Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup-Indian Inspired

22 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather is still a bit nippy in the mornings and I find myself craving for comforting meals even now 🙂 I had recently bought some gorgeous Fennel from my local Whole Foods and used them in two different ways, my Roasted Curried Fennel and this recipe in which I’ve used all the stems and fronds as well.Soups are a great nutritious lunch option without too many calories if made healthier and you can make so many varieties of soups to suit your palate.Eating healthy also naturally makes you feel good 🙂

Red Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup.jpg

I’ve taken Mom’s staple Dal Recipe using Red Lentils and Cabbage and just added sweet Fennel to amp up the flavors.It works beautifully 🙂 The Cabbage and Fennel are sliced thinly and sautĂ©ed along with some spices and ginger and then cooked along with the Lentils until all soft and creamy.I love the crunch from the fennel stems that contrasts the otherwise creamy texture and the flavors are just delicious! The turmeric gives it a vibrant color and in India it would be served alongside some Rice or Roti,Pickles and Raita! In my efforts to cut down on carbs I enjoyed it on its own 🙂 You can make it thick or watery depending on your preference!I like mine quite thick and creamy.Packed with protein and vitamins this is one healthy soup you’re going to love!

Lentil, Cabbage and Fennel Soup

Lentil, Cabbage and Fennel Soup

Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup-Indian Inspired

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Red Lentils-1 cup
  • Sliced Green Cabbage-1 cup
  • Sliced Fennel including the stems and fronds -1 cup
  • Bay Leaf-1
  • Cumin Seeds-2 tsp
  • Ginger-1 inch crushed
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Tomato-1 chopped
  • Green chili/jalapeño-1 chopped
  • Water-2 cups
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Wash the lentils and keep aside.Prepare the veggies.
  • In a pot heat oil and the cumin seeds until it crackles.
  • Add the cabbage and fennel,bay leaf and all the spices,tomato and jalapeños.
  • Saute on medium until well mixed.Add the lentils and continue to stir for about a minute.
  • Add water and salt.Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and cover.Let it cook until the lentils are tender about (15-20 mins) If its too thick add some more water and mix.Check seasonings.
  • Serve hot!

 

Date Peanut Butter Smoothie and Discounts with CupoNation!

13 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and should never be skipped.In our fast paced lifestyles we often tend to ignore having breakfast, but eating a heathy breakfast supplies your body with vital nutrients and prepares you for the day ahead.If you think that its too time consuming or too much effort,then my recipe today is for you!Its healthy,its quick and perfect even if you’re in a hurry!And it involves Peanut Butter 🙂

date peanut butter smoothie1

[Read more…]

Indian Spiced Roasted Eggplant (Baingan Bhaja)

07 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The sweet aroma of vegetables roasting in the oven just makes me hungry!The soft and tender insides, the crispy outsides,the caramelized flavors,the golden color is unbeatable and can easily convert the vegetable haters into vegetable lovers!They make for easy side dishes,warm salads or tasty sandwich fillings!The dish I have for you today is my take on a Bengali Classic Baingan (Eggplant) Bhaja. Mom made this often with Khichdi along with fried fish and pickles.Traditionally its made in a frying pan in India, but I’ve roasted it in the oven and it tastes absolutely delicious!!

roasted eggplant 2

Growing up I was never fond of Eggplants and this was the only preparation that I enjoyed.And even after so many years its one of the few eggplant dishes that I still like.Its super easy and just involves adding turmeric,salt and red chili on the sliced eggplant and then roasting it in a preheated oven until all golden.You can serve this alongside some lentils and rice for an easy meal.I also ate some for my lunch with lettuce!So Yum!

roasted eggplant 4

I’ve used the smaller version of the regular eggplant and sliced it through the middle.Its perfectly sized to fit in-between your bread slices if you’re panning to make a sandwich!You can also use your outdoor grill and serve this for an Indian themed Barbecue along with my Chicken Burgers!Easy, delicious and a great way to use up your eggplant this is one recipe that will not disappoint!

roasted egglant

Indian Spiced Roasted Eggplant

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Medium Eggplants-4
  • Turmeric-2 tsp
  • Red Chili/cayenne-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-2-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 440 degrees.
  • Slice your Eggplants through the middle.
  • Mix Turmeric,salt and red chili in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle the mixture on to your eggplants generously.
  • Grease a baking sheet and place the Eggplants skin size down.
  • Drizzle about 2 tbsp of oil all over and bake in the oven until all golden for about 20-25 mins.Keep an eye making sure to not burn!
  • Serve warm!

Easy Paneer Tikka Masala

03 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

There’s something about the Tikka Masala that just makes it such an addictive dish.The lovely vibrant colored sauce with bits of marinated chicken or paneer is just pure heaven!Its the most popular dish ordered in Indian restaurants.Its a little different from the Butter Chicken back home, a bit spicier, more tomato-y and so delicious. Chicken Tikka Masala as we all know is a ‘British National Dish’ and considering how popular the ‘curry’ is in the UK, its not surprising at all!

paneer tikka masala 3

I’ve made this amazing dish using Paneer here since its a huge favorite in my family.My Paneer Tikka Masala is super easy to make and one of my staple dishes when I have guests over.Its always a hit and the recipe couldn’t be easier.The Paneer is marinated in a yoghurt mixture and broiled until golden.The sauce consists of tomato puree along with spices like Garam masala that give it its unique flavor.

paneer tikka

The paneer is then added into the sauce to soak up all the lovely flavors and a dash of cream is all it needs.Serve it with Naan or Rice.Enjoy!

If you love cooking with spices I’d highly recommend ordering them from Raw Spice Bar.They have a range of spices from around the world and all their spices are freshly ground.I absolutely love their quarterly spice blends that include seasonal spice mixes with recipes that you can try and enjoy!Visit their website for more details.

paneer tikka masala 1

paneer tikka masala

Easy Paneer Tikka Masala

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

For Paneer Tikka Marinade

  • Paneer- 400 gms cut into bite sized pieces
  • Hung Yoghurt or Greek Yoghurt-2 cups
  • Lemon Juice-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili/paprika-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste

For the Sauce

  • Canned tomato puree-3 cups
  • Crushed Ginger-2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Sugar-1 tbsp
  • Water-1/2 cup
  • Light Cream-1/3 cup
  • Kasoori methi dried fenugreek-1 tbsp
  • Butter-1 tbsp
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a ziplock bag marinade the paneer along with all the ingredients and let it sit in the fridge for 2 hrs.
  • Place the marinated paneer onto a foil lined greased baking sheet and broil until golden.Keep aside.
  • In a pan heat the butter and oil and add the ginger and garlic.
  • Saute for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  • Add the tomato puree and all the spices, salt and sugar.Cook on medium for about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the water and continue to cook for about a minute.
  • Add the cream and kasoori methi.Check the seasonings.
  • Add the broiled paneer into the sauce and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until well incorporated.
  • Enjoy with Naan or Rice!

Easy Indian Lemon Chicken #SundaySupper

31 | 03 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather is finally warming up and the days are absolutely gorgeous! The fresh produce during Spring is such a welcome sight with vibrant fruits and vegetables all around!Its also the time when citrus fruits are in abundance.Today being ‘Lemon and Oranges Day’ our Sunday Supper has teamed up to bring you some great citrus recipe ideas!I love citrus in my foods and desserts and the recipe I’ve got for you today is a tangy,easy and super quick chicken dish that tastes like spring in every bite!

indian lemon chicken1

Its ideal for this weather when you feel like having fresh and light meals.It takes no time to cook since we’re using Chicken Breasts.The process is fairly simple and starts off with sautĂ©ing the chicken pieces rubbed with a little salt and turmeric until slightly brown.The spices and yoghurt are then added to create a lovely sauce that you can scoop up with roti or rice!

indian lemon chicken

This is a recipe developed especially for this #SundaySupper and it was a hit with the taste testers aka hubby and kids!I’ve tried to keep it very simple yet flavorful and I’m very glad it turned out this good 🙂

Easy Indian Lemon Chicken #SundaySupper

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Boneless Chicken Breasts-2 pieces 6-8oz each
  • Crushed Ginger-2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Grund Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Red chili paprika-1 tsp
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Yoghurt-1 cup beaten
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Cut the Chicken into bite sized pieces and rub some turmeric and salt.Keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a skillet and add the chicken pieces.
  • Saute until slightly golden and almost cooked.
  • Add the crushed ginger and garlic.Saute for about a minute.
  • Add turmeric,cumin,coriander,garam masala and red chili.Saute on medium heat until oil separates from the sides.Add the lemon juice.
  • Beat the yoghurt in a bowl.Take the skillet off the heat and mix the yoghurt into the chicken.
  • Bring it back on the heat and keep stirring the whole mixture until it comes to a boil.Reduce the heat and continue to cook for about 2 minutes.Garnish with coriander.
  • Serve hot with rice or roti!

This event is hosted by our lovely Jen from Juanita’s Cocina !Scroll down for some amazing Citrus recipes and ideas and get inspired!

Better with Citrus Breakfasts:

Big On Citrus Breads & Condiments:

Make You Pucker Salads, Sides, & Main Dishes:

Sour Citrusy Sweets & Desserts:

Sour Sips & Drinks:

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter today to talk all about citrus recipes! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. 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.