Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

09 | 01 | 2019
By Soni Sinha

My first post in the new year is an all time favorite Eggplant dish that I’m sure you’re going to love. Its an easy side dish to accompany your noodles or fried rice and although it’s very oily I’ve tried to use a little less oil here.:) I’m not very fond of eggplants but this dish really appealed to me when I had it for the first time in a tiny Chinese restaurant in China Town in London. Tender glossy eggplants sautéed with garlic and soy sauce and that hint of sweet and salty in the background was an absolute delight. I’ve been making it ever since and it’s so easy!

This recipe uses Asian Eggplants that are elongated and have a purple skin. You can use any long eggplant for this recipe. They can be cut into thin long strips or diced into smaller pieces like I’ve done here.

eggplant in garlic sauce

I absolutely love garlic and any dish that uses generous amounts of garlic is a sure shot hit in my books. The flavor of the pungent garlic is what’s prominent in this dish. The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, a little rice wine, Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar, some sugar and a little salt. It’s a delightful mix of flavors that spark up this easy and popular stir fried eggplant dish that comes together in less than 30 mins. Enjoy!

eggplant in garlic sauce

Eggplant in Garlic Sauce

A popular Chinese vegetarian dish this Eggplant in Garlic sauce sparks with flavors from garlic,soy and black vinegar that results in a slightly sweet and salty sauce that tastes amazing!
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Cuisine Chinese

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Asian Eggplants diced
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp rice wine
  • ½ tsp sugar
  • 3 tbsp canola oil
  • ¼ tsp salt

Instructions
 

  • Add the diced eggplants into a pot of water with some salt and let it sit for about 15 mins.Drain and pat them dry.
    In a bowl mix the soy sauce,vinegar,rice wine,sugar and salt
    In a wok heat 2 tbsp of oil. Saute the eggplants on high for a 2-3 mins on one side and flip them over.Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side or till they’re slightly golden and tender. Transfer them on to a plate.In the same wok add a tbsp of oil and cook the minced garlic on low heat until they begin to change color making sure to not burn them.Add the eggplants along with the sauce mix.Mix well and cook for another minute.Transfer into a serving bowl immediately.Garnish with spring onions.Serve hot.

Stir fried Quinoa with Vegetables

15 | 06 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

I like a light lunch during these hot summer days and Quinoa fits the bill perfectly.I love the fact that it’s healthy and you can dress it up pretty much any way you want.It soaks up the flavors added to it and tastes amazing.I’ve tried Quinoa with sweet and salty flavors and loved it both ways.Today I’ve made a simple stir fry packed with some vegetables for an easy lunch or dinner.The crunch of the veggies and a hint of ginger in the background is all this dish needs to satisfy your tastebuds.

Stir Fried Quinoa with Vegetables

I first tasted Quinoa in a restaurant in a salad with a sweet orange dressing and it tasted absolutely delicious!Since then I’ve been making it with various combinations and each one has come out good like this  Quinoa Aloo Tikki and my Quinoa Chickpea Stew that are easy to prepare and taste amazing!Its a pantry staple and I typically cook a big batch at a time.That way I have it ready and can use it whichever way I want.

Stir fried Quinoa with Vegetables

The flavors in my stir fry are pretty simple.I start off with browning some onions in oil and add the ginger followed by the veggies before adding the Quinoa.I love adding mint to my rice dishes and have treated this Quinoa dish is a similar fashion by garnishing it with sweet mint. It instantly adds its fresh sweet taste and works nicely with the rest of the ingredients.You could get creative and also add your choice of nuts to this dish if you prefer.Enjoy!

Stir Fried Quinoa with Vegetables 4

 

Stir Fried Quinoa with Vegetables

Stir fried Quinoa with Vegetables

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Ingredients
  

  • Quinoa-1 1/2 cups
  • Water-3 cups
  • Onion-1 large chopped finely
  • Jalapeño- 1 chopped
  • Crushed Ginger-1 inch
  • 1 cup peeled and diced carrot
  • 1 cup diced green pepper
  • 1 cup chopped Baby Bella Mushrooms
  • Mint for garnish
  • Salt
  • Oil-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Rinse the quinoa and add in into a pot with water with a little salt.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and cook for about 15 mis or until the water has been absorbed and the quinoa is cooked.
  • In a separate pan heat oil and add chopped onion and sauté until slightly golden.Add the chopped jalapeño.
  • Add crushed ginger and cook for half a minute and then add the mushrooms.
  • Saute until the mushrooms are golden .
  • Add the carrots along with some salt and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the peppers and mx well.Once the veggies are cooked add the quinoa.
  • Mix well and check the seasoning.
  • Garnish with chopped mint.

 

Aloo Matar (Potatoes and Peas) #Vegan

03 | 12 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

The mix of the damp and cold weather inspired me to make this dish.I love dry stir fried veggies with parathas or puri during this kind of weather.Its a cozy weeknight meal that just screams comfort.I love the crusty layer that the potatoes develop during the cooking process and the peas add their wonderful vibrant color.Its a simple dish that comes together quickly and is a favorite of my kids too!

Aloo Matar

This is a dry version of Aloo Matar that is a tad different from the usual.I boil the potatoes first and then fry them in some aromatic spices like cumin,coriander, turmeric ,chili and amchur (dry mango powder).Amchur is is basically powdered green mango and adds this wonderful citrusy tangy flavor to the dish.Its easily available at your local Indian grocers.Enjoy!

 

Aloo Matar

Aloo Matar (Potatoes and Peas) #Vegan

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Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium Potatoes
  • Frozen green peas- 1 cup
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Red Chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Tomato paste-1 tsp
  • Amchur dry mango powder-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil the potatoes in some water until cooked.Peel off the skin once slightly cooled.Roughly chop them.
  • In a skillet heat the oil and add cumin seeds.
  • Once they crackle lower the heat and add the rest of the spices and tomato paste.
  • Stir for about a minute.If sticking to the pan add about a tbsp of water.
  • Add the chopped boiled potaoes and let it coat in the mixture.Add salt and peas.
  • Mix all together and cook until the peas are cooked.
  • Enjoy!

 

 

Aloo Asparagus (Potato and Asparagus)

09 | 09 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

 

Aloo Asparagus

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables and I love to experiment with it in different ways.This recipe I have for you today combines Asparagus with Potatoes.Typically this dish is made using just potatoes,but teaming it with Asparagus was a brilliant idea and was a hit even with my kids!

Aloo Asparagus

This dish is called ‘Bhujia’ and is a staple in the states of UP and Bihar in India.Its a simple stir fry that requires minimal ingredients and tastes great with some roti/naan along with some dal (lentils) for a simple weekday supper.The potatoes are cooked first and a non stick pan or cast iron skillet would work best since you don’t want them to stick to the pan.They’re cooked until they develop that lovely golden color and the asparagus is added a little later towards the end since they don’t take long to cook.This dish has lovely flavors from the garlic,turmeric and red chili.A family favorite that’s super easy and healthy too!Enjoy!

Aloo Asparagus 2

Aloo Asparagus

Aloo Asparagus (Potato and Asparagus)

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Ingredients
  

  • Potato-3 medium diced
  • Asparagus-1 bunch
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Red chili or paprika-1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Trim the tough ends of the Asparagus and chop them into 1/2 inch pieces and dice the potatoes.Wash and pat dry.
  • In a skillet heat the oil and add the cumin seeds.
  • Once they splutter, add the potatoes along with the turmeric and some salt.Lower the heat to medium and cover.
  • Keep stirring every few minutes until more than halfway cooked and add the asparagus.
  • Add the crushed garlic,red chili/paprika,salt and mix well.
  • Cook for another 6-8 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

 

 

Tofu Asparagus Jalfrezi

23 | 04 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Good weather motivates me to get into my kitchen and create some exciting recipes!This time round gorgeous Asparagus are in season and that got me thinking, “why not use them in my Indian cooking?”.I love crunchy vegetables and Asparagus is one of my favorites.They’re super easy to cook, hardly require any preparation and they’re healthy in vitamins and minerals.Combine them with some Tofu and Peppers and you have one irresistible dish that’s to die for.Its an Indian stir fry that is super easy and makes for a great side dish.

Tofu Asparagus Jalfrezi

Jalfrezi is a dry stir fry that uses onion,tomatoes and peppers along with chilies and you can make it using your favorite meats or veggies.The vegeterain version is typically made using Paneer,but Tofu is a great alternative.My kids love Tofu and I’ve been using them instead of Paneer in most of my Paneer dishes of late.I love the taste and texture once they’re shallow fried in a little oil to get those crispy edges.

Tofu Asparagus Jalfrezi 2

My Tofu and Asparagus Jalfrezi has some amazing flavors going on with the onions,garlic,ginger and the spices.Adding Asparagus was a genius idea and once it gets coated in these flavors its out of this world.The Peppers along with the Asparagus add their lovely color and crunch and the Tofu absorbs all the wonderful spices.The whole dish has this lovely spring feel to it and its a new family favorite.Enjoy.

Tofu Asparagus Jalfrezi

Tofu Asparagus Jalfrezi

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Ingredients
  

  • Extra Firm Tofu-13 oz
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • Whole Red Chili-2
  • Onions-2 sliced
  • Crushed Ginger-2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili or paprika-1 tsp
  • Tomatoes-2 sliced
  • Sliced Red and Orange Peppers-2 cups
  • Asparagus-1 bundle chopped
  • Oil-2 tbsp plus 3 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Squeeze excess water from the Tofu by pressing between your hands and cut them into long pieces.
  • In a wok add about 2 tbsp of oil and saute the Tofu on medium high heat until golden.Transfer onto a tray.
  • In the same wok heat oil and add cumin seeds until they splutter.
  • Add the sliced onions and chili.Saute until translucent.
  • Add the ginger and garlic and saute until the raw smell disappears.
  • Add all the spices and mix well until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes and cook for about 4-5 minutes until tomatoes are cooked.
  • Add the Peppers and Asparagus and cook for about 5-6 minutes until they're cooked through but not overcooked.
  • Add the fried Tofu and mix well.Check the seasonings.Serve hot.