Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Gobhi Musallam (Whole Roasted Cauliflower) for #Holi

12 | 03 | 2017
By Soni Sinha

It’s Holi, the festival of colors and we’re celebrating! While I’ve shared my Hara Bhara Kebab and Kheer (rice pudding) with you in the past for Holi, the recipe I have for you today is apt for this festive occasion. Its a Mughlai recipe from Northern India called Gobhi Musallam meaning whole cauliflower and it’s a stunning dish that easily becomes the center piece of any table. It’s a unique way to enjoy cauliflower proudly standing in all its glory.

Gobhi Musallam

Cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetables and I’m always looking to expand my repertoire of cauliflower recipes. This dish has been on my list for quite sometime and I finally got around to making it using this recipe. I’ve had it on numerous occasions but never tried it myself until now and I have to tell you that it’s absolutely delicious! Even more so when it’s homemade! The best part is that it looks and sounds like a complex dish but you’ll be surprised to know that its actually pretty easy.The process starts with blanching the cauliflower and preparing the creamy sauce. The cashews have to be soaked for at least a couple of hours before you start the process. The mix of onions, ginger, garlic, spices and tomato is sautéed and then blended in the food processor along with the soaked cashews. The spice paste is then poured all over the cauliflower and baked in the oven until tender. You can make the spice paste ahead of time and bake it on the day. Its a great recipe for parties and gatherings and popular with guests.

The flavors from the spices coat the cauliflower and its ready to be devoured with your favorite bread. This dish is a culinary delight and goes to show the depth of flavors in the Indian subcontinent and the different cooking techniques that differentiate the phenomenal from the mundane. This is phenomenal. Enjoy and Happy Holi!

Gobhi Musallam (Whole Roasted Cauliflower)

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium Cauliflower whole
  • 10 Cashew nuts
  • 1 large Onion chopped
  • 2 Tomatoes chopped
  • 5 cloves Garlic chopped
  • ½ inch Ginger chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground Coriander
  • 1 teaspoon Red chili powder powdered dried red chilies
  • 1 teaspoon Garam masala
  • 2 teaspoons Kasoori Methi Dried Fenugreek Leaves
  • ½ teaspoon Turmeric
  • Coriander leaves for garnish
  • Salt
  • Oil-3 tbsp and 1 tbsp to drizzle

Instructions
 

  • Heat the oven to 395 degrees F
  • Soak the cashews in some water for 2 hours.
  • In a tray cut the outer part(green stem) of the cauliflower.
  • In a deep pot bring to a boil enough water with a tsp of turmeric and salt to submerge 3/4 of the cauliflower.Let it boil for 5 mins on one side.Gently flip the cauliflower upside down and let it boil for 5 mins on the other side.Strain the cauliflower and keep aside.
  • In the meantime heat oil in a pan and saute the onions, ginger and garlic until onions become translucent.
  • Add the chopped tomato and all spices except kasoori methi.
  • Cook on medium heat with a little salt until tomatoes are soft.Let the mixture cool down.
  • Once cooled blend the mixture along with the soaked cashews to form a smooth paste.
  • Heat a tbsp of oil in the same pan and transfer the paste.Add kasoori methi,salt and cook for a few mins.
  • Place the cauliflower in a oven proof dish and pour the spice paste all over covering it completely.Drizzle a tbsp of oil all over and bake it in the oven for 30 mins.
  • Once ready take it out of the oven and garnish with coriander leaves.Serve hot.

 

Paneer Tikka Potato Poutine Bites #IdahoPotato #SundaySupper #FWCON

10 | 01 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

It’s National Sunday Supper Day!! I have been with this wonderful group for the past 4 years since joining in May 2012 and it has been an amazing journey!Sunday Supper is committed in their mission to bring back Sunday Supper around the family table in every home.You can also take the Sunday Supper pledge by clicking on this link.Our founder Isabel is a very inspiring woman with the way she has led and continues to lead our group. It has been a pleasure to share over 70 recipes for our Sunday Supper and I’m looking forward to many many more!!This day is even more special since we’re partnering with Idaho® potatoes in creating some delectable Poutine-Inspired recipes to celebrate our four-year anniversary!!Wait till you see the line-up we have for you!

Paneer Tikka Potato Poutine Bites

You know that I love potatoes!My recipes using potatoes are far too many to share here but I particularly loved using Idaho® potatoes in my Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells and they’re always popular with our guests. Idaho® potatoes’ Russet Potatoes are my favorite and I use them in most of my potato recipes.Idaho® potatoes have a unique taste and texture due to ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich Volcanic soil. Look for the “Grown In Idaho” seal to get top quality Idaho® potatoes in  your grocery stores.

Spicy Roasted Potatoes

I loved this Poutine Challenge thrown at us by Idaho® potatoes and decided to give my own Indian-Inspired spin on Poutine. Poutine is classic French Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy that I first tasted in Montreal.It was to die for! It has now gone global with chefs creating their own versions in different parts of the world! For today’s recipe I’ve come up with a savory spicy paneer tikka served over some garlicky roasted Potatoes that have been sliced and coated in warm aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala. I’ve made an Indian masala sauce to drizzle over these beauties and I have to tell you that they’re absolutely phenomenal!

Paneer Tikka Potato Poutine Bites 1

Paneer is an Indian cheese that’s easily available these days at your local grocers or if you’re lucky to have Indian grocers nearby. You can also make it at home following this recipe. The paneer is cubed and marinated in yoghurt and some spices for a few hours to soak the deliciousness and then grilled until nice and golden. The potatoes are coated in a spice mix and roasted in a preheated oven and deliciously crispy. Indian masala sauce consisting of onions, tomato, spices and cream is drizzled over the assembled poutine bites and the robust flavors tease your palate like none other. The contrasting flavors from the smoky paneer tikka on top of the crispy spicy potatoes smothered in a slightly sweet and rich creamy sauce is pure joy! Enjoy!

Paneer Tikka Potato Poutine Bites #IdahoPotato #SundaySupper #FWCON

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

Paneer Tikka

  • Paneer-8-10 oz
  • Greek yoghurt or thick plain yoghurt-1/2 cup
  • Crushed ginger and garlic-1 tbsp
  • Tandoori masala-2 tbsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Oi

Crispy Spiced Roast Potatoes

  • 3 large Idaho® Russet Potatoes- washed and sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
  • Garlic powder-1 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Paprika-1 tsp
  • Salt
  • Oil

Masala sauce:

  • Finely chopped onions-1/2 cup
  • Crushed Ginger-1/2 tsp.
  • Crushed Garlic-1/2 tsp.
  • Garam masala- 1 tsp.
  • Tomato puree-1 cup
  • Sugar-1 tsp.
  • Water-1 cup
  • Cream- 1/4 cup
  • Salt to taste
  • Butter or oil-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

Paneer Tikka

  • Mix all the ingredients and let it marinate for about 3-4 hrs. In a foil lined greased baking sheet arrange the paneer cubes and broil on low for about 10-12 minutes turning them over midway until slightly golden. Cut them into small pieces when cool enough to touch.

Crispy Spiced Potato

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a greased roasting tray mix the potatoes with spices and oil and spread evenly. Bake for 30 mins until slightly golden and crispy.

Masala Sauce

  • In a pan heat butter or oil and add the onions and sauté until golden. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for about a minute.
  • Add the spices and mix well. Add the tomato puree and sugar.
  • Stir and continue to cook on low heat for about 6-7 minutes.
  • Add water, bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for a about 5 minutes.Blend into a smooth paste.Pour the mixture into the same pan.
  • Add the cream. Turn off the heat. Mix well and check the seasonings.

To serve

  • Arrange the potato in a serving tray. Top with the paneer tikka pieces and drizzle the sauce all over.Enjoy!

For more information about Idaho® potatoes visit their:

Website: https://idahopotato.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/famousidahopotatoes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/idahopotato
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idahopotatoes
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/idahopotato/

Idaho-Potato-Logo-2015

More Creative Poutine Recipes from the Sunday Supper Tastemakers!!

Breakfast:

Appetizers:

Main Dish:

Plus: Poutine Variations for National Sunday Supper Day from Sunday Supper Movement

contest (1)

Help us celebrate National Sunday Supper Month by entering the Idaho® Potato Let’s Poutine recipe contest, sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, with prizes of $500, $200 and $100, plus a ticket for each winner to Food Wine Conference 2016. All the rules and conditions for entry can be found on our Sunday Supper Movement website.

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.

To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board..To see some amazing Potato Recipes featuring Idaho® Potatoes check out our Idaho® Potatoes Pinterest Board!

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

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are those of the individual bloggers.

Indian Spiced Roast Salmon #SundaySupper

03 | 01 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Happy New Year!!!As we start the new year with new resolutions and promises I hope that you’re able to achieve all that you’ve set out for this year!I personally don’t keep new year resolutions but after all the partying for the past few weeks and gobbling up copious amounts of food, its always a good idea to start the year with light and healthy meals.The recipe I have for your today is perfect for your busy weeknights and flavored with Indian spices and served alongside a simple salad.

Indian Spiced Roast Salmon 4

We love Salmon and I’m constantly experimenting with different ways to cook it.This recipe came about as a result of being time-constrained (aren’t we all!) and in-between kids’ activities and we loved it!The Salmon is perfectly coated in all those delicious spices and it comes on the table in no time!I’ve served this as an appetizer too using cubed fish instead of the long fillets.Its always a hit with my guests and super simple to make.Enjoy!

Indian Spiced Roast Salmon

Indian Spiced Roast Salmon #SundaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • Salmon fillets-5
  • Canned Crushed tomato or tomato puree-3/4 cup
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander -1 tsp
  • Garam masala- 1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Paprika-1 tsp
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 470 degrees
  • In an ovenproof dish mix all the ingredients except the Salmon.
  • Add Salmon and mix well.
  • Drizzle some oil all over and bake for 15-20 minutes.(Keep an eye to make sure to not burn the fish)
  • Once done,place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes just until the edges turn slightly golden.
  • Serve with your favorite salad.

January is a special month for Sunday Supper since its also our 4 year anniversary PLUS we’re celebrating National Sunday Supper Month!Our kick-off event for National Sunday Supper Month this Sunday features the recipes of dozens of Sunday Supper tastemakers.Take a look!

Appetizers and Soups

Main courses

Side dishes

Desserts

 

 

Help us celebrate National Sunday Supper Month by entering the Idaho® Potato Let’s Poutine recipe contest, sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, with prizes of $500, $200 and $100, plus a ticket for each winner to Food Wine Conference 2016. All the rules and conditions for entry can be found on our Sunday Supper Movement website.

Sunday Supper MovementJoin 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.

To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

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

 

Indian Spiced Roasted Fennel and Goat Cheese Salad

13 | 08 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

Hello!!

I’ve been missing in action since I was away on a family Holiday to the UK. It’s our second home since the hubs and I have family there and we’ve lived in various parts of UK including London, Walsall and Edinburgh. We had a great time meeting our families, attending my cousins’ engagement ceremony and also got to meet an old school friend after 20 years!!Our trip also involved going down the memory lane and showing our kids our old place in London and favorite local areas apart from the famous landmarks.The trip was fantastic and the weather gods were very kind since we had some gorgeous days with plenty of sunshine. Here are some pics from our London trip.

London

Just before we left for our holiday, I made this amazing salad that I have to share with you. You know how much I love Fennel. The sweet flavors reminiscent of licorice and anise are very refreshing and my favorite way to use them is by roasting them until they’re slightly golden and the flavors come through. Some other examples of using fennel are over here and here. But this recipe I have for you today has it all.The flavors, the richness, the elegance and the ease of the oven doing the work for you.

Indian Spiced Roasted Fennel Goat Cheese Salad

I like to use Indian spices in my roasted vegetables. Ground Cumin and coriander work perfectly with almost anything. Adding garlic is imperative while roasting veggies. Don’t you agree? My last minute idea of adding some smooth and delicate goat’s cheese is the icing on the cake here that does wonders to this salad. The complex flavors from the spices and the garlic with the sweetness of the fennel combined with the tangy creamy goat’s cheese is all you need in your life. Trust me.

Indian Spiced Roasted Fennel and Goat Cheese Salad

 

Indian Spiced Rosted Fennel and Goat Cheese Salad 3

Indian Spiced Roasted Fennel and Goat Cheese Salad

Indian Spiced Roasted Fennel and Goat’s Cheese Salad

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Ingredients
  

  • Fennel-2
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garlic powder- 2 tsp
  • Paprika or mild red chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Salt
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-2 tbsp
  • Fresh Goat cheese-small log about 5 ounces

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven at 400 degrees.
  • Discard the hard outer shell and slice the fennel into strips.
  • In a baking sheet add the fennel along with cumin,coriander.paprika,garlic,salt and oil.Mix well
  • Spread evenly all over the tray and bake for about 12-15 minutes until slightly golden.
  • Crumble goat cheese all over and bake for another 2-3 minutes until slightly melted.
  • Enjoy!

Top 10 Recipes of 2013

05 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Its the start of the New Year and I’m so glad 2013 has ended.It will forever be the most difficult year of my life, having lost my Dad .I still cannot believe that he’s gone and I yearn to hear his voice, his phone calls, his messages and struggle with it everyday.

To add to the pain,my Mom had a health scare just two days before the year ended.Thankfully she’s stable now and recovering.The last few months have been extremely hard for me and made me see life in a totally different way.Events like these make you appreciate the value of life and teach you to enjoy every moment with your near and dear ones because you don’t know what the next moment has in store for you.

While 2013 was extremely difficult for me personally, it was a great year for my blog in terms of growth and I also got to work with some well known brands like Campbells, Bertolli and Gourmet Garden to name a few.I look forward to working with these brands again and add many more to the list in 2014.

In-spite of so much turbulence going on in my life, YOU my dear readers were always here reading my stories and encouraging me with your kind words.Every time you visit my site,comment,read a recipe, you motivate me to keep cooking and sharing my recipes with you.It has helped me immensely and kept me going throughout and I have to thank each and every one of you.

“I Wish you all a Very Happy New Year and I hope that this Year brings lots of cheer, happiness and prosperity for you all”.

I leave you with a list of my Top 10 Recipes of 2013 in order of their popularity and you can click on the links below to view the recipes.Enjoy!

  1. Easy Paneer Tikka Masala
  2. Indian Spiced Sweet Potato Patties
  3. Easy Saag Paneer
  4. Tandoori Gobhi
  5. Easy Indian Lemon Chicken
  6. Indian Spiced Roasted Eggplant
  7. Quinoa Potato Cakes (Quinoa Aloo Tikkis)
  8. Healthy Banana Muffins
  9. Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)
  10. Almond Flour Apple Crumble

Top 10 Recipes of 2013