Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Boil Soya Chunks

   Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the soya chunks to the boiling water and stir for 1 minute. Do not cook longer, just let them soak briefly.

2. 2.Drain and Squeeze Soya

   Immediately drain the soya chunks from the hot water using a colander. Once slightly cooled, squeeze out all the excess water from the soya chunks using your hands.

3. 3.Mix Soya with Eggs and Spices

   Transfer the squeezed soya chunks to a clean bowl. Crack 2 eggs directly over the soya. Add 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste, and 2 tablespoons of gram flour. Mix all ingredients thoroughly with a spoon until the soya chunks are well coated and the egg is evenly distributed.

4. 4.Steam the Soya Mixture

   Set up a steamer. Place the mixed soya in a small pan or a steaming plate. Steam for 3 minutes after the water in the steamer starts boiling. This step helps cook the egg and bind the spices to the soya.

5. 5.Prepare Masala Paste

   While the soya is steaming, prepare the masala. In a mixer jar, add 1 chopped large onion, 1 small piece of cinnamon stick, 2 cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Grind these ingredients to a coarse paste without adding any water.

6. 6.Sauté Ginger-Garlic and Masala

   Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ginger-garlic paste and sauté until its raw smell disappears. Then, add the coarsely ground onion-spice paste and continue to sauté for about 1 minute on medium flame until the raw smell of the onion is gone and it turns slightly brown.

7. 7.Add Dry Spices and Tomato Puree

   To the sautéed masala, add 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon of coriander powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of garam masala. Mix well. Then, add the puree of 2 tomatoes (blended without water). Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the tomato's raw smell is gone, the mixture thickens, and oil starts to separate from the sides of the pan.

8. 8.Combine Soya with Masala

   Once the tomato masala is well cooked and reduced, add the steamed soya chunks to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the soya chunks are completely coated with the masala. Cover the pan and let it cook for 2 minutes on low flame, allowing the soya to absorb the flavors.

9. 9.Garnish and Serve

   After 2 minutes, open the lid. Add a handful of fresh mint leaves and coriander leaves, chopped. Mix gently. The Soya and Egg Fry is now ready to serve. It can be enjoyed as is, with chapati, or mixed with rice.

10. 10.Serving Suggestion with Rice

    For a complete meal, you can mix the prepared Soya and Egg Fry directly with plain cooked rice. This creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that children especially enjoy.