Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Semolina Balls (Suji Laddoo) for Mother’s Day #SundaySupper

12 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Making these Laddoos was more than just a process.It brought back memories of fun filled times in the kitchen with Mom as she sautéed the semolina ever so gently making sure to not burn it.The sweet aroma of the semolina in the Ghee wafted through every corner of the house.I patiently watched her mix all the other ingredients and waited for her to ask me to help her roll them at the end.The laughter,the mess,the rolling of these balls,the taste testing all have their own little importance in this vastness of life.I’m thankful to my Mom for teaching me the importance of these little tiny moments that have stayed with me till today.I also believe that food plays such an important role in all this.Mom’s cooking has always been amazing and even though I try to recreate her recipes in my own kitchen, they always lack the same depth of flavor.Maybe its just her love that makes foods taste so good!

Semolina Balls 1

As a Mom to two kids myself, I can see my kids’ memories shaping up around food too.We spend a fair amount of time in the kitchen during the weekends where they like to step in and help me in whatever I do and I love to surprise them by making their favorite foods and see their happy faces light up!These Semolina Balls were quite the surprise since I don’t make Indian Desserts that often and I know they’re not going to last long!

Semolina Balls 5

The use of coconut oil is what’s unique about this recipe and I can’t seem to get enough of it lately!Traditionally you would use Ghee to make any Indian Dessert, but if you’re using Coconut the use of Coconut Oil makes sense.

Soft,moist and delicious these Laddoos are healthier and a perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth!I love the crunch from the almonds and the toasted coconut along with the nutty semolina and I think this would make any Mom happy 🙂

Semolina Balls (Suji Laddoo)

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Ingredients
  

  • Fine Semolina-1 1/2 cups
  • Sliced Almonds-2 tbsp
  • Shredded Coconut-3 tbsp
  • Coconut Oil-3 tbsp
  • Crushed Cardamom-1 tsp
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk-1 cup
  • Water-1/2 cup or more if required

Instructions
 

  • In a pan heat the Coconut Oil and saute the almonds until slightly golden.Keep aside.
  • In the same pan add the shredded coconut and toast until slightly golden.Keep aside.
  • Add the semolina and saute on medium heat until slightly golden and a nice aroma develops.Keep stirring constantly to avoid burning at the bottom.
  • Mix the almonds and the coconut into the semolina.
  • Transfer into a mixing bowl and add the condensed milk.Mix together and check for sweetness.Add the water while still warm and start shaping the mixture into small balls.
  • Cool and store in airtight container.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful Moms out there!Our Mother’s Day event is organized by the lovely Heather from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks and you’ve got to see the wonderful menu we have!

Mother’s Day Brunch:

Mother’s Day Entrees:

Mother’s Day Sides:

Mother’s Day Desserts and Drinks:

Don’t forget to join the #SundaySupper chat on Twitter today to celebrate Mother’s Day! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share our delicious recipes. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. 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 delicious recipes and food photos.

Do you have your ticket to the Food and Wine Conference yet? If not, there will be a special $100 discount available tonight only on the full conference pass if you participate in the #SundaySupper twitter chat from 7 to 8pm Eastern Time, and purchase your ticket during the chat. The discount code is: SundaySupper.  We hope to see you there!

 

Roasted Curried Cauliflower

07 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

If you’ve been reading my blog you would very well know by now how much I love roasting my veggies!There’s so much flavor that you can extract out of any vegetable just by roasting them!The best part is they’re super easy and you don’t end up using your pots and pans that prevents the mess around the stove top and makes cleaning a breeze!I serve roasted vegetables as a side dish with my Indian and Non-Indian meals very often and now even my kids have started enjoying them!

Roasted Curried Cauliflower 1

Cauliflower is one vegetable that I’ve always loved even as a kid. My kids also love it as much as I do and I make it a point to cook it at least once a week. From heath perspective its something you’d want to make very often since its full of antioxidants and fiber.As a great source of Vitamin K it contains anti-inflammatory properties too.Source

Roasted Curried Cauliflower.jpg

This preparation I have for you today is very simple.All you need is curry powder,salt and chili powder.The fact that I’ve sliced the cauliflower all the way makes for a delightful presentation and its quicker too.I’ve also garnished it with some toasted coconut since it pairs well with curry powder.Simple yet flavorful this is one amazing side dish for any table!

Roasted Curried Cauliflower.jpg

Roasted Curried Cauliflower

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Ingredients
  

  • Medium Cauliflower- sliced into 1/2 inch slices
  • Curry Powder-2 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Red chili or paprika-1/4 tsp
  • Shredded Coconut-1 tbsp
  • Oli-2-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  • Toast some shredded coconut in a dry pan until slightly golden.Keep aside.
  • Rub the cauliflower with the spices on both sides.
  • Drizze some oil all over.
  • Roast on a greased baking sheet for about 20 mins until all golden.Sprinkle the toasted coconut all over.
  • Serve hot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Couscous Cakes

03 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Couscous is on the menu today!The tiny jewels of semolina granules coated in wheat flour is packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals.The key to a good couscous lies in the flavor you add to it, since its quite flavorless on its own.It cooks quickly and is the perfect lunch when you’re in a hurry!I’d picked up a packet of Whole Wheat Couscous from Trader Joe’s with the purpose of using it in some way and looked up the web for some inspiration.I came across Giada’s Recipe for Couscous Cakes that sounded unique with an Indian twist and I instantly knew I had to try it!

Couscous Cakes

I made some changes to the original recipe by using parsley instead of coriander and added some dried cranberries and almonds for some tart and crunch that works perfectly.The lemon zest gives a nice fresh flavor to the dish and the star of the dish clearly is the Mango Chutney that has all the delicious spices and ginger and juicy bits of mango that you get every now and then.

Couscous Cakes 1

The cakes turned out great and I really enjoyed all the flavors together!You can make these cakes ahead and store them in the refrigerator until required.Just shallow fry them at the last minute and serve your guests.A lovely recipe with an Indian touch that’s surely a keeper 🙂

Couscous Cakes

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Ingredients
  

  • Whole Wheat Couscous-1 cup
  • Egg-1
  • Egg Yolk-1
  • Mango Chutney-1/3 cup
  • Ground Coriander-1 1/2 tsp
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Lemon Zest-1 tbsp
  • Dried Cranberries-1/4 cup
  • Sliced Almonds-1/4 cup
  • Chopped Parsley-1/2 cup
  • Plain Flour-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Pepper- 1/2 tsp
  • Olive Oil- to shallow fry

Instructions
 

  • Cook couscous according to the instructions.
  • Add all the ingredients except Olive Oil and mix together.
  • Heat a skillet with some Olive oil.
  • Wet your hands with a little water and take a small amount of the mixture.
  • Form round shaped patties and shallow fry them until golden.
  • For easier frying you can also refrigerate the cakes for about 30 mins before frying them.
  • Serve hot!

Couscous Cakes 3

Baked Lemon Coconut Risotto #SundaySupper

28 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

So many times you come across recipes that look and taste really good, but you’ve never tried making them yourself.Either its the technique or the process or for whatever reason, you’re scared to give it a try.You’ve drooled over them on the web, you’ve ordered them in restaurants and you’ve always wanted to try making them in your kitchen.Well, Sunday Supper is tackling exactly those kinds of recipes today and I’m so excited 🙂

For me the Risotto is one such recipe that I’ve always admired from afar.I order it in the Italian Restaurants,I’ve had it with so many different combinations asparagus,shrimp,mushrooms, but I’ve never attempted to cook it myself!Well today I did it!I made RISOTTO!!Please bear with my craziness but I’m just so so happy that it turned out lip-smackingly delicious!!!

Baked Lemon Coconut Risotto

Although technically its not the perfect way of cooking a Risotto since its baked not cooked on the stove-top by slowly adding the stock ladle by ladle,I found this baked version so much easier without any of that effort!I tweaked the original recipe by using Coconut Milk and Lemon that gives this dish so much flavor and richness.The subtle hint of coconut in the background combined with the tang from the lemon is just incredible!Its so light and refreshing with the grated parmesan and fresh parsley!I’m in love 🙂

Baked Lemon Coconut Risotto 1

Baked Lemon Coconut Risotto

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Ingredients
  

  • Arborio Rice- 3/4 Cup
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-1 tbsp
  • Onion-1 chopped finely
  • Dry White Wine-1/4 Cup
  • Coconut Milk-1 1/2 Cups
  • Low Sodium Chicken Broth-1/2 cup
  • Salt- to taste
  • Pepper-1/8 tsp
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Lemon Zest-1 tbsp
  • Butter-1 tbsp
  • Fresh Parsley- for garnish
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese-1/4 cup

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  • In an Oven proof sauce pan or dutch oven heat the olive oil.
  • Add the onions and saute until translucent for about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the Rice and stir for about a minute.
  • Add the White Wine and cook until all of the wine has evaporated.
  • Add the coconut milk, chicken broth, salt and pepper.
  • Bring it to a boil, cover and transfer into the oven.Bake for about 25 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven and stir the lemon juice, lemon zest,butter and parsley.Add a little more broth if you want it more creamy. Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan all over.
  • Serve immediately!

Thanks to our SundaySupper host Conni Smith from The Foodie Army Wife, who chose this wonderful theme!We’re sharing with you our culinary conquests in our kitchens!!Please scroll down for the amazing menu we have for your today!

New Expeditions (Sides, Starters & Staples)

Homemade Corn Tortillas from Pescetarian Journal

Easy Oven Polenta from Shockingly Delicious

Homemade Spiced Flour Tortillas from Chocolate Moosey

Naan from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks

Homemade Tofu from Kimchi MOM

Indian Moong Beans from Magnolia Days

Baked Lemon Coconut Risotto from Soni’s Food

Homemade Peanut Butter from Home Cooking Memories

Homemade Ricotta Cheese from Webicurean

Portuguese Chorizo Bread from Family Foodie

Grand Quests (Main Dishes)

Traditional Pork Tamales from Gourmet Drizzles

Braised Lamb Brisket with Lemon Oregano Yogurt Sauce from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen

Rice Burger from The Urban Mrs.

Pan-fried Scallops with Garlic Chili Linguine from Food Lust People Love

Miso-Glazed Salmon from The Foodie Patootie

Penne with Mustard and Chives from My Other City By The Bay

Arepas Rellenas (Stuffed Arepas) from The Wimpy Vegetarian

Spanish Baked Scallops from Momma’s Meals

Black Beans and Cheese Empanadas from Basic N Delicious

Pork Dim Sum from Small Wallet, Big Appetite

Venison Steak Gyros from Curious Cuisiniere

Baked Tilapia with Parmesan Basil Sauce from Growing Up Gabel

Vegetarian Hortobagyi Pancakes from Happy Baking Days

Caribou & Andouille Chili from The Foodie Army Wife

Escapades (Sweet Treats & Spirited Companions)

Vegan Chocolate Mousse from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen

Zebra Cake from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Multilayer Bars from What Smells So Good?

Rut-Busting Wines For New Cooking Adventures from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows from Vintage Kitchen

Strawberry Raspberry Fruit Leather from Juanita’s Cocina

Making Macarons – FAIL! from girlichef

Macaroons from Noshing With The Nolands

Fresh Strawberry Frozen Yogurt from The Messy Baker

Bircher Muesli from Peanut Butter and Peppers

Hello Kitty Rice Krispies from The Ninja Baker

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls from In The Kitchen With KP

Dorie Greenspan’s Orange Almond Tart from Hip Foodie Mom

Ombre Mini Cakes from Daily Dish Recipes

Chocolate Dipped Madeleines from Big Bear’s Wife

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, April 28th to talk all about our foodie fears! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 3:00 pm AKST/7:00 pm EST. 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 delicious recipes and food photos.

Check out the Food & Wine Conference sponsored by Sunday Supper! Being held July 19th – 21st in beautiful, sunny Orlando, FL. It’s a must for food bloggers. Find out more here → Food & Wine Conference

Lemon Chicken Kebabs

26 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

If there’s one dish I could live off for the rest of my life it would have to be Kebabs!! So many different possibilities and such a vast array of flavors, Kebabs are one of the most delicious foods of all time!I love experimenting with different flavors for kebabs and today I’ve got for you a tasty citrusy Lemon Chicken Kebab that’s super easy and I’m also going to share my secret to a moist and juicy Kebab 🙂

lemon chicken kebabs

I find Kebabs as the perfect party appetizer!They’re easy and always a crowd pleaser! You can use any meat or vegetable of your choice and you can make them spicy or non spicy according to your preference!!I’ve made these kebabs on my Griddle Pan but you could also broil it in the oven if you wish.I love the sizzle when the chicken touches the hot pan 🙂

The marinade for this dish is pretty easy and consists of lemon juice,some spices,ginger and garlic.The citrusy lemony flavor combined with a hint of spice in the background is mild enough for kids also.I marinated these for just a couple of hours and they still came out really juicy and flavorful.

Lemon Chicken Kebab 3

My secret? I do not throw the marinade after the kebabs go in the oven or pan.Instead,I brush the marinade all over the kebabs using a pastry brush on both sides every few minutes that gives them tons of flavor and prevents them from drying!Try this trick and you’ll never ever have a dry flavorless kebab again 🙂 I served these for our dinner in a tortilla wrap with some green chutney (made with coriander leaves,garlic,green chili and tomatoes) and lettuce!It was a fun dinner and my kids loved making their own individual wraps 🙂

Lemon Chicken Kebabs

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Breasts-2 pieces 6-8 oz each cubed
  • Lemon-3
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed garlic-1 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Chopped Fresh Coriander-1/2 cup
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-2-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Slice the Chicken Breasts and cube them into bite sized pieces.Juice the 3 lemons and zest one.
  • In a ziplock bag place all the ingredients excluding oil and mix.Leave it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
  • Insert the pieces into greased skewers.Save the marinade.
  • Heat a greased griddle pan on high.Once ready place the skewers onto the pan.
  • Pour a little oil all over and brush the marinade generously on the side up.
  • After about 2-3 minutes flip the skewers and brush the other side too.Repeat the process until cooked about 6-8 minutes on each side and it has a lovely golden color.
  • Your kebabs are ready!Serve hot with Chutney and lemon wedges.

lemon chicken kebabs 2