2-3 tomatoes,chopped finely
1 inch grated ginger
2-3 cloves of garlic
2-3 green chillies, sliced thinly (or as per taste)
1 bay leaf (optional)
1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts (optional)
salt and butter/ghee to taste
few sprigs of coriander and mint  to garnish


Method:


In a skillet in 1 tsp of oil, add fennel, bay leaf, onions etc and saute until aromatic. Then add the tomatoes, garlic, ginger, spices along with chillies and saute it with some salt for few more minutes.


Add the Soy granules. There are two ways of going about this. Usually the packet suggests to soak the granules/chunks in some warm water and then add it to the recipe. I sometimes in a fit of laziness, add it directly to the recipe but increase the quantity of water in the recipe and it works equally well. But you can soak it in water and then add to the recipe. Whatever works for you.


Then add the rice and saute for 1-2 minutes.Add 2-1/2 cups of water (or vegetable stock) along with salt. Close it with a lid and cook for 6-10 minutes.


When almost done, add the frozen peas to the rice and give it a gentle stir. Cook for a minute.Garnish with the herbs. if you have finicky kids, then add in little ghee or butter right at the end for additional taste.


Serve it warm garnished with toasted peanuts.  I serve this with Raita or sometimes with spicy side dish.