Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Spiced Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat’s Cheese

06 | 11 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

You know when you’re out for your groceries and you tend to pick up a few items just randomly.Well I did just that .In fact I do just that all the time.

You do too?

That makes me feel so much better.

Spiced Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat's Cheese 1.jpg

And imagine your excitement, when you incorporate all those items in your dish and it turns out to be a success!

Well, I had my AHA moment over the weekend in my kitchen trying to use three ingredients that I bought,namely some Sweet Potatoes,Kale and Goat’s Cheese.

Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat's Cheese 3

I’d initially planned on making some Sweet Potato fries,but then,I also had to use the other two ingredients in some way.I found the perfect solution in the way of these bites, where in I could incorporate all three and besides,who could resist such a healthy starter?

I peeled up my Sweet Potatoes and sliced them at an angle.That’s probably the only tricky part in this recipe and if you’re not very comfortable using your knife just slice it normally in rounds or long slices.Once they’re sliced all you do is coat them with the spices and bake them in the oven.

Spiced Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat's Cheese 2.jpg

Its that easy.

The Kale is then sautéed along with some garlic and olive oil and makes the perfect topping for these bites.A layer of Goat’s cheese goes next and I’ve used Chevre with Honey that gives a perfect sweet balance to the dish.The Cumin and Cayenne add that spicy heat element to my Sweet Potatoes that I love.The Kale is a nice contrast texture, color and flavor-wise and also makes this appetizer super healthy.Its bursting with flavor and I couldn’t stop eating them once they were ready!So so good!You have to try it to believe.

Spiced Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat's Cheese.jpg

 

Spiced Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat's Cheese

Spiced Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat’s Cheese

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Ingredients
  

  • Chevre with Honey-1/4 log
  • Sweet Potatoes-3 sliced at an angle
  • Ground Cumin-2 tbsp
  • Cayenne or Red chili Powder-1/2 tsp
  • Salt- to taste
  • Olive Oil-2 tbsp

For the Kale

  • Fresh Kale leaves chopped-3 cups
  • Crushed Garlic- 1 clove
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt- to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Mix all the spices and coat the sliced Sweet Potatoes on both sides.
  • On a foil lined oiled baking sheet, arrange the Sweet Potatoes in a single layer.Drizzle Olive Oil all over on both sides.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes until you see them turning slightly golden.
  • Turn off the oven.Arrange them in a tray using tongs.
  • Meanwhile in a pan heat the olive oil.Add the crushed garlic followed by Kale.Add a little salt and cook just until they've wilted just a little.
  • Empty in a bowl and keep aside.

To assemble

  • Top about a tbsp of Kale on top of each Sweet Potato bite followed by some roughly crumbled Goat's Cheese.Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

Sweet Potato Kheer(Pudding) #IndianDesserts #Diwali

03 | 11 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Happy Diwali to you all!

I hope you all are having a great day today.I’been busy in my kitchen trying to cook a few of our favorite dishes.The first one being my Aloo Gobi and how can you not have a dessert to celebrate a festival!Today, I’ve got for you a super easy and scrumptious Sweet Potato Kheer or Pudding that comes together in no time.All you need is a few ingredients from your pantry and you’re all set.

Sweet Potato Kheer(Pudding) 1

I have to admit though that I’ve never made this pudding before.It was just a result of having to use up some Sweet Potatoes that I recently bought.Since Sweet Potatoes are the flavor of the season, I thought to myself, ‘why not use them in a Pudding?’.This pudding does not contain any eggs as do most Indian Puddings.It still comes out creamy and delicious.

Sweet Potato Kheer(Pudding) 4

I have another confession to make.I love eating raw peeled Sweet Potatoes.

What?

You’ve never tried a raw Sweet Potato before?

Don’t tell me.

Sweet Potato Kheer(Pudding) 2

Just try it one time and if you’re anything like me, you’ll love it.I don’t know how it all started.But all I remember is that I once had some teeny tiny extra bits that I was about to throw away, but they ended up in my mouth.

I know.I do things like that.There is this crunch,this sort of earthy sweetness, not too overpowering, but still enough for your tongue to taste it.I love it.

Anyway coming back to my dessert, all you need is some Saffron, some crushed Cardamoms and Cashews from your pantry.Its creamy, its sweet, it has this redolence so unique to Indian Desserts that comes from the Saffron and Cardamom and you taste them all in every bite.You could serve it warm or chilled.Enjoy!

Sweet Potato Kheer (Pudding)

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Ingredients
  

  • Sweet Potatoes-2 large peeled
  • Whole Milk-1 1/2 cups
  • Sugar-1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp
  • Crushed Green Cardamom-1/2 tsp
  • Saffron strands-1/4 tsp
  • Cashews-to garnish

Instructions
 

  • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
  • Put them in a pot with some water just enough to cover them.
  • Bring to a boil and cook covered on low for about 10 minutes or until they're cooked.
  • Drain the water and mash the sweet potatoes in the same pot.
  • Add the milk, sugar and saffron and bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes until its all creamy and the liquid has reduced.
  • Add the crushed Cardamom and turn off the heat.
  • In a small pan add a tbsp of ghee and fry some cashews until golden.
  • Serve the pudding in individual bowls and garnish with the cashews.Serve warm or chilled.

 

 

 

Aloo Gobi for #Diwali

02 | 11 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

This Sunday,Hindus,Jains and Sikhs all over the world will be celebrating Diwali the festival of lights.Its a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and is marked by lighting up our homes with lots of Diyas (earthen lamps),Lanterns,Candles and colorful lights.Back home,in the evening fireworks light up the skies and people cannot get enough of burning fire crackers in their yards! Families get together to celebrate and enjoy with sweet and savory delicacies.Its the biggest festival in the Hindu Calendar and preparations start days in advance.For us though, the celebration this year is subdued without my Dad, but I know he’s smiling down and giving us his blessings.Miss him.

Aloo Gobi

In my family there’s always been a set menu for Diwali consisting of a few dishes that Mom makes every year.I try to cook some of them over here, just to connect with that fervor back home. Aloo Gobi is one such dish that’s a firm favorite around any festival in my house and also one of my most favorite vegetable dishes of all time.It has bold North Indian flavors going on and its a family recipe that you won’t find on the menu in any Indian restaurant.The taste is unbelievable.I love the flavor of Cauliflower and the Potatoes when they’re shallow fried in a little oil just to get those golden edges all around before adding them into the sauce.This process gives this dish a unique flavor and transforms it into something special.

The sauce consists of onions,garlic,ginger along with some spices that includes Black Cardamom (Badi Illaichi).

Aloo Gobi Curry 1

Black Cardamom is easily available at your Indian grocer and unlike Green Cardamom it cannot be used in desserts.It has this dense smoky flavor and a little goes a long way. You put the whole thing into your food processor along with the rest to make a paste.That becomes the base for your sauce.The mixture is then added into the wok and cooked with some spices before adding the cauliflower and potatoes.This is a dish meant for special occasions and comes out great every single time.Enjoy with some warm Naan bread ,Rotis or my Vegetable Pulao.

Here’s Wishing all my readers a Very Happy Diwali glowing with Peace,Joy and Prosperity!

Diwali

 

Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi

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Ingredients
  

  • Potatoes-2
  • Cauliflower Florets-2 cups
  • Bay Leaf-1
  • Medium Onion-1
  • Garlic Cloves-4-5
  • Ginger-1 inch
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • Black Cardamom-1
  • Cinnamon-1/2 inch
  • Tomato-1 medium chopped fine
  • Ground Coriander-1 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chili Powder or paprika-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-5-6 tbsp
  • Water-1 1/2 cups

Instructions
 

  • Peel and cube the potatoes into about 2 inch cubes.
  • In a food processor add the onions,garlic,ginger,cumin, cardamom and cinnamon.Add a little water to make a paste.Puree until smooth.Keep aside.
  • In a wok or a skillet heat 2-3 tbsp of oil on high and add the potatoes and cauliflower.
  • Add some salt and turmeric and saute until you see them turn slightly golden about 3-4 minutes on high.
  • Empty on a plate.
  • In the same wok add 3 tbsp of oil and add a bay leaf and the pureed onion mixture.
  • Saute the mixture on medium until the raw onion smell disappears.
  • Add the chili,coriander,cumin,turmeric and some salt and continue to saute until aromatic.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until oil separates.Add the cauliflower and potatoes.
  • Mix well and saute for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the water, bring to a boil.Lower the heat,cover with a lid and cook until potatoes are tender and cauliflower is cooked.Make sure that the cauliflower is not over cooked and still has a bite to it.
  • Check the seasonings.
  • Serve hot with naan, rotis,puris or rice!

 

 

 

 

Easy and Fast Dinners with Campbell’s Dinner Sauces #CampbellSauces

31 | 10 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The thought of making dinner after a busy day can be quite daunting for anybody.Especially when you’re trying to feed a family and looking for something fast and easy to cook.I’m constantly looking for shortcuts that help me on a busy day without compromising flavors and variety since we love to have different foods and flavors in our house.Not only in the good times but also in times when food is the last thing on your mind like it has been for me this past month,I love the ease and convenience of Campbell’s Dinner Sauces that proved to be a life saver. [Read more…]

Roasted Tomato Soup and Croutons

25 | 10 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

With temperatures dropping each day, its time to get cozy with a warm bowl of soup for dinner. Comforting, healthy and delicious, soups are a staple in my house in the cooler days. My kids love it with a grilled cheese sandwich and we just enjoy ours with some crunchy croutons and crusty bread.

My homemade Tomato Soup develops a rich flavor achieved by roasting the tomatoes along with some garlic, herbs and olive oil. The tomatoes along with the juices are then transferred into a saucepan and cooked along with some broth and finished off with a splash of half and half. Its creamy, slightly sweet and absolutely delicious!

Roasted Tomato Soup 1

For the Croutons I just cube some bread, drizzle some olive oil all over and bake it in a preheated oven for 10 minutes until golden and crispy. Couldn’t be easier.

Roasted Tomato Soup and Croutons

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Ingredients
  

  • Large ripe Tomatoes-4-5 quartered
  • Garlic Cloves-3 sliced
  • Thyme – 1 tsp
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil- 2 tbsp
  • Chicken or Vegetable Broth-2 cups
  • Salt- to taste
  • Pepper- 1/2 tsp
  • Brown Sugar-1 1/2 tbsp
  • Half and Half-3/4 cup

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Place the tomatoes on a sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil,salt,pepper,garlic and thyme.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are softened.
  • Transfer all the contents including the juices and all into a deep pot.
  • Add the stock,sugar,salt and bring to a boil and cook for about 5-10 minutes.
  • Transfer into a blender and puree the soup.Be careful to not burn since it will be really hot.
  • Transfer the puree back into the pot.Add the half and half and cook for another minute or two.
  • Your soup is ready.Arrange croutons and serve immediately.

For the Croutons

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Cube 3-4 bread slices and drizzle some olive oil and salt.
  • Arrange in a single layer on a cookie sheet.Bake for 10 minutes until golden.