🍛 Soya Chunk Biryani Recipe – Healthy & Protein-Rich Veg Biryani

Soya Chunk Biryani (also called Meal Maker Biryani or Soybean Biryani) is a delicious and nutritious twist on traditional vegetable biryani. Packed with protein-rich soya chunks and aromatic basmati rice, this dish is perfect for vegetarians looking for a restaurant-style biryani without meat. The spicy masala-coated soya chunks blend beautifully with fragrant rice, making it a wholesome lunch or dinner option.

🛒 Ingredients for Soya Chunk Biryani (Serves 4–5)

For the Rice

• Basmati rice – 3 cups (aged, long-grain)

• Water – 8 cups

• Bay leaves – 2

• Cinnamon stick – 2 inch

• Cloves – 5

• Cardamom pods – 4

• Star anise – 1

• Salt – 2 tsp

For the Soya Chunks

• Soya chunks (meal maker) – 2 cups

• Hot water – 4 cups (for soaking)

• Salt – ½ tsp

• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

For the Masala

• Onion – 2 large (thinly sliced)

• Tomato – 2 medium (chopped)

• Ginger-garlic paste – 1½ tbsp

• Green chilies – 2 (slit)

• Red chili powder – 1 tsp

• Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp

• Coriander powder – 1 tsp

• Cumin powder – ½ tsp

• Garam masala – ½ tsp

• Biryani masala – 1½ tsp

• Yogurt – ½ cup (thick)

• Fresh mint leaves – ¼ cup (chopped)

• Fresh coriander leaves – ¼ cup (chopped)

• Oil – 4 tbsp

• Salt – 1 tsp

For Saffron Milk

• Warm milk – ¼ cup

• Saffron strands – 8–10

🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Soya Chunks

1. Boil water with salt and turmeric.

2. Add soya chunks and cook for 5 minutes.

3. Drain and squeeze out excess water. Keep aside.

Step 2 – Cook the Rice

1. Wash and soak basmati rice for 20 minutes.

2. In a large pot, boil water with bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, star anise, and salt.

3. Add soaked rice and cook until 70% done. Drain and keep aside.

Step 3 – Make the Masala

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pan.

2. Add sliced onions and sauté until golden brown. Remove half for garnish.

3. Add ginger-garlic paste and fry for 1 minute.

4. Add green chilies and chopped tomatoes. Cook until tomatoes soften.

5. Add red chili powder, turmeric, coriander powder, cumin powder, garam masala, and biryani masala. Mix well.

6. Add yogurt, mint, and coriander leaves. Stir until masala is fragrant.

7. Add boiled soya chunks and mix well so they absorb the masala flavor.

Step 4 – Layer the Soya Chunk Biryani

1. In a biryani handi or pot, spread half the rice.

2. Layer with masala-coated soya chunks.

3. Add the remaining rice on top.

4. Drizzle saffron milk and garnish with fried onions, mint, and coriander.

Step 5 – Dum Cooking

1. Seal the pot with a tight lid or wheat dough.

2. Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes, then low heat for 15 minutes.

3. Switch off the heat and rest for 10 minutes before serving.

🥗 Serving Suggestions & Variations

• Serve with onion raita, cucumber salad, and papad.

• For Hyderabadi style, increase fried onions and add a tablespoon of ghee.

• For South Indian style, add curry leaves and coconut milk for a tropical touch.

• Make it vegan by replacing dairy yogurt with plant-based yogurt.

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approx.)

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Soya Chunk Biryani

• Always soak soya chunks in hot salted water to remove raw smell.

• Use aged basmati rice for long, non-sticky grains.

• Marinate soya chunks in the masala for 15 minutes for deeper flavor.

• Resting after dum cooking allows flavors to blend perfectly.

📍 Location & Origin

• Cuisine: Indian (Hyderabadi & South Indian Influence)

• Place of Origin: Popularized in Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu as a vegetarian alternative to chicken or mutton biryani.

• History:
  Soya chunks, also known as meal maker, are a product of defatted soy flour. They became popular in India during the 1980s as a budget-friendly protein substitute. Soon, cooks began experimenting with them in traditional rice dishes like pulao and biryani, creating the now-famous Soya Chunk Biryani loved by both vegetarians and health-conscious foodies.

Interesting Facts :-
This Soya Chunk Biryani Recipe is a perfect vegetarian high-protein meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you make it Hyderabadi style or South Indian style, its rich aroma, fluffy rice, and spiced soya chunks will make it a family favorite.