Soya Nuggets in Garlic Sauce

This has been a favourite with my friends through school and is my Mom's Secret Recipe. This is the first time we are sharing this recipe and I hope you like it. 

Soya Nuggets in Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

• 200 gms pkt soya chunks
• 1 cup tomato puree (packaged)
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce
• 1/3 cup chopped garlic
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp dark soya sauce
• 2 tbsp red chilli sauce
• Salt to taste
• 1 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped spring onions
• 3 cups hot water
• 1 tbsp cornflour slurry ( cornflour mixed in about ¼ cup of water)

Ingredients for Crispy Soya chunks

• 1 tbsp flour
• 1 1/2 tbsp cornflour
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped spring onions

Soya Chunks Marination and Cooking

• Cook the soya chunks as per instruction on the packet
• Once cooked squeeze out all the water and let it sit in a strainer for 15-20 mins to drain any excess water. Squeeze once more before moving to the next step.
• Marinate the soya chunks with 1 tbsp flour,1 1/2 tbs cornflour, salt and 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/4 cup of the chopped spring onions
• Mix everything together, then brush oil in a pan and place the soya chunks on it and cook on slow fire till it browns and becomes crisp.( Alternatively use an airfryer)
• Repeat till all the soy chunks are cooked and crispy.
• Keep aside

Method

• Heat the oil in a wok / kadhai for 30 to 40 secs
• Then add the chopped garlic and stir fry till it starts changing colour
• Now remove wok /kadhai from the stove and add the red chilli sauce, tomato sauce, soya sauce, salt, sugar and spring onions ,mix it in. ( Removing the wok / kadhai from the stove while mixing prevents the sauces from sticking or burning)
• Then place the wok/kadhai back on the stove and stir fry for 30-40 seconds.
• Then add the tomato puree stir for 30-40 seconds before adding in the hot water.
• Continue to cook till the sauce starts bubbling.
• Once the sauce is bubbling add the cornflour slurry to the sauce while stirring continuously.
• Add slurry according to the thickness of the gravy you would like. Just remember the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
• At this stage check for salt, sweet, sour and chillies, adjust according to taste. For sweetness more add tomato sauce, for a little more sour add little tomato puree and for more chillies add the red chilli sauce .
• Add add the cooked soya chunks to the sauce and cook for 20-30 seconds. Remove from stove .
• Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve

Notes 

• Crispy Soya Nuggets : if 1 egg is added in the soya chunks marination ,the soya chunks become crisper.
• Spring Onions : chop and use without the onion bulbs. These can be used in a different recipe.
• Dark Soya that I use : click here 
• Soya Chunks : Use the large ones. Do not use the minced ones for this recipe.