Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1.Soak Soya Chunks

   Add 2 cups of soya chunks to a bowl. Pour hot water over them and let them soak for 10-15 minutes until they become soft.

2. 2.Squeeze Soya Chunks

   Once the soya chunks are soaked and slightly cooled, squeeze out all the excess water completely and set them aside.

3. 3.Roast Spices for Masala

   Heat a pan and add 1 tsp peppercorns, 1 tsp coriander seeds, 1 tsp cumin seeds, 1 tsp fennel seeds, a small piece of cinnamon, 4 cloves, 2 cardamom pods, and a small piece of star anise. Roast on medium flame for about 1-2 minutes until they release a beautiful aroma.

4. 4.Add Red Chillies

   Add 4 dried red chillies to the pan and roast them along with the other spices for another minute.

5. 5.Cool and Grind Spices

   Transfer the roasted spices to a plate and allow them to cool completely. Once cool, transfer them to a mixer jar and grind to a fine powder. Set aside.

6. 6.Sauté Onions

   Heat 2 tbsp oil in a kadai. Once the oil is hot, add 2 finely chopped medium-sized onions and sauté well until they become soft and slightly golden.

7. 7.Add Ginger Garlic Paste

   Add 1 tsp ginger garlic paste and sauté for another minute until the raw smell goes.

8. 8.Add Tomatoes

   Now add 1 finely chopped tomato and cook until it becomes soft and blends well with the onion mixture.

9. 9.Add Green Chillies

   For spice, add 2 finely chopped green chillies and mix well.

10. 10.Add Dry Spice Powders

    Next, add 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp Kashmiri red chilli powder, and 1 tsp coriander powder. Mix everything well and allow the spices to combine nicely with the onion and tomato mixture.

11. 11.Cook Masala with Water

    Now add around 2 tbsp of water and let this masala cook for a few minutes until it starts boiling and the flavors come together.

12. 12.Add Soya Chunks

    Once the masala starts boiling, add the squeezed soya chunks and mix well. Make sure the masala coats every piece of soya nicely.

13. 13.Add Ground Masala

    Now comes the most important step: add the freshly ground homemade masala powder. This gives the dish a wonderful aroma, deep flavor, and an amazing color. Mix everything well.

14. 14.Add Curry Leaves

    Keep the flame on low and add a few fresh curry leaves for extra flavor, then mix again.

15. 15.Cover and Cook

    Cover the kadai and cook for about 5 minutes, so that the soya chunks absorb all the delicious masala flavors.

16. 16.Finish Frying

    After 5 minutes, open the lid. Continue cooking until all the extra moisture evaporates and the soya chunks become dry and perfectly fried.

17. 17.Garnish and Serve

    Add a handful of freshly chopped coriander leaves and mix well. Your delicious soya fry is ready to be served hot as a starter or a side dish.