Soya Biryani/ Veg Biryani

Ingredients 

•    Basmati Rice - 1 cup
•    Soya Chunks -100 gram
•    Onion - 3/4 cup thinly sliced
•    Green chilli -1-2 slit
•    Fresh green peas - 1/4 cup (you can use frozen peas also)
•    Thin coconut milk -1 3/4 cup(optional)
•    Fresh lemon juice -1 tbsp
•    Salt needed
•    Turmeric powder -1/4 tsp
•    Chilli Powder - 1 tsp
•    Garam masala powder -1 tsp
•    Oil - 2 tbsp
•    Cinnamon - 1 inch piece
•    Cloves - 3
•    Cardamom - 1-2
•    Bay leaf -1

       For grinding masala 

•    Onion - 1 medium size
•    Ginger - 1 inch piece
•    Garlic -3-4 cloves
•    Green chilli - 1 small
•    Coriander leaves -fistful
•    Mint leaves - fistful(optional)

   Preparation

• Soak basmati rice in water for 20 minutes. Drain the water completely and keep it aside.
• Bring water to boil, add soya chunks, salt and switch off the flame. Let it remain soaked for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, squeeze out the water, rinse well in running water and squeeze out the water again. Cut it into 2 and keep it aside. You can marinate the soya chunks in a little ground masala if preferred.
• Grind the ingredients mentioned under grinding and keep it ready.This is the masala.(onion, ginger, garlic, green chilli, coriander and mint leaves)

Method

• Heat oil in a pressure pan, add the whole spices mentioned above(Cinnamon, Cloves,Cardamom and Bay Leaf).
• Add thinly sliced onions, green chillies and saute until onions turn pink.
• Now add the ground paste and saute until the raw flavor goes. Add peas, turmeric powder, chilli powder, garam masala powder and the soya chunks.
• Saute for 2-3 minutes and then add the drained rice. Saute for a minute, add lemon juice, thin coconut milk and salt needed. 
• Mix well and close the cooker and cook untill 2-3 whistles.
• Open the cooker once the pressure subsides, gently fluff the rice with a fork.
• You can also garnish with coriander leaves. 
• Serve hot with raita .