Soya Thongba Recipe of Manipur | Manipuri Soya Curry

Manipur, one of seven states of northeastern India are known for it's many exotic yet divinely delicious foods and dishes. One such very popular delicacy is Soya Thongba. Soya Thongba is a delicious Manipuri vegetarian curry made with soya chunks or soya granules. Here's a recipe to prepare Soya Thongba - A flavorful and nutritious dish in Manipuri cuisine.

Here are some more Manipuri dishes for you:

1. Chak-Hao Amubi Kheer of Manipur
2. Sana Thongba Recipe of Manipur 
3. Chamthong or Kangshoi Recipe

Ingredients of Soya Thongba:

For the Soya Chunks Marinade:

• 1 cup dry soya chunks or granules
• 2 cups hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

For the Soya Thongba:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2-3 green chilies, slit (you can use more or less according to your spice preference)
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder (use as per your taste)
• 1/2 cup tomato puree (from 2-3 tomatoes)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 cup yogurt
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions of Making Soya Thongba:

1. Preparation of  Soya Chunks:

• Boil 2 cups of water and add the dry soya chunks or granules to it.
• Let them soak for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft and plump.
• Drain the water and squeeze out excess water from the soya chunks.
• Marinate the soya chunks with 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder and salt. Set them aside for 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the Soya Thongba:

• Heat vegetable oil in a pan or a kadai over medium heat.
• Add the bay leaf and cumin seeds when the oil is hot and let them splutter.
• Now add finely chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.

3. Add Ginger, Garlic and Green Chilies:

• Add the minced ginger, minced garlic, and slit green chilies. Sauté for a few minutes until the raw aroma disappears.

4. Spices and Tomato Puree:

• Stir in the Now add  coriander powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder red chili powder and stir for 2-3 minutes.
• Add the tomato puree now  and cook until the oil starts to come out from the mixture.

5. Cook Soya Chunks:

• Add the marinated and drained soya chunks to the pan. Stir well to coat them with the spice mixture.
• Cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the soya chunks to absorb the flavors.

6. Yogurt and Salt:

• Now reduce the heat to low and add yogurt to the soya chunks. Stir continuously to prevent curdling.
• Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the soya chunks are tender and the curry thickens.
• Adjust salt according to your taste.

7. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove the bay leaf from the curry.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with steamed rice or Manipuri flatbreads like "Eromba" or "Paaknam."

Enjoy your homemade Soya Thongba, a delightful Manipuri dish that's both flavorful and nutritious.

 Recipe Card

Cuisine: Manipuri, Country: India, Course: Side Dish, Prep Time: 15minutes, Cook Time: 30minutes, Total Time: 45minutes, Serving: 3