Soy Chunks Biryani

Ingredients:

For rice

1. Kyma Rice/ Basmati rice - 2 cups
2. Cinnamon-1inch piece
3. Cardamom - 3
4. Cloves - 4
5. Salt to taste
6. Ghee/ oil - 1 tbs

For masala

1. Soy chunks - 2 cups
2. Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
3. Chilli powder 1/2tsp + 1 tsp
4. Coriander powder - 1.5 tbs
5. Green chilli - 2
6. Ginger,chopped - 1 tbs
7. Garlic, chopped - 1 tbs
8. Onion, sliced - 1.5 cups
9. Coconut milk thick paste - 1/2 cup
10. Coconut, shredded - 2 tbs
11. Tomato, chopped - 1 cup
12. Cloves - 3
13. Cinnamon - 1/2 inch
14. Cardamom - 3
15. Oil - 2 tbs
16. Salt to taste
17. Coriander leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup + 2tbs 
18. Ghee fried cashews and raisins - 1/2 cup ( optional) 

Note : If soy chunks are big, cut them into half after soaking them in hot water for 15 min

Chunks masala

Method :

1. Wash rice properly and cook them with 4 cups of water along with spices and salt. 
2. Soak chunks in hot water for 15 min
3. Squeeze out the water from the chunks
4. Sprinkle a pinch of turmeric powder, 1/2 tsp of chilli powder and salt on the chunks and mix them well and keep it aside
5. Heat oil in a pan, add spices from 12 to 14 and fry for 30 sec
6. Add ginger, garlic , green chilli and onion with a bit of salt to it and sauté for 5 min. You may keep the pan closed with a lid till onion is slightly browned
7. Add coriander leaves and chunks and fry for 2 more minutes
8. Add tomato, chilli powder, turmeric powder , salt and coriander powder and mix well and sauté again
9. When tomatoes are soft and chunks are almost cooked, add coconut milk
10. When the gravy is almost dried, add shredded coconut and roast for 2 more minutes and switch off the flame
11. Mix rice and chunks masala well and top it with coriander leaves, fried cashews and raisins. (I haven't used cashews and raisins in my biryani)
12. Serve the biryani hot with raitha.

I have garnished biryani with carrot julienne. :)