Firstly, in a large bowl soak 1 cup soya chunks in hot water for 15 minutes. after 20 minutes, soya turns soft and squeeze off the water. keep aside.
In a large mixing bowl prepare the marination by taking 1 cup thick curd. also add ¼ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp chilli powder, 1 tbsp biryani masala powder, ½ tsp ginger garlic paste and ½ tsp salt. whisk well to form a smooth paste. now add soaked soya chunks and mix well and allow to marinate in refrigerator 1 hour.
Further in a pressure cooker heat 2 tbsp ghee. alternatively use oil. add in spices like 1 bay leaf, 1 inch cinnamon, 1 star anise, 5 cloves, 4 cardamom, ½ tsp pepper, 1 tsp cumin. saute till the spices turn aromat. additionally add in 1 onion and saute well followed by ½ tsp ginger garlic paste. add the prepared marinated soya and vegetables to the cooker and level them out.
Now add 1½ cup of basmati rice (soaked for 20 minutes) and spread evenly over marinated soya.
Sprinkle ¾ tsp salt, 3 tbsp fried onions / barista, ½ tsp biryani masala powder, 3 tbsp coriander & mint and 1 tsp ghee. furthermore, pour 2¼ cup of water from sides without disturbing the layers.and also add orange food colour water in centre or little bit in sides.
Cover and pressure cook for 2 whistles on medium flame or if cooking in normal kadai; seal and simmer for 20 minutes on low flame.
Finally, once the pressure settles down, open the lid and serve the soya biryani along with raita and ENJOY!
