Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

28 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Temperatures dropping yet again.Seems like there is no respite from this brutal cold even this week.The one thing that we look forward to during this weather is socializing with our friends.The kids have fun and so do we.And with the big Game on this weekend,I’m looking forward to getting together with our friends and enjoying the day.I have to admit that for me it’ll still be all about the food and less about the game.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

The dish I’ve got for you is an old favorite with an Indian twist.I’m not talking wings here,but Stuffed Mushrooms.I love them to bits and this time round I played with some shredded cabbage that I bought from Trader Joe’s.You might be wondering why Cabbage?Well, Cabbage to me is perfect as a filling in many ways.I love the crunch,the lovely texture and it pretty much takes up any flavor that’s added to it.Shredded Cabbage is also used in Pot Stickers,Vegetable Spring Rolls and rolled up into balls in Indian Koftas.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

The addition of Indian spices along with the ginger compliments the cabbage and it just seems perfect with the meaty mushrooms.And if that isn’t enough, its also super healthy and great as an appetizer or even a side dish with your entree.I’ve used Portobello Mushrooms,but you could also use Cremini for this dish.Enjoy with friends or on your own.This dish will cheer you up even if the weather doesn’t.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired 1.jpg

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired .jpg

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

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Ingredients
  

  • Portabello Mushrooms-6
  • Shredded Cabbage-2 cups
  • Onion-1 small
  • Ginger-1/2 inch crushed
  • Ground cumin-1/2 tsp
  • Ground coriander-1/2 tsp
  • Salt-to tatste
  • Shredded Mozzarella
  • Bread Crumbs
  • Olive Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • With a sharp knife cut out the mushroom stems.Chop them into small pieces.
  • In a skillet heat the oil and saute the onions until translucent.
  • Add the ginger and saute for a minute.Add the spices and mix well for two-three minutes on medium heat until aromatic.
  • Add the mushroom stems.Saute for a bit.
  • Add the cabbage and salt.Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until still crunchy but cooked enough.
  • Stuff about a tbsp or two of the cabbage mixture into each Mushroom,press gently.Cover with some shredded mozzarella.
  • Sprinkle some olive oil mixed with bread crumbs and bake on a greased baking tray for about 15-18 minutes until golden and the bottom of the mushrooms are dry.

Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas #SundaySupper

19 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Tapas has got to be one of my favorite foods.I first got a taste of it in London when my husband and I went to a Tapas bar and I was hooked!I loved every single one that we tried.The small delicious portions are just perfect with a few beverages and its a great party idea!Irrespective of whether you are meat eater or a vegetarian there’s something for every one.

Chorizo with Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas.jpg

I feel that the idea of serving small portions of a combination of appetizers or entrees is the best way to enjoy different flavors instead of a big meal and I could have these EVERY SINGLE DAY.

My recipe today involves Sweet Potato and some delicious Chorizo!I’ve used Smoked Chorizo here that adds that amazing smokiness to the dish.You all know how much I love Sweet Potatoes.I’ve used them in these amazing Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat’s Cheese that’s also a great party starter.Coming back to this dish,spicing the sweet potatoes with some cumin and cayenne worked for me just fine.This Tapas has got the sweet,salty,smoky,spicy and the hubby couldn’t stop himself from finishing off the whole thing.Its that good.

Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas 3.jpg

Chorizo with Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas.jpg

Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas #SundaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • Chorizo-3 sliced from the middle and diced
  • Sweet Potato-3 peeled and diced
  • Red Onion-1 small
  • Garlic-2 cloves crushed
  • Red Chili flakes-a generous pinch
  • Cumin-1 tsp
  • Cayenne-1/8 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pot boil the sweet potatoes with some water until fork tender about 10 minutes.
  • In a skillet heat a tbsp of oil and add the chorizo.Cook until golden.Transfer onto a bowl.
  • Discard the fat and add another tbsp of oil.
  • Saute the onions for about a minute.
  • Add the garlic and saute.
  • Add the cumin,red chili and cayenne.
  • Mix well and add the sweet potato until well combined.
  • Add the chorizo back and mix all together.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

This event is hosted by the lovely Conni from the Foodie Army Wife and we’ve got an amazing Tapas menu for you!Look no further!

Here’s what’s on the Table:

Stuffed Green Queen Olives with Garlic Infused Olive Oil from MarocMama
Cheesy, Tortellini Tapas & Spicy Bacon Ranch Dip from Daily Dish Recipes
Black-Eyed Pea Cowboy Caviar from Shockingly Delicious
Goan Beef Croquettes from Masala Herb
Giardiniera Salad from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Bacon Wrapped Calamari from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Patatas Bravas from Supper for a Steal
Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Bites from The Foodie Army Wife
Agave Truffles from Killer Bunnies, Inc
Pear, Brie, and Honey Crostini from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Tomato Bread from girlichef
Clams in Green Sauce (Almejas en Salsa Verde) from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Roasted Tomato-Basil Flatbread from Take A Bite Out of Boca
Herb and Citrus Marinated Olives from Magnolia Days
Smoky Paprika Peppers from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Balsamic Raspberries with Mascarpone Cream from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Gambas al Ajillo from Manu’s Menu
Squid in Garlic Chili Olive Oil from Food Lust People Love
Tortilla Española from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Croquetas de Pollo from Cookin’ Mimi
Low-Carb Salmon Croquettes from Yours And Mine Are Ours
Bruschetta Topping from What Smells So Good?
Herb Roasted Almonds from Curious Cuisiniere
Artichoke Heart and Manchego Spread on Fried Garlic Bread from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Tortillita de Camarones from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Patatas A La Riojana (Rioja-Style Potato & Chorizo Stew) from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Gambas al Ajillo y Clementina (Shrimp with Garlic and Clementines) from FoodieTots
Tortillas De Papa y Atun (Tuna and Potatoes Tortilla) from Basic N Delicious
Pocky Cake Pops from NinjaBaking.com
Chorizo Filled Dates Wrapped in Bacon from I Run For Wine
Manchego-Stuffed Spanish Meatballs from The Weekend Gourmet
Roast Onions with Blue Cheese and Pine Nuts from Healthy. Delicious.
Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas from The Texan New Yorker
Blueberry and Lemon Yogurt Quesada from In The Kitchen With KP
Chorizo with Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas from Soni’s Food
Chorizo and Manchego Toast Tapas from Family Foodie
Roasted Bone Marrow with Citrus Salad from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Mushroom Chevre Crostini from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Serrano Ham and Manchego Croquetas with Smoked Pimenton Aioli from My Other City By The Bay
Krab Filled Avocado Tapas from from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
Polenta Crostini Bites with Caramelized Mushrooms: Cicchetti – A Venetian Tapas Traditionfrom La Bella Vita Cucina

Martin Redmond is here to give you the perfect recommendations: Best Wines To Pair With Tapas from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Sunday Supper Movement

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter every 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.

Chicken Shami Kebab #SundaySupper

12 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Happy Second Birthday Sunday Supper!Its hard to believe that it’s been two years since Sunday Supper began.I’m so inspired by all our talented chefs,cooks,writers,moms who’ve been a part of our Sunday Supper group and learn from them all the time.We’re growing each day and its just great fun to get together and cook for our families.Thanks to Isabel for creating this diverse group and carrying this movement forward.

Chicken Shami Kebab

I joined Sunday Supper in May 2012 with this recipe and it has been an amazing journey.There have been many memorable moments but one stands out clearly and that was during Hurricane Sandy when we all came together and dedicated our posts to the people affected by it.Our neighborhood was also affected although not as badly as the coastal areas of New Jersey, but in our own way our Sunday Supper group raised awareness and asked people to donate to the organizations that were helping in the rescue efforts.This shows the other side of our group where we don’t just talk about food but also help,support and care for our communities.

Chicken Shami Kebab 1

I’m sharing with you an all time favorite recipe to honor this occasion.I’m extremely fortunate to have grown-up in a family where special delicacies like these were a regular feature.Thanks to my Dad, I ate home cooked Biryani almost every Sunday and Kebabs like these were served when my parents entertained (which again was pretty often).

Chicken Shami Kebab

Shami Kebab is indigenous to the city of Nawabs-Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India and was introduced by the Moghuls. Its traditionally made using Ground Goat Meat, but I’ve used Ground Chicken over here.The meat is first boiled with Split Pea Lentils (Chana Dal) along with some whole spices and then ground to make a paste.The paste is then mixed with egg, mint and cilantro and shaped into round patties to be fried until golden.Its definitely a dish for a special occasion and I thought it would be perfect for our celebration!The subtle flavors from the spices,the sweetness of the mint and the smooth texture is what makes this extra special.Its succulent,moist and insanely delicious served alongside some Mint Chutney.Enjoy.

Chicken Shami Kebab

Chicken Shami Kebab #SundaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • Ground Chicken Thighs-2 lbs
  • Onion-1 medium chopped
  • Garlic Cloves-8-10
  • 2 inch Ginger-chopped
  • Split pea Lentils soaked overnight-1/2 cup
  • Coriander Seeds-2 tsp
  • Cumin Seeds-2 tsp
  • Black Peppercorns-1 tsp
  • Whole Cloves-1 tsp
  • Green Cardamom-5
  • Cinnamon-2 sticks broken in half
  • Salt-to taste
  • Water-1 cup

Additional ingredients

  • Eggs-2
  • Chopped Mint- 1/2 Cup
  • Chopped Cilantro-1/2 Cup
  • Oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a large pan heat about 2 tbsp of oil and add the onions and the next 10 ingredients.Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat, cover and cook until the chicken is cooked and the water has evaporated completely.
  • Once ready discard the green cardamom and cinnamon stick.
  • Transfer the mixture into a food processor and blend to make a paste.
  • Empty into a deep mixing bowl and add the additional ingredients.
  • Using your hands make small round patties.
  • Deer fry or shallow fry in batches until golden on both sides.
  • Serve hot with your favorite chutney.
  • Enjoy!

This event is hosted by the lovely Liz from That Skinny Chick can Bake and we’ve got some amazing stories and recipes shared by our group!

Brilliant Breads and Breakfast Fare:

Amazing Appetizers and Cocktails:

Spectacular Soups and Salads:

Enticing Entrees:

Decadent Desserts:

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.

SundaySupper

 

 

Spicy Mac and Cheese Patties with Curried Mayonnaise for #KraftyCooking

08 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

This post is part of a case study for “Google Plus for Brand Awareness”.All opinions are my own.

I’m excited to participate in this case study involving some well known faces on Google Plus who came up with this concept.The idea is to show brands how they can have a wider appeal by using Google plus to promote their products.For this purpose, we were asked to come up with a recipe using Kraft ‘Mac and Cheese’ or ‘Cracker Barrel Cheese’.I had a pack of Kraft Mac and Cheese and decided to go ahead and do something with it.

Spicy Mac and Cheese Patties

If you’ve been reading my blog you know how much I love appetizers.And this time was no different.My mind went straight to create an appetizer but a spicy hot version.I used Jalapeños and some Cayenne for that kick and I have to tell you that this is not for the faint hearted.Its spicy,its hot and its addictive.

Kraft Mac and Cheese

The patties are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.Since they’re not particularly low cal I’ve made them smaller for portion control.I serve them on a bed of lettuce with some curried mayonnaise that balances the heat and also adds a smooth sweet element to the appetizer.The combo tastes delicious and comes together pretty quickly.Serve it for your game night and see it disappear in no time!

Spicy Mac and Cheese Patties 4

Spicy Mac and Cheese Patties with Curried Mayonnaise for #KraftyCooking

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Ingredients
  

For the Patties

  • Cooked Mac and Cheese-2 cups
  • Plain Bread Crumbs-1/4 cup or more plus more for coating
  • Egg-1
  • Jalapeños-2 seeded and chopped
  • Cayenne- 1/8 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-2 tbsp to pan fry

Curried Mayonnaise

  • Mayonnaise-3/4 cup
  • Curry Powder-1 tbsp
  • Honey-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Pepper-1/4 tsp

Instructions
 

  • Mix the patty ingredients in a bowl.If needed add some more bread crumbs.Shape to form small round patties using your hands.
  • Take some bread crumbs in a platter and coat the patties on both sides.
  • In a non stick pan heat oil and add the patties.Cook on medium until golden on both sides.

Curried Mayonnaise

  • Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.Check seasonings.
  • Arrange patties on a platter along with the mayonnaise.Serve hot.

 

 

 

 

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