Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Soak Soya Chunks

   Take 2 cups of soya chunks in a bowl. Add hot water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes until they become soft. Once soaked, allow them to cool slightly, then squeeze out all the excess water completely and set aside.

2. 2.Prepare Ground Masala

   Heat a pan and add 1 teaspoon peppercorns, 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon fennel seeds, a small piece of cinnamon, 4 cloves, 2 cardamom pods, and a small piece of star anise. Roast everything on medium flame for 1-2 minutes until the spices release a beautiful aroma. Add 4 dried red chillies and roast them along with the spices until fragrant. Turn off the flame, transfer the roasted spices to a plate, and let them cool completely. Once cooled, transfer the spices into a mixer jar and grind them to a nice, fine powder. Set aside.

3. 3.Sauté Onions and Ginger-Garlic Paste

   Heat a kadai (wok) and add 2 tablespoons of oil. Once the oil is hot, add 2 finely chopped medium-sized onions and sauté well until they become soft and slightly golden, about 3-5 minutes. Next, add 1 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell goes.

4. 4.Add Tomatoes and Green Chillies

   Now add 1 finely chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and blends well with the onion mixture, about 3-4 minutes. For spice, add 2 finely chopped green chillies and mix well.

5. 5.Add Dry Spices and Water

   Next, add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chilli powder, and 1 teaspoon coriander powder. Mix everything well and allow the spices to combine nicely with the onion and tomato mixture for about 1-2 minutes. Now add around 1 cup of water and let this masala cook for a few minutes until it starts boiling and the flavors come together.

6. 6.Combine with Soya Chunks and Ground Masala

   Once the masala starts boiling, add the squeezed soya chunks and mix well, ensuring the masala coats every piece of the soya nicely. Now comes the most important step: add the freshly ground masala powder. Mix everything well and keep the flame on low. Add a few fresh curry leaves for extra flavor and mix again.

7. 7.Cook and Finish

   Cover the kadai and cook for about 5 minutes on low flame so that the soya chunks absorb all the delicious masala flavors. After 5 minutes, open the lid. You will see that the soya chunks have absorbed all the spices. Add a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves and mix well. Continue cooking uncovered until all the extra moisture evaporates and the soya chunks become dry and perfectly fried, about 3-5 minutes.

8. 8.Serve Soya Fry

   The delicious soya fry is ready. You can serve it hot as a starter or as a side dish. Enjoy it with rice, pulao, chapati, or even dosa.