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Soya rice is a hearty and healthy one-pot meal that combines the goodness of soya chunks, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic spices for a balanced, protein-packed dish.
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Start by soaking 1 cup of soya chunks in warm water for about 15-20 minutes.
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Once they're softened, drain the water and set them aside.
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In the meantime, wash 1 cup of rice thoroughly and set that aside too.
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Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons of ghee in a large pan or pressure cooker over medium heat.
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The combination of oil and ghee gives this dish richness and flavor.
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Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds, 1 broken dry red chili, 1 bay leaf, 2 cloves, and a 1-inch stick of cinnamon.
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Let the whole spices sizzle for a few seconds, releasing their beautiful aromas.
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Now, add 2 thinly sliced onions to the pan and saut them until they turn soft and golden brown.
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The caramelized onions will add a deep sweetness to balance the spices.
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Add 1-inch piece of ginger, 6-7 cloves of garlic, and 1-2 green chilies (adjust according to your heat preference).
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Saut for a minute until the raw smell disappears and the spices become fragrant.
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Next, add the chopped vegetables—1-2 chopped carrots, a handful of chopped French beans, ¼ cup of corn, and ¼ cup of peas.
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These colorful veggies not only make the dish visually appealing but also add crunch and texture.
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Mix well, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly but retain some crunch.
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Now, add the soaked and drained soya chunks to the pan.
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Stir everything together so that the soya chunks blend well with the vegetables and spices.
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Add 1-2 teaspoons of red chili powder, 1 teaspoon of coriander powder, and ¼ teaspoon of garam masala.
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Mix well to ensure the soya chunks and veggies are coated with the spices.
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Add the rice to the pan and mix it gently with the vegetable and spice mixture.
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Add 2-3 tablespoons of curd to the rice, which will give it a creamy texture and slight tanginess.
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Season with 11/2 to 2 teaspoons of salt, according to taste.
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Once everything is well mixed, pour in 2 cups of water, or adjust according to your rice type.
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Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Cover the pan and reduce the heat, letting the rice cook for about 15-20 minutes until it's cooked through and the water is absorbed.
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If you're using a pressure cooker, cook it for 1-2 whistles on low heat.
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Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
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Your recipe of soya rice is now ready!