Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Easy Chicken Curry

12 | 08 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Who doesn’t love a good Chicken Curry?Its an all time favorite Indian Dish and today I’ve got for you an easy version using Chicken Breasts that cooks fast and tastes delicious.This is my go-to curry even on weekdays and I use the same base substituting Chicken for Tofu,Paneer or veggies.This is a basic North Indian curry where the sauce consists of onions.ginger,garlic, tomatoes and spices.If you’re a curry lover that frequents local Indian restaurants to enjoy Indian food, I would suggest you try this recipe at home and see how easy it can be.

Easy Chicken Curry

I’ve used Chicken breasts here but you can also use Thighs or Drumsticks if you prefer.The joy of cooking Indian food lies in the fact that you get to smell all those wonderful spices during the cooking process and the end result is worth every bit of the effort.The onion mixture along with the spices and the tomatoes are simmered slowly for the flavors to develop before the chicken is added.The chicken gets coated in all those lovely flavors and you can enjoy it with some hot steaming rice or rotis.

Easy Chicken Curry 3

Easy Chicken Curry

Easy Chicken Curry

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Breasts- 1lb cubed
  • Onion-1 medium
  • Ginger-1 inch
  • Garlic-5 cloves
  • Cumin Seeds-1/2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Mild Red chili or paprika-1 tsp
  • Tomato-1 small pureed
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Water-1 cup
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-5 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Make a paste of the onion,ginger,garlic,cumin seeds with a little water in the food processor.
  • In a wok or a deep skillet heat the oil.
  • Add the onion paste and stir every few minutes until it starts changing color a bit and the raw smell disappears (about 5-6 minutes)
  • Add all the spices except garam masala and continue to stir for a minute or two until aromatic.If you find the paste sticking to the bottom add a tbsp of water and stir to mix.
  • Add the tomato puree and cook the mixture on low heat while stirriing at intervals until you see oil separating from the sides.
  • Add the chicken pieces and mix.
  • Add water, salt and garam masala.,Bring to a boil, cover and cook on med and then reduce the heat and continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
  • Garnish with cilantro.
  • Serve hot with rice or roti.

Indian Chicken Koftas

06 | 03 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food! And this week with the temperatures dropping again, they seem like the perfect dish to cook!My Chicken Koftas are Indian Spiced Meatballs with aromatic spices that can make any mealtime special.They’re easy and so flavorful and pair very well with Naan or Pulao or just plain rice!I’ve used ground Chicken here, but you could use any ground meat for this preparation.Its a great dish for entertaining since it can be prepared ahead of time.

chicken kofta

To give a lovely color to the koftas I’ve fried them in a little oil before adding them into the sauce.The addition of coriander adds that freshness and the yoghurt makes them moist!You could skip the frying part and add them straight into the sauce if you wish.The sauce is a tomato based sauce with some cumin and garam masala for those lovely Indian flavors.You just have to let the koftas simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors!A great tasting dish for these cold days and nights!

chicken kofta1

Indian Chicken Koftas

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Ingredients
  

For the Koftas

  • Ground Chicken-1 lb
  • Yoghurt-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1/2 tsp
  • Fresh Coriander-2 tbsp
  • Salt- to taste

For the Sauce

  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Cinnamon stick-1/2 inch
  • Green Cardamom-3
  • Cloves-3
  • Onions-2 medium finely chopped
  • Tomatoes-3 chopped
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Yoghurt-1 tbsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Red chili-paprika-1 tsp
  • Sugar-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Water-2 Cups

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the kofta ingredients and make small balls.
  • Shallow fry if you want a golden color.If not just keep the balls aside to add into the sauce.
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet and the cinnamon,cardamom and cloves.
  • Add the onions and a little salt and saute until golden.Add the ginger,garlic and spices and saute on low for a few minutes.
  • Puree the tomatoes and add them into the onion mixture.Add the salt,yoghurt and continue to cook on medium heat stirring every now and then until oil starts to separate around the edges.
  • Add water and bring it to a boil on high.Check the seasonings.
  • Slowly add the koftas and reduce the heat to medium.
  • Let the koftas simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve hot!

 

Honey Cumin Boneless Chicken Wings with Greek Yoghurt Dip #CookedInTranslation

23 | 01 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

chicken wings2

With Superbowl in sight, our Cooked in Translation team has chosen the perfect dish to try out this time!The theme of Cooked in Translation is to create your own adaptation of a recipe and that’s what makes this so exciting!!The recipe for today is CHICKEN WINGS chosen by our host Azlin Bloor of LinsFood!I’ve used Chicken Tenders or Goujons here because the hubby doesn’t like Chicken Wings with bones.I’m sure there are many people out there who prefer boneless wings like my husband does and why not, its more meaty and tastes absolutely delicious.

chicken wings1

These make for the perfect little bites to enjoy while watching your favorite game and they couldn’t be easier, since they’re made in a skillet!The sauce is a sweet and spicy combination of honey and Sriracha with some toasted Cumin that gives it so much flavor and the lovely color.Talking about Sriracha, I have to admit I’m addicted to it and add it to everything I cook these days!But wait till you try this recipe, it all comes together on the stovetop and I serve these with a simple Greek Yoghurt Dip spiked with cayenne and cumin!Its hot, its sweet,its just perfect for any game night!

greek yoghurt dip1

 

Honey Cumin Boneless Chicken Wings with Greek Yoghurt Dip

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Tenders/Goujons-1 lb apprx 8 pcs cubed
  • Garlic Powder-1 tsp
  • Salt- 1 tsp
  • Pepper-1 tsp
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-2 tbsp

For the Sauce

  • Honey-1/4 cup
  • Sriracha-1/8 cup
  • Toasted Cumin-1 tbsp
  • Unsalted Butter-2 tsp

Greek Yoghurt Dip

  • Greek Yoghurt-1 cup
  • Cayenne-1/2 tsp
  • Toasted Cumin Powder-1 tsp
  • Salt-1/2 tsp

Instructions
 

  • Cut the Chicken into cubes or small pieces.
  • In a skillet, heat the oilve oil and add the chicken pieces with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.Saute unitl cooked through.

Sauce

  • Dry roast some about 2 tbsp of cumin seeds in a pan.Once it changes color and is all crispy transfer into a pestle and mortar or spice grinder and powder it.
  • In a saucepan mix all the sauce ingredients and gently bring to a boil and reduce on low heat.Once the sauce starts to thicken add the cooked chicken wings and mix it all together.
  • Arrange on a platter.Pour the remaining sauce all over.

Greek Yoghurt Dip

  • Mix 1/2 cup of Greek Yoghurt along with a some salt, 1/2 tsp of cayenne and 1/2 tsp of the toasted cumin powder.Serve alongside the chicken wings with some sliced carrots and celery!

See all other yummy interpretations that my friends have come up with!!You can also add your own version of Chicken Wings!


Indian Spiced Tuna Balls (Tuna Chop) #SundaySupper

16 | 12 | 2012
By Soni Sinha

The horrific shooting in Connecticut has left us shaken and saddened. Beautiful, innocent little kids,their lives so inhumanely cut short.My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of these beautiful kids and teachers who were targeted for no fault of theirs.While we’ve all hugged our children a little tighter,embraced them a little longer, enjoyed our family time a little better, let’s not forget that these are the things that matter the most.These little moments of love with our families are priceless and a blessing.

As a Mom, I feel greatful for my life with my kids,my family,the time we spend each day, the little joys, silly laughs,funny antics all of them.The time spent in the kitchen together cooking and baking.Nothing is more pleasing to the eye, than my kids happily enjoying the food I cook for them.In the wake of this incident,these moments feel so precious. I’m praying for the families of those who lost their lives and I hope they find the strength to cope with this tragedy.

tuna chop2

My dish for today is a easy appetizer, that is also a family favorite!My Tuna Balls are easy, bursting with flavor and stuffed with a surprise, Cranberries!Yes, the sweet and tart Cranberries are hidden in the center of each ball and give it so much body.My Tuna Balls have been quite popular with my friends and I think they make a perfect party starter!You can make these ahead and fry at the last minute.The balls are crispy on the outside but very soft and moist on the inside.

tuna chop 4


Indian Spiced Tuna Balls (Tuna Chop) #SundaySupper

Delicious Indian Spiced Tuna Balls with a surprise!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Albacore Tuna in Water-2 5oz Cans
  • Potatoes-3 medium
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1/2 tsp
  • Fresh Coriander- 1/2 cup chopped
  • Jalapeño-1 chopped
  • Cornstarch-3 tbsp
  • Dried Sweetened Cranberries-3/4 cup
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil- to deep fry

Instructions
 

  • Boil the potatoes.Peel and mash using a potato masher.
  • In the same bowl mash the canned tuna and all the other spices,salt, cornstarch and coriander.
  • Take a small amount in your hand and stuff 2-3 cranberries in the center.Cover from all the sides and roll into small balls.Repeat for the whole mixture.
  • In a deep pan heat oil and deep fry the balls until golden.
  • Serve with Sriracha on the side!Serve hot or at room temperature.
 

tuna chop5

Our host this #SundaySupper is the lovely Connie Smith from The Foodie Army Wife and we’re sharing Drinks and Appetizers!Look at the menu for some inspiration for the Holidays.

Holiday Cocktails

Holiday Appetizers or Hors d’oeuvres

Do you have a favorite dish or beverage to take to a party?   We’d love to feature your recipe for holiday parties on our#SundaySupper Pinterest board to share them with all of our followers, too.

Please note – out of respect for those in Connecticut who are suffering from the tragedy that occurred this week, we have suspended the regular twitter chat this week. The posts will be here for you to enjoy, and for future plans. Hug your loved ones a little tighter, and please continue to keep those impacted in your thoughts and prayers