Vegetarian Keema Matar – made with Soya Granules

This was something I have wanted to make for a long time, and got the opportunity yesterday. A great recipe if you are a vegetarian, or are having vegetarian friends over.
I used Meat Masala, which is readily available in the market, as the key spice. However, if you are averse to using it, or if it is not readily available, you can substitute it with other spices as mentioned below.

Ingredients:
Soya Granules: 1 cup
Shelled peas: ½ cup
Onion: 1 medium, blended to a paste
Tomato: 1 medium, pureed
Ginger garlic paste: 1 ½ tsp
Meat Masala: 1 ½ tsp
Or
Ground cumin (Jeera Powder): ½ tsp, Coriander Powder: 1tsp, Garam Masala: ¾ - 1 tsp
Salt: To Taste
Oil: 3 tbs

Method:
- Add the soya granules along with ½ tsp salt to 2 cups of water, and microwave it for 2 minutes. Let it remain in the water for another 2 minutes. Drain the water and lightly squeeze the granules so that they are dry. Keep aside
- Heat the oil in a pan / kadhai. Add the onion paste and stir it on low heat till it becomes translucent. Add the ginger garlic paste and stir it till it becomes golden brown.
- Add the tomato puree and the spices. Let it cook on low heat, stirring occasionally, till the oil separates
- Add the soya granules, peas, salt and ¼ cup water. Mix well, cover and cook till the peas are soft
- In case there is water left in the pan, stir it on high heat till dry
- Serve hot with chapattis / parathas.