Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Couscous Tabbouleh for Father’s Day #SundaySupper

16 | 06 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Its Father’s Day and I’m extremely lucky to be blessed with two wonderful men in my life.My Dad and my hubby , two very different individuals but without them my life would be incomplete.My Dad has been the driving force behind my love for all things food and I’ll always be grateful to him for that.His unconditional love and support in everything I do means a lot to me.My hubby has also loved and encouraged me every step of the way and I’m dedicating this post to him.He has been an amazing father to our children.Right from the very beginning he has been a very hands-on Dad and has had no qualms about changing their nappies as many times as required!He has taken-up all his Daddy duties quite happily and actually enjoys it.He’s been wonderful with both our kids and his love for them is evident all the time, every time.He loves to play with them,act silly with them,just enjoys his time with them!If he sees me busy with my blog stuff he makes sure to take them out so that I can finish off my work peacefully!Seriously, I couldn’t have asked for a better father for our kids!

Couscous Tabbouleh

Today I’m making a dish that he is very fond of.Its the Couscous Tabbouleh!I recently discovered Tabbouleh on Ina Garten’s “Barefoot Contessa” on Food Network and immediately decided to try it.Tabbouleh is a Middle Eastern Salad traditionally made with Bulgar wheat, but you can also substitute Couscous or Quinoa or even Orzo!Its a light and healthy salad bursting with flavors from the Parsley, Mint,Cucumber and Tomatoes.It can be adapted to suit your own taste and you could also add nuts and dried fruits to the mix.I love to add dried Sweetened Cranberries in mine.My hubby absolutely loves it and cannot get enough of it lately 🙂 I’ve made this dish many times these past few weeks along with my Grilled Chicken for an easy weeknight dinner!

Couscous Tabbouleh 1

Its a great salad for a potluck since it can be prepared ahead of time.In fact it tastes better if it sits in the refrigerator for some time for the flavors to blend.Its got the crunch, the tang,the sweetness and the mint compliments the parsley beautifully to balance the flavors.A great tasting summer salad you’ve got to try!

Wishing all the Dads a ‘Very Happy Father’s Day ‘!

Couscous Tabbouleh 2

Couscous Tabbouleh

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Ingredients
  

  • Whole Wheat Couscous-1 cup
  • Water-2 cups
  • English Cucumber-1 cup chopped
  • Tomatoes-1 cup chopped
  • Mint leaves-1 cup chopped
  • Flat leaf Parsley-1 cup chopped
  • Dried Sweetened Cranberries-1/2 cup
  • Zest and juice of 2 lemons
  • Garlic-2 cloves-crushed
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-3 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Pepper-1 tsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pot heat the water with a little salt and bring it to a boil.
  • Add the couscous,turn off the heat,mix it and cover it.Let it stand for about 2 minutes.After 2 minutes fluff it with a fork.Your couscous is ready.
  • In a large bowl add the Olive Oil, garlic,lemon juice ,zest,salt and pepper.Mix well.
  • Add all the other ingredients and the Couscous and mix well.Check the seasonings.
  • Cover and refrigerate for about an hour.Serve chilled.

The lovely Isabel of Family Foodie and founder of SundaySupper is hosting this special event and we’ve got a great line-up of delicious recipes to please the Dads on this Father’s Day!

Dad’s Favorite Main Dishes: 

Dad’s Favorite Appetizers and Sides: 

Dad’s Favorite Desserts

Sunday Supper is not only a movement, but our contributors have become more like a family.   Happy Father’s Day to all the amazing families in this group!  Without your love for family, the Sunday Supper Movement would not be what it is today.  May you enjoy a day filled with love Around the Family Table!

Come celebrate Father’s day with the Sunday Supper Team! We would love to have you join our Twitter #SundaySupper chat starting at 7:00 pm EST. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag throughout the day to see the amazing recipes. We look forward to seeing you.  To join all you need to do is follow the#SundaySupper hashtag and share your favorite tips and recipes. Be sure to check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and photos.

Black Bean and Mango Salad #SundaySupper #Dairy,Egg and Gluten Free

09 | 06 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Mangoes are in season and I only just remembered that I haven’t posted any mango recipes of late.Well, the recipe I’ve got for you today is a tasty salad/side dish for this season and has the sweet, salty and tangy element that I’m so fond of in my food.Its great for a crowd and can be assembled in no time.Its a dish that’s also Diary,Egg,Nut and Gluten Free and that’s what we’re focussing on today for our Sunday Supper!’FREE FOR ALL’ foods that are either Fat free,Gluten free,Dairy Free,Egg Free or Nut Free for people who are either intolerant or choose to avoid certain foods.Well, we have over 30 recipes for you today featuring various “free for all’ dishes that will blow you away!

Black Bean and Mango Salad

I’m a big Mango lover and love to use them in both sweet and savory dishes.This salad came about one afternoon,when I was searching my pantry for some lunch ideas and spotted the can of Black Beans forlornly calling my name.It had been sitting there ignored for some time and I really felt sorry for it!

Really, I did.

I immediately took it out and my eyes wandered around the kitchen until I spotted the fruit bowl with fresh juicy Mangoes!Next thing I knew I was peeling off the skin of the mangoes and with a little-bit-of-this and a little-bit-of-that thrown in,my lunch was ready within ten minutes!The Black Beans were bouncing with joy being tossed around with the mango and cilantro and they did seem quite happy 🙂

Black Bean and Mango Salad 1

The toasted crushed cumin and chat masala are the Indian elements in this salad and add a lovely nutty, tangy flavor to it.If you like some heat then add the Jalapeños (I added some in mine!).Either way,its delicious!

Black Bean and Mango Salad #SundaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 10 oz Can of Black Beans
  • Ripe Mangoes-2 peeled and cubed
  • Cumin Seeds-2 tsp
  • Lime Juice-2 tbsp
  • Cilantro-2 tbsp chopped
  • Jalapeño optional-1 chopped
  • Salt-to taste
  • Pepper-1/2 tsp
  • Chat Masala-1/2 tsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pan toast the cumin seeds until aromatic and slightly browned.Once cool,crush them using a pestle and mortar.
  • Drain and rinse the black beans.
  • In a bowl toss all the ingredients and put in the fridge to let the flavors come together.
  • Serve chilled.

Our friend Bea from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen is hosting this wonderful event and if you’re looking for any ‘free for all’ recipes,then you’ve come to the right place 🙂

Breakfast

  • Dairy, Egg, Gluten, Nut & Soy Free Brown Rice Breakfast Pudding bygirlichef
  • Dairy & Nut and Sugar Free Blueberry Tangerine Muffins by Vintage Kitchen
  • Dairy, Egg, Gluten, Nut, and Soy Free Homemade Mango Jam Recipe byMasala Herb

Main Courses

Sides
Breads

Treats

Drinks

sunday supper Sneak Peek: 45+ Fabulous Summer Berry Recipes for #SundaySupper
Be sure to join our Twitter #SundaySupper chat party starting at 7:00 pm EST today, June 9th, 2013. Follow the #SundaySupper hashtag throughout the day to see the amazing recipes. We look forward to see you 🙂 to join all you need to do is follow[ the #SundaySupper hashtag and please do not forget to include the hashtag in your tweets as well. Be sure to check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and photos.

Look what we’re sponsoring! Come join us in sunny Orlando, this July!

Learn more at www.foodandwineconference.com

 

 

Mini Strawberry Cheesecake with Walnut Crust #SundaySupper

02 | 06 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Come Summer and we start craving for foods that cool us off and provide much needed relief from the heat!Fresh fruits,salads,ice-creams,cool desserts are always welcome!Recently, I received some delicious Walnuts from California Walnuts that I have been enjoying for my snack!Our Sunday Supper featuring ‘Summer Berries’ seemed like the perfect opportunity to use them since my Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes have a Walnut Crust!Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Mini Strawberry Cheesecake with Walnut Crust 7.jpg

Wait till you taste it!Its out of this world delicious and just the perfect little bite for a sweet treat at any time!These couldn’t be easier and did you know they’re also secretly healthy?You’re very welcome. 🙂 The process starts in the food processor when the walnuts are crushed to resemble crumbs and the butter and sugar are added into the mix.I love the Walnuts in the crust and they impart a rich deep flavor to it.The filling consists of Reduced Fat Cream Cheese and Greek Yoghurt that make these treats even more enjoyable without feeling guilty.The sweet juicy Strawberries just complete the look and give them a fresh sweet taste that makes you crave for more and more.A cute dessert perfect for these hot summer days!

Mini Strawberry Cheeecake with Walnut Crsut 5

Mini Strawberry Cheesecakes with Walnut Crust

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Ingredients
  

For the Crust

  • Ground Walnuts-1 1/2 cups
  • Melted Butter-4 tbsp
  • Sugar or honey-2-3 tbsp

For the Filling

  • Reduced Fat Cream Cheese-8 oz room temperature
  • Egg-1 room temperature
  • Greek Yoghurt-2 tbsp
  • Vanilla Extract-1 tsp
  • Sugar-1/4 cup

For the Topping

  • Fresh Sliced Strawberries

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • In a food processor place the Walnuts and pulse them until a crumb consistency.
  • Add the butter and sugar and pulse again.
  • Line a mini muffin pan with muffin liners.
  • Evenly divide the mixture among the liners and press with your fingers all over.
  • In a bowl using your electric mixer beat the softened cream cheese and egg until creamy.
  • Gradually add the sugar and beat until smooth.
  • Add the Greek Yoghurt and vanilla and beat until combined.
  • Pour a tbsp or two on prepared muffin cups.
  • Bake until the cheesecakes are puffed and set in the center about 17-20 mins.
  • Transfer the pan to a wire rack and let it cool in the pan and then transfer into a tray and cool completely.
  • Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.Garnish with sliced strawberries and serve.

This event is hosted by our lovely Nicole from Daily Dish Recipes  and we have an amazing recipe collection using “Summer Berries”!!

Breakfast & Brunch

Sweet & Savory Berry Recipes

Jams, Jelly, Sauces & More

Desserts

Cocktails, Drinks & Smoothies

Party Planning

sunday supper Sneak Peek: 45+ Fabulous Summer Berry Recipes for #SundaySupper

Check back on Sunday for all of wonderful Summer Berries recipes! We’d love if you joined our #SundaySupper chat on   Twitter too: we’ll tweet throughout the day and share all of our recipes. Then at 7:00pm EST we’ll start our weekly chat. Please jump in anytime and join us!  To join in, just follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets. You can also check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and photos.

 Look what we’re sponsoring! Come join us in sunny Orlando, this July!

Learn more at www.foodandwineconference.com

 

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks #SundaySupper

26 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather has played a dampener this weekend that is so unusual for this time of the year!The kids were looking forward to our pool opening,but the weather Gods had something else in mind, I guess!Our Sunday Super team is definitely unfazed by the weather pattern and we’re here to lift your spirits up with some mouth watering picnic ideas!!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

I’ve got my scrumptious Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with a spice blend of Coriander,Fennel,Cumin,Red Chilies,Cinnamon and Cloves that gives it some great flavors.I toasted the spices in a pan until the air in my kitchen was filled with a warm aromatic scent and then transferred the mixture into my spice grinder.You could use this as a spice rub for various meats or fish too!So good!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 4

I marinated these overnight and broiled them the next day until all nice and golden on all sides.Drumsticks are the perfect finger foods for a picnic and are adored by adults and kids alike!Pack it with some salad or grill them right in the picnic area if you have the facility and you’ve got  a great picnic dish that couldn’t be any easier!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 3

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks

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Ingredients
  

Indian Spice Blend

  • Coriander Seeds-3 tbsp
  • Cumin Seeds-1 1/2 tbsp
  • Fennel Seeds-1 tbsp
  • Cinnamon-1 inch
  • Cloves-4
  • Dry Red Chili-2

For the Marinade:

  • Chicken Drumsticks-7-8 pieces
  • Thick Yoghurt-1 cup
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Indian Spice Blend-2 tbsp
  • Oil-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Chaat Masala optional-1 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pan toast all the spices on low heat until aromatic making sure to not burn it.
  • Transfer into a spice grinder and coarse grind the spices.
  • In a ziplock bag mix all the marinade ingredients except oil and keep it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
  • When ready arrange on a greased foil lined baking sheet,drizzle oil all over and broil until all golden turning the drumsticks every now and then to develop color on all sides.
  • Brush the sides with the remaining marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Sprinkle some lemon juice and chaat masala all over and serve warm!

This wonderful event is hosted by the lovely Katy of Happy Baking Days and our group has some amazing picnic ideas for this season!Get inspired 🙂

Salads and Slaws:

Sandwiches and Mains:

Desserts:

Drinks:

Check back on Sunday for all the recipes! You can join in the chat on Twitter too: we’ll tweet throughout the day and share all of our picnic recipes. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. To join in, just follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets. You can also check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and photos.

Easy Saag Paneer

16 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Today I’ve got for you a dish that’s extremely popular all across the globe.A North Indian delicacy,its hard not to love the rich, thick creamy spinach with succulent almost melting Paneer chunks ready to be scooped with an Indian Flatbread!The fresh vibrant color just brightens up any plate and can make anybody hungry!Its a weekly staple in our house since my kids adore this dish so much!

Saag Paneer 1

The flavors in Saag Paneer are mild compared to other curries and its a great way to get some Iron and Protein into your diet.You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this dish.I typically pick up fresh Baby Spinach from the salad section in grocery stores that’s pre-washed.Saves time and effort!

The process starts with boiling the Spinach in hot water to just wilt it and then puree it.Once you have the pureed mixture you prepare the sauce that consists of onions, tomato puree and some spices.The pureed spinach and the Paneer is then added into the sauce and simmered.You can use some sour creme or heavy cream to finish off the dish if you like.

Saag Paneer 6

You don’t have to visit an Indian Restaurant to enjoy ‘Saag Paneer’.Enjoy it in the comfort of your own home 🙂 Delicious flavors and gorgeous color this is one amazing dish from the land of the exotic!

Saag Paneer

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Ingredients
  

  • Fresh Spinach-2 Packets 6oz each
  • Paneer- 250 gms
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • 2 medium Onions-chopped fine
  • Crushed Ginger- 2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Tomato - 2
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin- 1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Sour creme or heavy cream-1 tbsp
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Salt- to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil the spinach for two minutes in a cup of water.Once its cool, puree until all smooth.
  • Puree the tomatoes.
  • Cube the paneer and keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet and add the cumin seeds.
  • Once it splutters add onions and saute until slightly golden.
  • Add ginger and garlic and saute until raw smell disappears.
  • Add the tomato puree and spices,salt and cook on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the pureed spinach and paneer and let it simmer on medium heat until paneer is soft.Add a little water if its too thick.
  • Add the sour creme or heavy cream.Turn off the heat.
  • Serve hot with Roti or Naan!