Hariyali Aloo-Soya Nuggets

Aloo and Soy Nuggets in Green Gravy

There are some food items which are "universal additions", as I would like to call them. They can take the masala/taste of any flavoring and go amazingly well with a whole lot of dishes. Aloo, paneer, soy nuggets are a few examples. Add these to any gravy/dry masala/rice items and they just blend it beautifully! It does make a lot of sense thus, to stock up on these items! Soy nuggets are a great source of protein, and a superb meat substitute for vegetarians. Some people do not like the taste of this however,if you are one of them, either skip the soy nuggets in this recipe (and make a Hariyali aloo :D ) or cut the nuggets into small pieces and watch them become an insignificant part of the curry! 

Collard greens are a nutritious variety of greens from the cabbage family with no strong prominent taste/flavor. They suited this dish just fine, adding body and a chewy texture to the spinach base. The best part about this dish was the mint/pudina flavoring! :) I bought a big bunch of mint and due to lack of better ideas of using it at once, made a paste of it with ginger,garlic,chillies and cilantro, put it in the freezer for future use. This seasoning went very well with the greens, potatoes and the soya and we enjoyed the dish thoroughly!

Hubby, not being a fan of either aloo or soya nuggets, relished it and I only had time for taking a quick pic of the subzi before he polished it off! :-D 

What you need:

1 medium Potato (Aloo) - cubed

1/2 cup soya nuggets (mealmaker)  

1 cup spinach chopped roughly

1 cup collard greens chopped finely

1 small onion finely chopped

2 tbsp tomato puree

1 tbsp Oil

Cumin seeds (Jeera) 

Garam masala powder

Salt to taste

Grind to a paste (to yield about 1/2 cup paste) - 

ginger, garlic, green chillies, mint(pudina) leaves, coriander leaves(cilantro/dhaniya patta) with water.

This pudina paste can be refrigerated/frozen to be used later in curries/rice! :)

Method:

1) Soak and wash the soya nuggets in warm water and squeeze out the water      2-3 times. Cut into small pieces or as you prefer it. :)

2) Heat oil in a pan, add jeera.

3) Add the onion and potatoes. Fry for 2 minutes.

4) Add the chopped greens and cook for 5 minutes.

5) Add tomato puree, green pudina paste, soya nuggets, salt.

6) Add water if needed. Cook for 5 minutes and add the garam masala powder.

7) Adjust seasoning and serve hot with Chapatis/rice. :)