Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Fish Tikka Bites

24 | 08 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Summer is fleeting but there’s still time to enjoy some delicious foods on the barbecue. So fire up your grill and get ready for lip-smacking Fish Tikka Bites served on Pita with some green chutney and treat your taste buds to a carnival of flavors.I’m a big tikka and kebab lover and they’re always on the menu when I entertain. Who can resist the slightly charred, delicious bites, bursting with flavors hot off the grill?

Fish Tikka Bites

Fish Tikka is one of the most sought after appetizers in Indian Restaurants and with this recipe you can enjoy it in your own kitchen. I’ve used Arctic Char but Catfish or Salmon will work just fine. Just ask your fish monger to skin and cube them for you. They have to be marinated at least for 5 hours or overnight for the flavors to seep in.

Fish Tikka Bites

Green chutney is a quintessential accompaniment to Indian appetizers and you can use either mint or coriander.I’ve used mint here since it compliments the fish tikka beautifully with its vibrant green color and robust flavor.The yoghurt and spices coat the fish cubes and the flavors intensify once they’re grilled until the edges are slightly golden and crispy. Garnish with lemon and chat masala and serve it on toasted pita with some chutney, sliced onions and salad. Enjoy.

Fish Tikka Bites 2

 

Fish Tikka Bites

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Ingredients
  

  • Pita Bread-4
  • Green Chutney-3 tbsp
  • Red Onion sliced-1 large
  • Any mixed salad
  • Lemon juice
  • Chat masala

Fish Tikka Marinade

  • Arctic Char cubed- 1 lb
  • Turmeric- 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chili powder-1 tsp
  • Paprika-1 tbsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tbsp
  • Garam Masala- 1 tbsp
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Greek Yoghurt-3 tbsp
  • Salt to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix the fish tikka marinade in bowl and add the fish cubes.Coat evenly and let it sit in the fridge for 5 hrs or overnight.
  • Heat the grill and place the tikkas on a greased foil.Cook for about 8-10 minutes flipping them gently midway until you see slightly golden edges.
  • Once done sprinkle some lemon juice and chat masala.Keep aside.
  • Toast the pita and cut them in any desired shape.
  • Spread some green chutney.
  • Top with some fish tikka, onions and salad.

Easy Memorial Day Menu Ideas with a twist!

28 | 05 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Its the much awaited Memorial Day weekend and I’m sure you all have plans to get together and kick off the unofficial start of summer!While you’re looking for some inspiration for your memorial day cookouts, I’ve compiled a list of some easy menu ideas.These recipes have some incredible flavors going on that will surely make your party stand out.And did I mention that they’re also super easy? Your annual barbecue will never be the same!Enjoy!

Poultry and Fish

Memorial Day recipes

Tandoori Turkey Sliders 

Chicken Burgers with Curried Cabbage Slaw

Harissa Mint Chicken Kebabs

Salmon Tikka Wraps with Cucumber Raita

Vegetables

Memorial Day vegetarian recipes

The recipes below can be cooked on the grill too!

Coconut Crusted Tofu with Mango Cucumber Topping

Curried Roasted Asparagus with Boiled Eggs

Indian Spiced Roasted Eggplant

Roasted Curried Fennel

Salads 

Memorial Day Salad recipes

Couscous Tabbouleh

Black Bean and Mango Salad

Baby Arugula,Beet and Gorgonzola Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Indian Spiced Roasted Fennel and Goat Cheese Salad

Desserts

Memorial Day Dessert recipes

Mini Strawberry Cheesecake

Grilled Peaches with Halloumi 

Individual Strawberry Trifle

Mango and Strawberry Cream

 

 

 

Tandoori Turkey Sliders with Mint Raita

14 | 05 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

While sunshine and warm days still elude us, I’m hoping that the weather is only going to get better and looking forward to lots of grilling and barbecue in the coming days and weeks!Dinners are a breeze during this time of the year.Just throw in some meats, veggies in the barbecue, make a salad and you’re done!Fun to eat and flavor possibilities are endless.

Tandoori Turkey Sliders with mint raita

My Tandoori Turkey patties (you can use chicken if you prefer) are bursting with warm tandoori spices,mint, ginger and garlic.These take literally minutes to make to go on the grill.I’ve used regular store bought tandoori spice mix here.The flavors taste amazing and my kids loved them!They can also be made ahead and frozen.The patties are placed on a hot grill and cooked to perfection until golden and delicious.

Tandoori Turkey Sliders 5Indian spices add a wonderful depth of flavor to meats and poultry and this recipe is one such example where a few ingredients transform a mundane dish to something phenomenal.The tandoori spice blend consisting of aromatic spices such as coriander,cumin and cardamom is a great way to enjoy some Indian flavors effortlessly.

Mint Raita

My Mint raita is the perfectly luscious base to place these patties on.The sweet and salty raita with a hint of cumin compliments the tandoori spices well and its a great Indian spin on a traditional turkey slider. They make for delicious kids’ lunches and party appetizers with layers of lettuce,red onions and tomatoes on some mini hamburger buns.An easy and fun dish for the grilling season.Enjoy.

Tandoori Turkey Sliders with mint raita

Tandoori Turkey Sliders with Mint Raita

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Ingredients
  

  • Mini Hamburger Buns
  • 1 large tomato-sliced
  • lettuce leaves
  • ½ small red onion-peeled and chopped

for the Tandoori Turkey(or Chicken) Patties

  • Ground Turkey or Chicken- 1 lb
  • 1 small onion
  • Tandoori masala powder- 2 tbsp
  • Crushed ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed garlic-1 tsp
  • Chopped mint- 1/4 cup
  • Salt to tatse
  • Oil to grill

Mint Raita

  • 1 cup greek yoghurt
  • ½ cup chopped mint
  • juice of 1 small lemon
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp red chili or paprika optional

Instructions
 

  • Mix the raita ingredients in a bowl.Keep aside or refrigerated.
  • Make a paste of the onion in your food processor.Empty in a mixing bowl and add the rest of the ingredients for the patties.
  • Make round balls in your palm and flatten them to make round patties.
  • Heat the grill or griddle pan brushed with oil.
  • Place the patties and cook on both side until golden.

to make the sliders

  • Take one half of the bun and spread some raita topped with one patty followed by lettuce,onion and tomato.Cover with the other half.Repeat with the rest.

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish #SundaySupper #GGHoliday2013

08 | 12 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Appetizers for me are the star of any party.They’re fun to cook ,bake or grill.The small bites are perfect for munching while you’re engaged in a conversation or enjoying your favorite drink.You could bring the flavors from around the world in your appetizers and get creative.As a result,I place special emphasis on my appetizers when I’m entertaining and they’re always a hit with my guests. I could easily skip the main course and just enjoy the appetizers and desserts any day.

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish 1

I was really excited when Gourmet Garden asked me to create an Easy Holiday Entertaining recipe featuring their herbs and spices.My mind went straight to creating an amazing appetizer.As soon as I spotted the lemongrass,I knew I was going to make a Thai Style Appetizer using their ginger,garlic,lemongrass,basil and cilantro.The ease of the tubes was just what I needed and the marinade was ready in no time!

I chose Monkfish since it holds well under the grill and is quite meaty.I let it marinade for 5-6 hours in the fridge and grill on low for about 8 minutes on each side.The flavors are amazing and it is a great recipe for a crowd not to mention insanely delicious!I loved the flavors of the lemongrass coming through and the spices add their own magic.Its now one of my favorites and I cannot wait to try the same marinade with chicken or even Tofu!

gg-hero_herbs_spices_3

Gourmet Garden sell a wide range of herbs and spices including Basil, Cilantro, Chili Pepper, Dill, Garlic, Ginger, Italian Herbs, Lemon Grass, Parsley and Oregano and can be found in the fresh produce section (next to the fresh herbs) of your local supermarket.They typically last for up to 3 months in the fridge.They are used like fresh herbs in a one-to-one ratio, but can be used in place of dried typically in a 2 to 1 ratio (2 tbsp GG Ginger equals 1 tbsp dried ginger).

I think they’re great for entertaining since the prep work is already done for you and they’re such a time saver.

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish 2

 

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish #SundaySupper #GGHoliday2013

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Ingredients
  

  • Monkfish-8-10 pieces

Marinade

  • Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Lemongrass-3 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Basil-2 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Cilantro-2 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Oil
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl or a ziplock bag.
  • Add the monkfish.MIx well.
  • Let it marinade in the fridge for about 6-7 hours.
  • On a foil lined oiled baking sheet place the monkfish.
  • Drizzle some oil all over and broil on low for about 8 minutes on each side or until cooked with golden grill marks.
  • Serve hot.

For more ideas using Gourmet Garden herbs and spices check out these amazing recipes by our Sunday Supper group!

You can Pin these recipes from our Easy Holiday Entertaining Pinterest Board and sign-up to receive Gourmet Garden Newsletter  and download a coupon on their website Gourmet Garden . Follow Gourmet Garden on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

Sunday Supper Movement

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag and remember to include it in your tweets to join in the chat. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

Disclaimer-This post is sponsored by Gourmet Garden  Herbs & Spices. All opinions are my own.

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks #SundaySupper

26 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather has played a dampener this weekend that is so unusual for this time of the year!The kids were looking forward to our pool opening,but the weather Gods had something else in mind, I guess!Our Sunday Super team is definitely unfazed by the weather pattern and we’re here to lift your spirits up with some mouth watering picnic ideas!!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

I’ve got my scrumptious Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with a spice blend of Coriander,Fennel,Cumin,Red Chilies,Cinnamon and Cloves that gives it some great flavors.I toasted the spices in a pan until the air in my kitchen was filled with a warm aromatic scent and then transferred the mixture into my spice grinder.You could use this as a spice rub for various meats or fish too!So good!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 4

I marinated these overnight and broiled them the next day until all nice and golden on all sides.Drumsticks are the perfect finger foods for a picnic and are adored by adults and kids alike!Pack it with some salad or grill them right in the picnic area if you have the facility and you’ve got  a great picnic dish that couldn’t be any easier!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 3

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks

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Ingredients
  

Indian Spice Blend

  • Coriander Seeds-3 tbsp
  • Cumin Seeds-1 1/2 tbsp
  • Fennel Seeds-1 tbsp
  • Cinnamon-1 inch
  • Cloves-4
  • Dry Red Chili-2

For the Marinade:

  • Chicken Drumsticks-7-8 pieces
  • Thick Yoghurt-1 cup
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Indian Spice Blend-2 tbsp
  • Oil-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Chaat Masala optional-1 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pan toast all the spices on low heat until aromatic making sure to not burn it.
  • Transfer into a spice grinder and coarse grind the spices.
  • In a ziplock bag mix all the marinade ingredients except oil and keep it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
  • When ready arrange on a greased foil lined baking sheet,drizzle oil all over and broil until all golden turning the drumsticks every now and then to develop color on all sides.
  • Brush the sides with the remaining marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Sprinkle some lemon juice and chaat masala all over and serve warm!

This wonderful event is hosted by the lovely Katy of Happy Baking Days and our group has some amazing picnic ideas for this season!Get inspired 🙂

Salads and Slaws:

Sandwiches and Mains:

Desserts:

Drinks:

Check back on Sunday for all the recipes! You can join in the chat on Twitter too: we’ll tweet throughout the day and share all of our picnic recipes. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. To join in, just follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets. You can also check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and photos.