Beetroot Soya Chunks Biryani

Biryani is normally a meat lover’s dish; but this beetroot soya chunks biryani makes for a delicious meat substitute that is perfect for vegetarians. The thickness of the beetroot combined with the soya serves as a suitable replacement for the texture of the meat. The beet also provides the biryani with a unique flavor that is hard to come by from other food sources. Depending on the beetroots you choose to use, you can make the biryani taste more sweet or sour, so feel free to experiment.

Health Benefits

Beetroots are rich in iron, phosphorous, copper, glycine, carotenoids, vitamin C, and magnesium. They are low in calories and have no cholesterol, making them a great weight loss aid and heart-healthy supplement. Beets also help treat anemia, indigestion, cancer, gallbladder disorders, kidney disorders, and even dandruff. They also help to treat and prevent certain degenerative eye disorders and cataracts, and improve blood circulation.

Ingredients

cups Basmati rice – soaked in enough water for 20 minutes: 1 1/2

beetroot –finely chopped: 1

soy chunks – soaked in warm water for 20 minutes: 15-20

cup onion – finely chopped: 1

finely chopped tomato: 1

green chilli- chopped: 1

tbsp ginger garlic paste: 1/2

cup mint leaves: 1

cup coriander leaves – finely chopped: 1

tsp turmeric powder: 1

tsp red chilli powder: 1/2

tsp coriander powder: 2

tsp lemon juice: 1

salt to taste

cups coconut milk: 2

tbsp cooking oil: 2

cloves: 4

cinnamon stick: 1/4

bay leaf: 1

tsp shahi jeera: 1

How To Make Beetroot Soya Chunks Biryani

1. Soak soya chunks in warm water for 20 minutes. Squeeze the water out and chop soaked soya chunks.
2. Blend mint and coriander leaves with 2 tablespoons of water.
3. Heat 2 tbsp groundnut oil in a wok and add cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, and shahi jeera.
4. Sauté them for about 30 seconds or until aromatic
5. Add chopped onions and green chilies and stir to combine. Let cook until the onions turn slightly brown.
6. Add chopped tomatoes and mash the pulp with the back of a ladle.
7. Add chopped beetroot and soya chunks. Stir well.
8. Add ground mint-coriander paste, turmeric, red chilli, and coriander powders.
9. Season with salt, add a cup of water, stir to combine and cook for 10 minutes. Add coconut milk and bring to a boil.
10. Add rice lemon juice and salt as needed. Cook covered until the rice is done.
11. Serve and enjoy! 

Trivia

Beetroot is sometimes used as a hangover remedy.