What is Soya Kadhi ?
To break it down, soya refered to the soya chunks (high protein dry nuggets) and kadhi is a delicious yogurt based gravy. Soya kadhi is yet another version of the famous Gujrathi Kadhi Chawal. The gravy is the regular yogurt and chickpea flour base, creamy thick and so tasty. And Soya chunks or nuggets are the healthy alternative to pakodas/ fritters that are typically added to this dish. I didn’t grow up eating kadhi and learnt the dish only after my met Arvind, who loved Kadhi chawal any time of the year. I didn’t like it the very first time I made it because I had made it all wrong. But then I learned the dish and 10 years now since I make this dish, and it’s a fav in our house. During peak summer months, I sometime make the gravy and enjoy as cold soup. The yogurt base gravy is just so soothing to the palate and light on the tummy.
What is Soya Chunks in Soya Kadhi?
If you have lived in India, then chances are you are familiar with Nutrella Soya Nuggets. A healthy alternative to meat that is packed with protein. These are also called Meal Maker and made from soya beans. These are made into dehydrated chunks that on it’s own has no flavor. But once your rehydrate these nuggets, it becomes a lovely canvas to soak in whatever flavor you add to it. Nutrella Soya Chunks are extreamly popular in India and is used to make various different curries and pillaf.
How to cook with Soya Nuggets?
You have to start by soaking the nuggets in hot water. I also add some salt. In about 30 minutes, these nuggets absors water and turns into sponge.
KEY NOTE when preparing Soya Kadhi:
Two very important points to remember when cooking with yogurt. FIRST: Make sure you whisk the yogurt to a creamy texture. So in this case make sure you whisk the yogurt and chickpea based gravy nicely so there are no lumps. SECOND: Always cook in medium low heat. If you cranck up the heat than the yogurt might curdle and the entire curry will be spoilt. This Soya Kadhi barely takes any effort to prepare and because I kept it so minimal, the cooking time is also very less. Kadhi Chawal tastes best when served pipping hot. It is comforting, healthy and warms you up inside out!
Try Kadhi Chawal with Besan Pakoda (Chickpea Fritters)
Recipes with Soya Nuggets
Soya Chunks Curry Kamal Kakdi
