Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Grape Chutney

29 | 10 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Sweet Chutneys are an important condiment in Indian cuisine.In recent years they’ve reserved their place in the global arena too, satisfying the sweet salty cravings of many.Who doesn’t love a good mango chutney!The sticky shiny texture and that sweet aroma is enough to make you start craving for a spoon instantly.Indian chutneys are made in various different ways depending on the region you are from.Mom always makes it using Panch Phoran (Indian five spice) consisting of a mix of aromatic seeds like cumin,nigella,fennel,black mustard and fenugreek.The spice mix is easily available at your local Indian grocers.

Red Grapes

The recipe I have for you is a Red Grape Chutney that tastes as good as it looks.Its a great way to use up all those extra fruits lying around.You could use any fruit you desire to make your chutneys.Cranberry chutney is a firm favorite during Thanskgiving.The process is fairly simple as you only need a few ingredients to bring it all together.The whole process takes about 20 mins and you have a mouthwatering home-made chutney waiting to be devoured.

Grape Chutney

The dark color and the amazing flavors from the spices and the ginger is just pure joy.You can taste the smoky, salty, sweet all together.I love to spread it all over my toast for a delicious breakfast or a snack :).Enjoy!

Grape Chutney 2

Grape Chutney

Grape Chutney

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Ingredients
  

  • Red seedless grapes-2 cups
  • Panch Phoran Indian five spice-1 tsp
  • Fresh crushed ginger-1/2 inch
  • Brown sugar-1/2 cup
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Water-2-3 tbsp
  • Salt-1 tsp

Instructions
 

  • Wash the grapes and cut them in half.
  • In a pot heat the oil and add the panch phoran.
  • Once it crackles lower the heat and add the ginger.Stir for about half a minute.
  • Add the grapes,brown sugar,salt and water.
  • Cover and cook on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes or until the grapes are fully cooked.
  • Mash it all up with a masher.
  • Taste the seasonings.
  • Allow to cool.Store in the referigerator for a week.Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

Healthy Pumpkin Coconut Squares

13 | 10 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

You might be thinking that I’m on a Pumpkin high these days.And to be honest I am.Right from the savory to sweet, I just can’t seem to get enough of Pumpkin.And that is why ‘fall’ is such a beautiful season.I get to enjoy Pumpkin goodness to my heart’s content.The recipe I have for you today was an experiment that just turned out to be spot on in terms of flavors,texture and a healthy treat.Don’t you just love when that happens?

Healthy Pumpkin Coconut Squares 5

My pumpkin squares are extremely easy to make and taste incredible.My kids just couldn’t wait to finish these off and I had to request them to let me take the pics first!I’ve used Almond Flour here and Agave instead of sugar that makes this a healthy indulgent treat using minimal processed ingredients.Making this couldn’t be any easier since the whole mixture literally requires just a mixing bowl and spoon.

Healthy Pumpkin Coconut Squares

The pumpkin pie spice flavors remind you of the gorgeous season we’re in right now and the pumpkin coconut combo works its magic.The squares need a little chill time in the fridge to set and to be cut into squares and all ready to be gobbled up.Enjoy.

Healthy Pumpkin Coconut Squares

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 15 oz Can of Pumpkin puree
  • Almond flour-3/4 cup
  • Shredded Coconut-1/2 cup plus some to sprinkle over the top
  • Agave syrup-1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp
  • Pumpkin Pie spice mix-1 tsp
  • Baking soda-3/4 tsp
  • Salt-1/4 tsp
  • 2 large eggs
  • Butter or cooking spray for greasing the pan

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Grease a 9x9 baking dish with cooking sray or butter.
  • In a mixing bowl mix all the ingredients making sure they're clump free.
  • Transfer into the greased dish and smooth the top using a spatula.Sprinkle some shredded coconut over the top.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes until the edges are golden.
  • Cool completely and chill in the fridge before cutting into squares.
  • Enjoy.

 Recipe Adapted from The Detoxinista

 

 

Leek and Potato Soup

16 | 09 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

“Here comes the morning chill
the leaves falling on the ground so still
the beaming sunshine
the soft breeze
kissing me softly on my cheeks
as I sit down by my window
staring at the wonder
of nature in all its splendor
Of birds singing
Of trees swaying
to the tune of the soft Autumn wind”

Leek and Potato Soup

Today we got a glimpse of Autumn when we woke up to cooler temperatures for the first time this season and I instantly decided that I had to make soup for dinner.It just seemed the perfect day to enjoy some warm soup to warm us up.I was also reminded that I had some gorgeous leeks that needed to be used and Leek and Potato Soup came to mind.

Leek and Potato Soup 2

I love the simplicity and the delicate balance of flavors that this soup has to offer.Leek and potatoes are a classic combination and with minimal ingredients its just the perfect food to warm and comfort you on a cold night.I’ve tried to make it healthier by omitting cream and just going with 2% milk and water combo.You could also use stock instead of water.Its a family favorite.  Enjoy!

Leek and Potato Soup

Leek and Potato Soup

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Ingredients
  

  • Leeks-2 bunches cleaned and chopped
  • Large potatoes-2 peeled and diced
  • Onion-1 medium chopped
  • Butter-2 tbsp
  • 2 % Milk-1 cup
  • Water-1 cup
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a pot heat the butter and saute the onion until translucent.
  • Add the leeks.Saute for another minute.
  • Add the potatoes, milk, water, salt and pepper.
  • Once it comes to a boil, cover , reduce the heat and continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fully cooked.
  • Check the seasonings.
  • Carefully transfer into a blender or use a hand blender and blend until all smooth.
  • Garnish with your favorite herb and serve hot.

 

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!

 

 

Nectarine Crumble

01 | 09 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Crumble or Crisp using seasonal fruits are a family favorite and my kids love them to bits.There’s plenty of Nectarine available these days and although I’ve made crumble using apples and berries on numerous occasions,this one was on the cards for sometime.I finally tried it last week and the kids loved it.Needless to say,it disappeared in no time.One of the easiest desserts that literally requires no effort,it’s also my favorite for a crowd.

Nectarine Crumble

This is an eggless dessert that’s also nutritious with the addition of Rolled oats and brown sugar.It requires no fancy presentation or garnish.Its full of pure flavors from the fruits inside and the rich crumbly buttery topping that makes its such a satisfying treat all year round.You can use any fruit of your choice including Apples,peaches, berries or plums.

Nectarine Crumble 2

The combination of brown sugar and cinnamon is enough to tempt any dessert lover.And we love our warm desserts here.A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream is all you need to taste the magic.Not to mention the amazing aroma that fills your house.Mmm seriously good stuff.

Nectarine Crumble 3

Nectarine Crumble

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Ingredients
  

Filling

  • Nectarine-4-5 cored and sliced
  • Cinnamon-1/2 tsp
  • juice of one lemon
  • Brown Sugar-1/4 cup
  • All purpose flour-2 tbsp

Topping

  • All purpose flour-1 cup
  • Rolled Oats-1 cup
  • Ground Cinnamon-1 tsp
  • Brown sugar-1/2 cup
  • Chilled unsalted butter-1 stick or 8 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a baking dish mix all the filling ingredients.
  • Mix the topping ingredients in a food processor or by hand until they resemble bread crumbs.
  • Cover the fruit mixture with the topping and bake in the oven for about 40-45 minutes until the top is slightly golden.
  • Serve with vanilla ice-cream or whipped cream.