Veg Kheema - Soya Kheema Matar

In my aim for a healthier lifestyle, most of the times, I get dissuaded by the false notion that healthy food would not be as tasty. And food without taste is like life without water. There’s always the unquenchable thirst. This easy excuse supports me while I cheat on aim to take a sweet bite.
But then how long can I keep my eyes shut, while there are so many great options for healthy, yet tasty food. Many like me keep their eyes shut and hence never discover the wonderful taste of healthy ingredients. Only if they did, the journey towards a healthier & greener life would be so much fun & flavourful. 

So welcome these little nuggets of textured vegetable protein – Soya. Also known as meal maker, soya chunks contain 54.2 grams of protein, which exceeds the amount of protein found in meats, eggs, milk and wheat. KidsHealth.org reports that soy protein contains all the amino acids needed by the body, and is an excellent replacement for meat-based proteins. But many people run out of ideas while using it. So here’s a simple Indian style dry curry of Soya & Matar (Peas) as Kheema or Keema.

Kheema is traditionally made of minced mutton or lamb and is a very popular Mughlai dish. This is the veg version of it without compromising a bit on taste, texture or flavour. And if you haven’t been lucky to taste it till now, here’s your chance.

Soya Kheema Matar Recipe: 

Serves 3-4. Don’t get intimated by the long list of ingredients. Once you stock up on the basic Indian spices, these recipes will be a breeze.

Ingredients: 

• Soya chunks or granules – 1 cup
• Peas – 3/4 cup
• Red onion – 1 large, finely chopped
• Tomatoes – 2 large, chopped
• Ginger – garlic paste – 1 tsp
• Bay leaf – 2
• Black peppercorn – 2-3
• Green chillies – 2, chopped
• Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
• Red chilly powder – 1/2 -3/4 tsp (as per liking)
• Coriander powder – 1 1/2 tsp
• Turmeric powder – A pinch
• Salt – as per taste
• Thick curd – 2 tbsp
• Lemon Juice – 1/2 tbsp
• Kasturi methi – 1 tsp, crushed
• Garam Masala powder – 3/4 – 1 tsp
• Oil – 2 tbsp

Method:

1. Heat water in a pan. Put soya chunks in it for 4-5 mins on medium heat, to soften. Once it fluffs up, let it sit in warm water for another 5 mins. Then drain and squeeze the soya well to avoid it getting soggy and keep aside.
2. If using soya chunks and not granules, put slightly cooled soya chunks in a chopper. And pulse 2-3 to just make it smaller/ granules.
3. Heat oil in deep wok. Add cumin, bay leaf and black peppercorn. Let the cumin splutter. Then add the chopped onions and green chillies. Saute till it turns pink, on med-high heat. Then add ginger garlic paste and let the mixture turn brown, stirring in between.
4. Now add chopped tomatoes with a pinch of salt and spices, except garam masala. And cook till the tomatoes turn soft. Add few drops of water, if the mixture dries up.
5. Add green peas and 1/4th cup water. Cover and let it cook for about 5 mins.
6. Now add the soya granules and add salt. Mix well and cook for another 2-3 mins. Now remove from heat and add well beaten curd. Mix it and bring to back to flame.
7. Add lemon juice and garam masala powder and mix it well. Cook on low heat for another 2 mins. Check seasoning.
8. Finish by adding kasturi methi, crushed between finger tips to release maximum aroma. Garnish with chopped corainder leaves
9. Serve hot with roti or paratha, Indian flat bread and enjoy the meal

Notes:

The key to kheema is to keep it moistened, without making a curry of it. Beaten yogurt and lemon juice helps in that. But if the kheema does become dry, then add little water and cook it slightly. Also soggy granules lends a very chewy taste to the kheema. And for that purpose granules are better suited and also squeezing water is very critical.


If you are looking for few more healthy-tasty bites, don''t forget to check the salad spread round up.

Glad to share it as entry for Let's Cook: Sabjis for Rotis, Iftar Nights, Joy from fasting to feasting, Converted Food Event, Dish it out-tomato and chilli and to my own event - HCC: Lunchbox. Do check out the details of the event Healthy Cooking Challenge: Lunchbox over here.

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