These days I just love experimenting with Pulao, whether veg or non-veg, specially because it serves the purpose of a one dish meal. 😉 Today’s recipe is all about one such vegetarian Pulao, with soya nuggets added in, and can be called as Soya Nugget Pulao. Soya Nuggets are very good for health mainly because of their high protein content. If cooked rich in spices, soya nuggets taste great and can give the non-vegeterain dishes run for their money. I also made this dish a bit on the spicier side  which gave it the extra kick.

Ingredients to serve 2-3 :

1. Basmati Rice – 1 cup
2. Soya nuggets – 1 cup
3. Onion (finely chopped) – 3 (medium)
4. Tomato (finely chopped) – 2 (large)
5. Ginger paste – 1 teaspoon
6. Garlic paste – 1 teaspoon
7. Green chilli (chopped) – 2-3
8. Fresh coriander leaves (chopped) – 2-3 tbspoon
9. Whole garam masala (Cinnamon – 1″ stick, Green cardamom – 3, Cloves – 3)
10. Caraway seed – ½ teaspoon
11. Cumin seed – ½ teaspoon
12. Turmeric powder – ¼ teaspoon
13. Red chilli powder – 1 teaspoon
14. Coriander powder – 1 tbspoon
15. Garam masala powder – ½ teaspoon
16. Salt to taste
17. Oil/Ghee – 3 tbspoon (I used oil)

Procedure :

Rinse the rice 2-3 times with water and then let it soak in water for minimum 10 minutes. Drain the water and spread it over a plate to become dry.

Soak the soya nuggets into hot water for 15-20 minutes. Then squeeze the water out of the nuggets and roughly chop them into small parts either in food processor or by a knife.

Heat oil/ghee in a deep non-stick pan over medium heat. Add whole garam masala, caraway seeds and cumin seeds.

As cumin seeds stars spluttering add chopped onion and fry till they get translucent.

Then add ginger & garlic paste and saute for a minute.

Add chopped tomato and green chillies and cook till it turns mushy.

Now add salt, turmeric powder, red chilli powder and coriander powder and mix well.

As the raw flavour of dry spices disappear add the soya granules and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Then add the rice fry for another 2 minutes.

Pour 2 cups of hot water, garam masala powder and chopped coriander leaves, give them a good stir.

Let the water boil for 4-5 minutes and then cover the pan with a lid and put the gas on low.

Put the gas off as the rice gets cooked and no water remains at the bottom.

Serve hot.

Note :

1. If you are using small soya granules then there is no need to chop them.
2. Adjust chilli according to your taste.