Soya Choris Pao
A fiery and tangy Goan street food classic, made vegan! This recipe stuffs savory, spiced soya mince into soft, fluffy pao bread rolls. A perfect hearty snack or quick lunch that brings the taste of Goa right to your kitchen.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Rehydrate the Soya Granules
- b.In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water to a rolling boil.
- c.Add the soya granules and cook for 5 minutes until they are fully softened.
- d.Drain the granules in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly with cold water to remove any raw smell.
- e.Once cool enough to handle, take small handfuls and squeeze out every last drop of water. This is a critical step for achieving the perfect, non-mushy texture. Set the dry granules aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Prepare the Goan Masala Paste
- b.Place the dried Kashmiri red chilies in a bowl and cover with 1/2 cup of hot water. Let them soak for 15-20 minutes until they are soft and pliable.
- c.In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked red chilies (along with their soaking water), garlic cloves, ginger, cloves, cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, tamarind paste, and vinegar.
- d.Blend until you have a completely smooth, thick paste. Scrape down the sides as needed. Add a splash more water only if necessary to facilitate blending.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Soya Choris Filling
- b.Heat the vegetable oil in a wide, heavy-bottomed pan or kadai over medium heat.
- c.Add the finely chopped onions and sauté for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and golden brown.
- d.Add the prepared Goan masala paste to the pan. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the paste darkens in color, becomes fragrant, and you see oil separating from the edges.
- e.Add the rehydrated soya granules and the boiled potato cubes. Stir well for 2 minutes to ensure everything is evenly coated with the masala.
- f.Pour in 1/2 cup of water and add the salt. Mix everything together.
- g.Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. This allows the soya to absorb all the flavors. The final filling should be moist but not watery.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Assemble and Serve
- b.Take a Goan pao and make a horizontal slit through the center, leaving one edge connected like a hinge.
- c.Generously stuff the pao with the hot soya choris filling.
- d.Serve immediately with raw onion rings and a lemon wedge on the side for squeezing over the filling.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the most authentic flavor, use Goan toddy vinegar. If unavailable, apple cider vinegar or white vinegar are good substitutes.
- 2Ensure the soya granules are squeezed completely dry. Any excess water will result in a mushy filling.
- 3Lightly toast the pao with a bit of vegan butter or oil before stuffing for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
- 4The filling tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. It's great for meal prep.
- 5Adjust the number of Kashmiri chilies based on your spice preference. These chilies are more for color than intense heat.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Vegetables
Incorporate finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or green peas along with the onions for added nutrition and texture.
Mushroom VersionMushroom Version
Replace half of the soya granules with finely chopped cremini or button mushrooms for an earthy, umami-rich flavor.
Spicier KickSpicier Kick
For extra heat, add 2-3 fresh green chilies to the blender when making the masala paste.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Add a handful of cooked chickpeas or black beans to the filling for an extra boost of protein and fiber.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Soya granules are a complete protein source, containing all essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Heart-Healthy Alternative
This vegan version is free from cholesterol and significantly lower in saturated fats compared to traditional pork choris, making it a better choice for cardiovascular health.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of soya, potatoes, and onions provides ample dietary fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
The spices used in the Goan masala, such as turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cloves, are rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
Frequently asked questions
One Soya Choris Pao contains approximately 380-420 calories, depending on the size of the pao and the amount of oil used. It's a substantial and satisfying snack or light meal.