Soya Chunks Kurma

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Try these protein-packed soya chunks kurma a.k.a meal maker curry or kurma for an unforgettable experience with aromatic spices and onion-tomato gravy fused in Soya chunks. With a whole serving of vegetables and protein, it’s as balanced a dish you can make with curry. Serve it with rice, roti, or naan for breakfast or lunch.

A white bowl is filled with soya chunks kurma on the white serving tray

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Why make this recipe
Ingredient notes
Step by step Instructions
Recipe FAQs
Expert tips
Related recipes
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Why make this recipe

Inspired by numerous restaurant versions of soy recipes, I set out to create my own version of the easy-to-make Soya Chunks masala. The secret to creamy curries is after all within your reach and I show you how you can make this your next meal!

I cooked the Soya Chunks in a perfectly simmered Indian sauce that oozes flavor in every bite. Paired with roti or steamed rice, this opens up your curry option playbook to a new dimension.

Made from soya beans, the soya chunks can take the place of any meat that you normally plan for a curry. So if you intend to transform into a vegan lifestyle, this can be a good start.

Soya chunks kurma gives the satisfaction of curry plus adding protein to your diet.

The meal maker curry is 100% vegan and perfects to entertain guests. Try it with a small portion of 4-6 servings before you go mainstream. The variations you can try with this are numerous.

Adding your choice of vegetables, making it spicier with habanero chilies are some of the variations you could try once you perfect the basic dish.

Ingredient notes

Curry ingredients like tomato, onion, coconut milk, spices and other are placed on the flat surface

Soya chunks - This is also known as meal maker. I used Nutrela brand mini soya chunks. Size matters here. Regular size soya chunks take longer to cook than the ‘mini’ version.

Cashews - Soften them by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes.

Mace or javitri- This spice packs a ton of aroma to the curry. It is hard to find sometimes, but the good part is that it is optional.

Step by step Instructions

A bowl is filled with water and soya chunks and its on the heat

First, take 5- 6cups of water and completely immerse 2 cups of soya mini chunks. Add a pinch of salt and cook for 3 - 4 minutes.

Once they are cooked, remove them from the heat and rinse them in cold water and squeeze dry.

A pan placed on the heat and with spices, tomato and onions

Place a pan on medium heat and add 1 tbsp of oil.

Saute coriander seeds, cumin seeds, cinnamon sticks, mace.

Add garlic, ginger and continue to saute.

Add the chopped onions and tomatoes and continue to cook for 3 minutes or until the tomato turns soft.

Add mint leaves and soaked cashews. Take them off the heat and blend the mixture into a smooth paste.

In the same pan add 2 tbsp of oil and fry the soaked soya chunks after all the water is squeezed out. Continue to fry until they turn golden brown

A pan is filled with curry, soy chunks and spices

Now add the blended mixture and continue to cook as the soya chunk absorbs the flavors.

Add salt, coconut milk, red chili powder, and black pepper and give it a little stir. Mix well and continue to cook until it boils.

The meal maker curry is inside the non stick pan and garnished with cilantro

Switch off the heat and garnish with Cilantro

Soya Chunks Kurma is ready! Serve as gravy with Sweet Potato Paratha or Spinach Roti

Recipe FAQs

How long do soya chunks last?

Stored in a cool, dark, and dry place, soya chunks can stay good for 10-12 months. Sealing them in an airtight container keeps the flavors intact.

What are the benefits of soya chunks?

Apart from the protein, Soya chunks are also rich in calcium and iron while providing no extra sugar or sodium to the body.

Are soya chunks healthy?

Soya chunks are known for their various health benefits: It is known for high protein content that exceeds eggs, meat, milk.

Do Soya chunks taste like meat?

Soya made from soybeans has a similar molecular structure as that of meats. For that reason, they are also called 'vegetarians' meat'. I have never tasted real meat, but a few of my friends mentioned that they do not taste like meat, but the texture is similar.

How long does the soya chunks kurma stay good?

If you store it in an airtight container this curry will stay good for up to a week in the refrigerator.

Expert tips

Instead of coconut milk, you can add your choice of plant-based milk. Look for creamier milk options like Oat milk.
Choice of vegetables is wide open for this curry. Options like Peas, beans, and carrots can also make your curry extra chunky.
Adding Cilantro or coriander leaves is optional.
Instead of coconut milk, you could also add ¼ cup of grated coconuts. Blend them along with the tomato-onion mixture.

A bowl of meal maker curry is on the white serving tray

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UPDATE NOTE: This recipe was originally published on May 24, 2017. It was updated in December 21, 2020 with new photos and text.