Malai chaap is a popular North Indian delicacy made with tender pieces of soya chaap cooked in a rich and creamy sauce. It is a favourite among vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike, due to its melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicious flavour. In this blog, we will explore the nutritional benefits of malai chaap, list the ingredients required, and provide you with a step-by-step guide to making this mouth-watering dish at home.
Overview of Malai Chaap
Malai chaap is a classic Mughlai dish that originated in northern India. It is made with tender pieces of soya chaap, marinated in a variety of spices, and cooked in a rich and creamy sauce. The dish is typically served as an appetiser or side dish and is often accompanied by naan or rice.
Nutritional Values of Malai Chaap
Malai chaap is a rich source of protein, fibre and essential nutrients. It is also low in fat and calories, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a healthy and nutritious meal. Soya chaap, the primary ingredient in malai chaap, is an excellent source of plant-based protein and contains all nine essential amino acids required by the human body.
Ingredients for Malai Chaap
The key ingredients required to make malai chaap include soya chaap, cream, yogurt, ginger, garlic, green chilies, coriander powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, turmeric powder, salt and oil.
How to Cook Raw Soya Chaap - Boiling
Before you begin cooking malai chaap, you must first boil the raw soya chaap. To do this, follow these simple steps:
1. Take a deep pan and fill it with water.
2. Add the raw soya chaap to the pan and bring the water to a boil.
3. Once the water comes to a boil, reduce the heat and let the soya chaap cook for 10-15 minutes.
4. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and drain the water from the soya chaap.
How to Cook Raw Soya Chaap - Deep Frying
Once you have boiled the raw soya chaap, you must deep fry it before adding it to the malai chaap sauce. To do this, follow these simple steps:
1. Heat oil in a deep-frying pan.
2. Add the boiled soya chaap to the hot oil and fry until golden brown.
3. Once the soya chaap is golden brown, remove it from the oil and set it aside.
How to Make Malai Chaap Step-by-Step
Now that you have boiled and fried the soya chaap, you can begin making the malai chaap sauce.
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect malai chaap:
1. Take a deep pan and heat oil.
2. Add ginger, garlic and green chilies to the oil and sauté for a few seconds.
3. Add coriander powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder to the pan and sauté for a minute.
4. Add beaten yogurt to the pan and stir well.
5. Add the fried soya chaap to the pan and mix it with the sauce. 6. Add cream to the pan and mix well.
6. Let the malai chaap cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Expert Tips for Best Malai Chaap
To ensure your malai chaap is delicious and flavorful, follow these expert tips:
1. Marinate the soya chaap for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure it is tender and absorbs the flavours of the spices.
2. Use fresh cream for a rich and creamy sauce.
3. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves for added flavor and aroma.
4. Adjust the number of green chilies to your taste preference.
Recipe Card
Here's a recipe card summarizing the steps to make malai chaap:
Ingredients
● 500g soya chaap
● 1 cup cream
● 1 cup beaten yogurt
● 2 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
● 2-3 green chilies
● 1 tsp coriander powder
● 1 tsp garam masala powder
● 1 tsp cumin powder
● 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
● Salt to taste
● Oil for frying and cooking
Instructions
● Boil the raw soya chaap in a pan of water for 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
● Heat oil in a deep-frying pan and fry the boiled soya chaap until golden brown. Set aside.
● In a separate deep pan, heat oil and sauté ginger, garlic, and green chilies.
● Add coriander powder, garam masala powder, cumin powder and turmeric powder to the pan and sauté for a minute.
● Add beaten yogurt to the pan and stir well.
● Add the fried soya chaap to the pan and mix well.
● Add cream to the pan and mix well.
● Cook on low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
● Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve hot.
Conclusion
Malai chaap is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With this easy recipe and expert tips, you can make the perfect malai chaap at home. Whether you're a vegetarian or a non-vegetarian, this dish is sure to impress. So, next time you're in the mood for something flavourful and creamy, give this recipe a try.
FAQs
Can I use paneer instead of soya chaap for malai chaap?
Yes, you can use paneer instead of soya chaap for malai chaap. However, the cooking time for paneer may differ from soya chaap.
Can I use coconut cream instead of dairy cream for malai chaap?
Yes, you can use coconut cream instead of dairy cream for malai chaap. However, the taste may differ slightly.
Can I skip the deep-frying step for soya chaap?
Yes, you can skip the deep-frying step for soya chaap and add it directly to the sauce. However, the texture and taste of the dish may differ slightly.