Soya chunks biryani is an easy and flavorful one pot meal maker biryani recipe made in a pressure cooker. Marinating the soya chunks in spiced curd gives a juicy texture and rich flavor. Learn how to make this delicious South Indian style veg biryani with step by step photos!
Soya chunks biryani recipe / Meal maker biryani is an easy and yummy vegetarian biryani recipe. I have already prepared so many biryani recipes with soya chunks when I was doing my Sunday biryani series. But this meal maker biryani recipe is a completely different one. Here we are making this biryani by marinating the soya chunks in curd and masala mixture. So the taste of this biryani was so good.
Actually I tried this biryani after watching an YouTube channel. As the chef mentioned, the taste of this biryani was similar to non veg biryani. The flavor was so good. Friends, If you are a vegetarian like me and want to try a veg biryani in non veg taste, you must give this a try. Hope you will love it.
Lets see how to make soya chunks biryani / meal maker biryani recipe with step by step pictures.
Check out my soya chunks kurma for rice, roti, Soya chunks manchurian and Dindigul thalapakkatti biryani.
Quick Notes for US & Abroad Kitchens
- Soya Chunks Brand: You can find Nutrela soya chunks or mini meal maker chunks in Indian grocery stores like Patel Brothers or online on Amazon.
- Produce & Herbs: In the US, pre-washed mint and coriander bunches from Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods work great. Pluck tender leaves for grinding the green paste.
- Yogurt / Curd: You can use Indian whole milk curd or plain whole milk Greek yogurt (such as Fage or Chobani). Whisk Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon of water before adding the spices and squeezed soya chunks.
- Stove Heat Management: If cooking on an electric coil or glass-top stove, heat can remain high even after lowering the dial. Shift the pressure cooker to a low heat burner to cook on low flame for one whistle so the bottom does not scorch.
- Rice Variety & Water: For standard Sona Masoori rice, use 2 cups of water for 1 cup of rice. If using aged Indian Basmati rice (like Royal or Daawat), soak for 30 minutes and reduce water to 1.5 cups per cup of rice.
Soya Chunks Biryani Recipe – Meal Maker Biryani Recipe
Ingredients
For Biryani (1 cup = 250ml)
- 1 cup Steamed rice or basmati rice (approx. 200g / 7 oz) washed and soaked
- 1 cup Meal maker / Soya chunks (approx. 50g / 1.8 oz) soaked in hot water
- 1 no Big onion sliced thinly
- 1 no Tomato chopped
- ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
- ½ tsp Red chilli powder adjust to taste
- ¼ tsp Biryani masala powder or garam masala powder
- 2 tbsp Mint and coriander leaves finely chopped
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- Salt and water as needed
To Grind and Marinate
- 1 to 2 nos Green chilli as per spice level
- 1 inch Ginger piece
- 5 cloves Garlic
- 2 tbsp Mint leaves fresh
- 2 tbsp Coriander leaves fresh
- Water little to grind
- ¼ cup Curd / plain yogurt (approx. 60 ml / 2 fl oz) for marinade
- Salt a little for marinade
- ½ tsp Red chilli powder
- ¼ tsp Garam masala powder or biryani masala powder
- ¼ tsp Turmeric powder
To Temper
- 2 tbsp Cooking oil (approx. 30 ml / 1 fl oz)
- 1 tbsp Ghee (approx. 15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)
- 1 inch Cinnamon piece
- 2 nos Cloves
- 1 no Cardamom
- 1 no Star anise
- 1 piece Black stone flower / Kalpasi
- 1 no Bay leaf
- ½ tsp Fennel seeds
Instructions
- Wash and soak soya chunks in hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Wash and soak the rice in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes.
- Grind green chilli, ginger, garlic, coriander leaves and mint leaves to smooth paste.
- Take half of this paste and mix with curd, chilli powder, biryani masala powder and little salt. Squeeze soya chunks and add to curd mixture. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker base. Add cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise, bay leaf and black stone flower.
- Add fennel seeds and let them sizzle.
- Saute onion till transparent. Add the remaining green paste and saute till its raw smell goes off. Add tomato and saute till mushy.
- Add the marinated soya chunks and mix well. Add the soaked rice along with water, lemon juice, coriander and mint leaves. Pressure cook in low flame for one whistle. Switch off the flame.
- Open the cooker after the steam is released. Fluff gently and serve hot with onion raita.
Notes
- Adjust the quantity of chilli powder as per your need.
- You can use basmati rice or jeera rice. I used normal Sona masoori rice.
- If you are using basmati rice or jeera rice, wash and soak it for minimum 30 minutes and use 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I remove the raw smell from soya chunks?
Always soak the soya chunks in boiling hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the hot water completely, rinse them twice in cold water and squeeze out all excess moisture before marinating. This removes any raw soy smell completely.
Can I use Basmati rice instead of normal rice for meal maker biryani?
Yes friends! You can easily make this with Basmati rice or Jeera rice. Just wash and soak the rice for 30 minutes, then use 1.5 cups of water for 1 cup of rice so the grains stay separate and fluffy.
Why is my soya chunks biryani mushy?
Biryani can turn mushy if too much water is added or if the cooker is opened immediately. Always measure water accurately, cook on low flame for just one whistle and wait until the steam releases naturally before fluffing gently with a fork.
What side dish goes best with soya chunks biryani?
A simple onion tomato raita, cucumber raita or potato chips pairs wonderfully with this biryani. You can also serve it with a light vegetable salna or kurma.
Try this easy and healthy Soya chunks biryani. Enjoy with onion raita!
