Soya Angara Curry – A Smoky, Restaurant-Style Delight Made at Home
There are recipes that warm the heart, and then there are recipes that leave an unforgettable impression—Soya Angara Curry falls into the second category. Rich, creamy, aromatic, and topped with a mesmerizing smoky finish, this dish instantly turns an everyday meal into something special.
Soya Angara is known for its bold flavors, velvety gravy, and the unique “angara” (smoke) infusion that elevates the curry to restaurant-style perfection. It’s wholesome, protein-rich, and pairs beautifully with rice, roti, or parathas—making it a fantastic dish for both weekday meals and festive dinners.
Let’s bring this flavorful, crowd-pleasing curry to life in your kitchen!
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Ingredients
Whole Spices (for Masala)
- Small piece of cinnamon
- Cloves – 4
- Green cardamom – 2
- Coriander seeds – 1 tbsp
- Cumin seeds – 1/4 tsp
- Black peppercorns – 1/4 tsp
- Cashews – 5
For Marination
- Curd/Yogurt – 1 cup
- Green chili – 1 (slit)
- Prepared masala powder
- Soya chunks – 2 cups (soaked and squeezed)
For Onion-Tomato Paste
- Fried onions – 2
- Tomatoes – 2 (chopped)
- Melon seeds – 1 tbsp
For Gravy
- Oil – 2 tbsp
- Ginger-garlic paste – 1/2 tsp
- Kashmiri chili powder – 1.5 tsp
- Salt – as per taste
- Kasoori methi – 1/4 tsp
For Smoking (Angara)
- 1 piece charcoal
- Butter – 1/2 tsp
- A pinch of kasoori methi
Garnish
Fresh coriander leaves
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatic Masala
- Heat a pan on low to medium flame.
- Add small piece of cinnamon , 3 – 4 cloves, 2 gree cardamom, 1 tbsp coriander seeds, 1/4 tsp cumin seeds, 1/4 tsp black peppercorns, and 4 – 5 cashews.
- Dry roast for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- Let the mixture cool completely, then grind to a fine powder. This fresh masala is the backbone of the curry’s flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Soya Chunks
- Add 1 cup of yogurt to a mixing bowl.
- Then add the freshly ground masala powder and one slit green chili.
- Whisk well to combine.
- Add the soaked and tightly squeezed soya chunks – 2 cups.
- Mix well and let them marinate for 15–20 minutes. Marination helps the soya absorb tangy, spicy flavors from the curd and masala.
Step 3: Prepare the Onion-Tomato Paste
- Blend fried onions, 2 chopped tomatoes, and 1 tbsp melon seeds into a smooth paste.
- Keep aside for the gravy.
Step 4: Cook the Gravy
- Heat 2 tbsp oil in a pan.
- Add 1/2 tsp ginger-garlic paste and sauté until fragrant.
- Add the onion-tomato-melon seed paste.
- Cook on medium flame until the oil starts separating from the masala.
- Next add Kashmiri chili powder 1.5 tsp and cook for another 5 minutes to enhance color and flavor.
Step 5: Add the Marinated Soya
- Add the marinated soya chunks into the gravy.
- Mix well to coat the chunks evenly.
- Add water as needed to adjust consistency.
- Cover and simmer on low flame for 10–15 minutes.
- Once done, add salt sas per taste and sprinkle 1/4 tsp kasoori methi. The slow simmering makes the soya tender and flavorful and turn off the flame.
Step 6: Add the Signature Smoky Flavor (Angara)
- Heat a small piece of charcoal over direct flame until red hot.
- Place a small steel bowl or foil cup inside the curry pan.
- Put the hot charcoal inside the bowl.
- Add 1/2 tsp butter or ghee and a pinch of kasoori methi on top of the charcoal—it will start smoking immediately.
- Cover the pan tightly and let the smoke infuse for 10 minutes.
- Remove the bowl and discard the charcoal. This step gives the curry its iconic restaurant-style “angara” aroma.
Step 7: Garnish & Serve
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve hot with steamed rice, rotis, naan, or parathas.
Tips & Tricks
Soak & Squeeze the Soya Properly
This removes the raw smell and helps the chunks absorb flavor.
Cook the Gravy Slowly
Letting the masala roast well ensures a deeper, richer taste.
Adjust Spice Levels
Kashmiri chili gives color, but you can increase regular chili if you like it spicier.
Don’t Skip the Smoking Step
The smoky aroma is what makes this dish truly “Angara-style.”
Homemade Masala = Maximum Flavor
Freshly roasted spices make a world of difference.
