Soya Chunks Biryani, or Meal Maker Biryani, is a high-protein, vegetarian twist on the traditional biryani. With its meaty texture, aromatic whole spices, and the creamy richness of coconut milk, this dish is a perfect alternative to meat-based biryani. Soya nuggets (also known as soy meat or soy protein) make this pot meal both nutritious and satisfying. Whether cooked in an Instant Pot, pressure cooker, or deep pan, it’s a flavorful choice for any special occasion or a wholesome weekday dinner.
Ingredients
For Marination
- Soya nuggets (soaked in warm water)
- Coconut milk (or plain yogurt)
- Dried mint leaves
- Garam masala powder
- Curry powder
- Ginger garlic paste
- Salt
For Biryani
- Oil
- Whole spices( Cumin seeds,Bay leaves,Black cardamom,Green cardamom,Cloves,Black peppercorns)
- Onions (finely sliced)
- Ginger,garlic and chillies
- Fresh mint leaves (chopped)
- Fresh coriander leaves (chopped)
- Saffron strands soaked in warm coconut milk or milk
- Basmati rice (soaked in water)
- Salt
refer to recipe card for details.
Step-by-Step Recipe with Pictures
Step 1 & 2 (Soaking Soya Chunks)
Soak the soya nuggets in hot water to soften, then drain and squeeze excess water to remove the raw smell.
Step 3 & 4 (Marination)
Mix coconut milk, dried mint, garam masala, curry powder, and ginger garlic paste and salt, then coat the soya chunks and let them marinate.Keep this in the fridge for few hours.
Step 5 & 6 (Tempering Spices & Cooking Soya)
Heat oil, add cumin seeds, cardamom, bay leaves, cloves, and peppercorns, then sauté until aromatic. Add onions with ginger,garlic and chillies, cook for 5 minutes.Add marinated soya chunks and cook until coated.
Step 7 & 8 (Cooking Rice & Layering)
Meanwhile. boil water in a bot, Add basmati rice in salted water until 70% cooked(around 7-8 minutes) , then layer it over the cooked soya chunks in the pot.
Step 9 & 10 (Saffron Milk & Final Layer)
Drizzle saffron-infused coconut milk over the rice and top with fried onions before sealing the pot for slow cooking.
Cook on slow cook mode for 15 minutes. If using a pan,cover and cook for 15 minutes on lowest flame.
Serve warm
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Soya chunks biryani recipe
Ingredients
For Marination
- 2 cups soya nuggets soaked in warm water
- ¾ cup coconut milk or plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon dried mint
- ½ tablespoon garam masala powder
- ½ tablespoon curry powder
- 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
- ½ tablespoon salt
For Biryani
- 3 tablespoon oil
- 2 cups basmati rice soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1 tablespoon ginger paste
- 1 tablespoon garlic paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 black cardamom pods
- 2 green cardamom pods
- 2 cloves
- 4 black peppercorns
- 2 large onions finely sliced
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves chopped
- ½ cup fresh coriander leaves chopped
- 7-8 saffron strands soaked in warm coconut milk/dairy milk
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Soak and Marinate Soya Chunks
- Soak soya nuggets in hot water for 15 minutes, drain, and squeeze excess water.
- Mix coconut milk/yogurt with spices and marinate soya chunks for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Cook Masala Base and soya
- Heat oil in a heavy-bottom pot or Instant Pot. Add cumin, bay leaves, cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns.
- Sauté onions with salt until golden brown.Add ginger,garlic paste and chillies
- Add marinated soya chunks and cook for 10 minutes. Add chopped mint and coriander leaves.
Cook Rice Separately
- Boil 5–6 cups of water with salt. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain.
Layer and Cook
- Layer rice over soya mixture, drizzle saffron milk, and top with fried onions.
- Cover and cook on low flame for 15–20 minutes or use Slow Cook mode in Instant Pot.
- Let it rest covered for 10 minutes. Gently mix before serving with onion raita and lemon wedges.
Variations
- Mushroom Soya Biryani: Add sliced mushrooms for extra texture.
- Green Peas Soya Biryani: Add green peas for color and sweetness.
- Veg Dum Biryani: Add assorted vegetables for a complete veg biryani experience.
- Gongura soya biryani: Spicy tangy twist with sorrel greens / gongura.
Substitutions
- Saffron → Replace with turmeric milk for a budget-friendly option.
- Coconut milk → Use milk with a splash of cream for richness.
- Soya nuggets → Swap with soya granules or mini soya chunks for a different bite.
FAQ
A. Soak in hot water, drain, rinse in cold water, and squeeze out excess moisture.
A. Yes, cook the masala and rice as instructed, then layer and cook on low pressure for a few minutes.
A. Yes, soya chunks are rich in protein content and may help manage cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
Conclusion: This Soya Chunks Biryani Recipe combines the richness of traditional biryani with the nutrition of soy protein. With its meaty texture, fragrant long-grain basmati rice, and aromatic whole spices, it’s the best alternative to meat-based biryanis. Serve it with onion raita and a squeeze of lemon juice for a complete meal.
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