Why Pressure Cooker Soya Chunks Veg Pulao?
The pressure cooker is one of my most handy tools in our kitchen (apart from my newfound love Air -Fryers). Making pulao has become an easy breeze cutting the cooking time in half, and resulting in an even more flavorful recipe as the cooker locks in all the flavors while cooking. I love this dish as it’s packed with flavors and nutrients from all the colorful vegetables, rice, and protein from soya chunks. Also, this recipe is very close to my heart as I used to look forward to days when mom would pack this deliciousness for school lunch and I’d get to share it with my friends too. So, this is one recipe that brings back fond childhood memories, and even today when I make this pulao, it brings a smile and literally, transports me to mom’s kitchen.
What are Soya Chunks?
Incase, you are new to ‘soya chunk’ they are textured vegetable + vegan protein made after extracting soybean oil. It’s also known as ‘nutri nugget’ or ‘soya wadi’, ‘nutrela’ in India. It’s extremely rich in proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids, a great source of roughage, and the perfect substitute for meat/texture.
Pressure Cooker Soya Chunks Veg Pulao Ingredients:
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s gather our ingredients (also given below in the picture):
Soya Chunks / Nutri Nuggets Rice – can use any variety of choice. Mixed Vegetables – use as per choice Ginger + Garlic Paste Powdered Spices – like turmeric, salt, red chili powder, coriander powder and garam masala Whole Spices – zeera (cumin seeds), tej patta (bay leaf), laung (cloves) Oil – light/neutral oil can be used Water
The ingredients are really simple and easily available in grocery stores near you.
How to Make Soya Chunks Pulao:
The process is really simple and few very important steps are needed for prep work resulting in a flavorful, evenly cooked pulao.
Prep Work:
Soaking the rice in water – results in longer grains, enhances the taste of rice, and removes extra starch from it. Once soaked for 20-30 minutes, remove the water and keep the rice aside. Soaking the dried soya chunks in water – this lets them fluff up double the size. After soaking for 15-20 minutes, squeeze the extra water and keep the soya chunks aside. Sauteing the soaked nutri nuggets in oil Wash, peel, and chop the vegetables into bite-size
Making the Nutrela Pulao: Once the prep work is done, we start making our pulao. We heat oil in a large pressure cooker. Add whole spices and saute. Then we add the chopped vegetables and saute. Now, add the powdered spices and saute everything. After sauteing vegetables for 2-3 minutes, add the rice and saute for another 2-3 minutes on medium flame. Now, add the sauteed soaked soya chunks/nutri nuggets and saute for another 2 minutes. Add, water, stir everything to mix evenly, and close the pressure cooker lid. Increase the heat to high and pressure cook for 2-3 whistles and turn off the heat. Let the pressure release naturally (or you can release using a spoon if too hungry 😉 and then open the lid. Wait for a few minutes and let the rice cool a little and then “Fluff the pulao using a Fork” This results in separated and even-looking rice grains and mixes the veggies well. Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle chopped cilantro+mint on top. Serve hot with a choice of sides.
Serving Suggestions:
I love to eat this pulao as is without any sides but on occasions, when I’m feeling extra fancy, I like to pair them with: Papodams Yogurt Dip / Raita Mixed Salad Pickles Chutney – you can serve cilantro or sweet mango chutney’s Any quick sauteed vegetable Lassi or Chaas Tea or Coffee
This is an extremely easy recipe and ever since I’ve started cooking, it’s in my weekly menu. I love the fact it transforms everyday regular ingredients into a delicious dish that caters to everyone’s taste. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal and is totally customizable with regard to spices and vegetables.
Definitely, give this Soya Chunks Pulao a try soon, and do tag me or let me know about your experience here or on social media below 🙂 Tried Our Recipe – AWESOME!!! Now Quickly SNAP A PICTURE & TAG : #easycookingwithmolly + @easycookingwithmolly on Instagram –> Connect with Me Here too : Facebook / Pinterest
