Step into a world where the ordinary becomes extraordinary with our homestyle Soya Bean Nuggets and Matar (Green Peas) recipe. This dish is not only a delightful embrace of rich flavors but also a nod to healthier eating practices. Opt for shallow frying the soya nuggets in a splash of oil for a lighter touch, or give them a golden, crispy makeover by deep frying. Paired perfectly with fluffy rice, roti, or parathas, this recipe promises a culinary journey that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Soya beans and green peas are more than just humble ingredients; they’re the secret superheroes of the vegetarian world, stealthily packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. My mum always boasted that her Soya Bean Matar could give any Goan sausage curry a run for its money—all without straying from our strict vegetarian vows! Integrating these green marvels into your diet can boost heart health, help manage your waistline, and elevate your overall vitality. So let’s whip up not just a meal but a healthier lifestyle with this simple yet scrumptiously serious recipe.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soya bean nuggets | 1 cup | Soaked and fried to preference |
| Matar (Green peas) | 1 cup | Fresh or frozen |
| Hing (Asafoetida) | ¼ tsp | For tempering |
| Whole red chilies | 2-3 | For tempering |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp | For tempering |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Ginger | 1-inch piece | Grated or grounded |
| Garlic | 4-5 cloves | Minced or grounded |
| Green chilies | 5-6 | Slit or diced |
| Tomatoes | 3-4 medium | Pureed and/or diced |
| Curd (Yogurt) | ¼ cup | For creamy texture |
| Red chili powder | To taste | Seasoning |
| Turmeric powder | ½ tsp | Seasoning |
| Cumin powder | ½ tsp | Seasoning |
| Coriander powder | 1 tsp | Seasoning |
| Garam masala | ½ tsp | Seasoning for garnish |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/2 cup | Chopped for garnish |
| Water | 1-2 cups | Adjust for gravy consistency |
| Oil | 2 tbsp | For cooking masala |
| Oil | As needed | For frying the soy nuggets |
Recipe Instructions
- Prepare the Nuggets: Start by soaking the soya bean nuggets in hot water until they are soft. Squeeze out excess water and choose to either shallow fry them until crisp or deep fry for a more indulgent texture.
- Spice Tempering: In a pan, heat oil and add cumin seeds, hing, and whole red chilies. Sauté until they start to splutter, make sure the chilies don’t burn.
- Base Prep: Add onions, and fry until the onions turn golden brown. Add ginger, garlic, and green chilies to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
- Tomato Magic: Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cook until oil separates. Blend in the curd, ensuring it doesn’t curdle.
- Seasoning: Sprinkle in the red chili powder, turmeric, cumin, and coriander powders. Cook until the spices are well incorporated.
- Bringing it Together: Add the prepared soya nuggets and green peas. Pour in water for desired gravy thickness, and simmer until the peas are tender.
- Final Touch: Garnish with garam masala and fresh cilantro before serving.
For health-conscious individuals who prefer not to deep or shallow fry their food, baking and air frying are excellent alternatives to prepare soya bean nuggets. Here’s how you can adapt the cooking methods:
Baking Soybean Nuggets
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Nuggets: After soaking and squeezing out the excess water from the soybean nuggets, toss them in a light coating of oil and your choice of seasoning (from the recipe, like turmeric, red chili powder, and coriander powder). This will help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake: Arrange the nuggets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden and crispy on the outside.
Air Frying Soybean Nuggets
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (about 180°C).
- Prepare the Nuggets: As with baking, coat the soaked and drained soybean nuggets lightly in oil and the same seasonings suggested above.
- Air Fry: Place the nuggets in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the nuggets are crispy and golden.
Both of these methods provide a healthier alternative to frying while still achieving a pleasing texture and flavor. They’re also quicker and less messy, making them suitable for a simpler and cleaner cooking process. Enjoy your soya bean nuggets with the delicious matar (green peas) gravy as detailed in the recipe, and serve with your choice of rice, roti, or parathas for a complete meal!
Dive into a bowl of happiness!
Serve hot with steamed basmati rice, whole wheat parathas, or chapatis. Enjoy a meal that brings comfort and joy, effortlessly blending ancient wisdom with a pinch of humor – “A pea-sized nugget of joy in every bite!”
Cooking should be a dance of flavors, not a daunting task! Embrace the romance of spices and the poetry of simmering pots with our Soya Bean Nuggets and Matar recipe. It’s not just food; it’s a story of health, flavor, and love simmered slowly in a pot of joyous possibilities.
