By Aditi Saraswat
July 27, 2026
Looking for an office lunch option that is quick to make without having to stand near the stove for longer? This quick soya pulao can be the perfect choice, as it is high in protein, filled with vegetables, and uses everyday basic spices.
1 cup rice 1 cup soya chunks 1 onion, sliced 1 carrot, diced ½ cup green peas 1 tomato, chopped 2 green chillies, slit 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste 2 tbsp oil or ghee 1 bay leaf 1 cinnamon stick 2 cloves 2 green cardamoms ½ tsp cumin seeds ½ tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp garam masala Salt to taste 2 cups water Fresh coriander for garnish
Thoroughly wash and soak the rice for at least 20 minutes. Meanwhile, boil the soya chunks for at least 5 minutes, squeeze out excess water, and chop the vegetables.
In a pressure cooker, heat oil, add whole spices and cumin. Now, sauté onions until they turn golden, then add ginger-garlic paste, tomatoes and spices.
Cook this masala nicely and add soya chunks, chopped carrots, and peas. Mix everything well so the vegetables soak up the spice mixture thoroughly.
Now, add the soaked rice and water as per requirement. Add salt to taste, close the lid of the pressure cooker and cook until three whistles.
Let the pulao cool down a bit, then garnish it with fresh chopped coriander and pack along with plain curd, raita or pickle.