Soya Chunks Fried Rice

I just love one pot meals as they are fuss free and requires minimal time for cooking. They just serve the best meals for those lazy lunches and dinners when you really want to take a day off from your kitchen. Yesterday was somewhat similar when I didn't want to enter my kitchen . 

We were out of town for a day to attend our friend's reception. I was very much tired and didn't want to make a 3 course meal for our lunch. As I was gazing through my pantry, a pack of Soya chunks caught my attention and suddenly this recipe struck into my mind. I call it 'Soya Chunks Fried Rice'.

This recipe is very close to my heart as this is my Mom's recipe. She would pack this fried rice in my lunchbox when I was a kid. With no surprise she would know that I will finish all my lunch with no leftovers at all; other days I used to make excuses. This one was my one of the favorites since my childhood. I know every Mom is familiar of those excuses from their kiddos.

As we all know Soyabean chunks has lots of nutritional values and they are well known as a meat substitute. Its extremely rich in protein. So, here's a recipe which is not only nutritious but also easy to make. You can add veggies of your choice (bell peppers, french beans, corns, carrots etc). But I like it this way.

So, let's start with the recipe:

Ingredients:

1. Basmati Rice: 1 1/2 cup

2. Soya chunks: 1 cup

3. Onions (finely sliced): 1/2 cup

4. Garlic (finely chopped): 8-9 cloves

5. Ginger (finely chopped):1 inch

6. Black Cardamoms: 2-3

7. Green Cardamoms: 4-5

8. Black Peppercorns: 5-6

9. Shah Jeera (Black Cumin): 1 tbsp

10. Bay Leaf: 2

11. Cloves: 4-5

12. Cinnamon: 1 (1 inch stick)

13. Turmeric Powder: 1/4 tsp

14. Red chilli Powder: 1/4 tsp

15. Ghee (clarified butter): 2 tbsp

16. Salt to taste

17. Oil as required

Method:

1. Wash and soak the basmati rice in water for 10-15 mins. Drain out the water and spread the rice on a clean plate.

2. Take warm water in a small bowl and soak the soya chunks with little bit of salt. Keep it aside. 

3. Heat oil and ghee in a heavy bottomed pan on medium heat and add Black Cardamoms, Green Cardamoms, Black Peppercorns, Shah Jeera, Bay Leaf, Cloves and Cinnamon. Let the spices release their flavors into the oil. Take care not to burn them.

4. Now add the chopped onions and fry them until they get a golden hue. Add chopped ginger and garlic and fry them for a minute or so.

5. Add turmeric powder, red chilli powder and salt. 

6. Add the soaked rice and stir it gently ensuring it doesn't break. Fry the rice for 1-2 mins. Now its time to add the soya chunks. Release the excess water by pressing them within your palms. 

7. Add required amount of water to the rice. Bring it to boil. Cover and cook till the rice is almost done.

8. Open the lid and check whether the rice is done or not. Check the seasoning and adjust it as per your taste.

9. Serve with the curry of your choice or enjoy it as it is.

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