7 December, 2013

Soya Chunk Manchurian / Meal Maker Manchurian

Soya Chunk Manchurian  / Meal Maker Manchurian

Soya Meal is  a good source of protein for those who need a meat replacement. Soya chunks cooked properly absorb many flavors so it can be cooked the way most meat dishes are prepared. This is probably why Vegans often include it in their diets. Soya Chunks come in many sizes. I prefer the smaller sized ones. If you use the larger sized soya chunks, it would be better to chop them up after soaking. I tried many soya chunk recipes without success. We didn’t enjoy them much. But now I have developed a Soya Chunk Manchurian recipe that is really tasty!  Husband loved it. Even my daughter  had a bowlful which I  wasn’t expecting!! Happy Cooking.

Soya Chunk Manchurian / Meal Maker Manchurian

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups  good quality soya chunks  /soya meal/ meal maker      
• ¼ tsp turmeric
• 2 tsp mild chili powder
• 2 tsp cornflour
• 2 tsp ginger, crushed
• 2 tsp garlic, crushed
• 2 Tbsp light soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp Green Chili Sauce  – more if you like
• 2 Tbsp Tomato Ketchup    – more if you like
• ¼ tsp chicken masala powder – optional – i like to use a mild masala powder
• 2 medium onions, chopped into squares
• 2 mild green chillies, chopped
• 1   green pepper or a mixture of red and green capsicum, chopped into squares
• Cilantro/Coriander leaves for garnish
• salt – around 1 tsp
• 2 tsp cornflour mixed in ½ cup water.
• 2-3 Tbsp Vegetable oil + for pan frying( around ¼ cup)

Method:

• Rinse the soya chunks in cool water till the water runs clear.
• Soak in hot water with  for 1 hour.

• Drain and squeeze out excess water gently.

• Marinate the soya chunks with chili powder, turmeric, 1 tsp of the crushed  garlic, 1 tsp of the crushed ginger and  ½ tsp salt for 15 minutes.

• Now you can choose to either deep fry till golden and drain OR pan fry in a little oil till evenly golden.

• Drain and set aside.  Try not to eat all these soya nuggets before you prepare the next part!
• (Pan frying takes up less oil but requires constant stirring till the soya chunks are evenly crisped and golden- this will take 5-10 minutes in a large frying pan)
• Heat 2 Tbsp of  oil in a non stick wok or pan.  Add the ginger, garlic and onion.  Saute briefly.
• Add green chili and capsicum. Saute till softened.

• Add the sauces and chicken masala powder (if using).  Stir to combine. Add salt to taste.

• Add the fried soya chunks and  toss with all the ingredients. Once the soya chunks have absorbed the sauces,  add the cornflour solution. Heat till a thickened gravy is formed.

• Also add water if you need a little more gravy. You can add a little bit more chilli or tomato sauce if needed.

• Garnish with Coriander leaves.
• Serve with Fried rice, Plain rice as well as many other dishes. We liked it with Upma and Chapathi too.

Soya Chunk Manchurian / Meal Maker Manchurian
Try and let us know – Soya Chunk Manchurian / Meal Maker Manchurian.

• This dish is very good reheated as well, so can be made well ahead of time.
• Do not over fry the soya chunks. They should be crispy  but not hard.
• Make sure to squeeze out all the water from the soya chunks before marinating. If water is retained, you will get ‘crisp outside with spongy inside’ effect upon frying.

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