Soni's Food : Page 8 of 53 : Indian Inspiration!

Avocado Banana Smoothie

22 | 09 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Beginning your day with wholesome and nutritious breakfast cannot be stressed enough. But if you’re looking for easy time saving breakfast recipes, then smoothies are the way to go. They give you an instant vitamin boost and can be whipped up in no time. I’ve been making smoothies for my 13yr old (aren’t they always in a rush?) since last year and only recently discovered that avocado does wonders to any smoothie.

The Aha moment arrived last week when I remembered that I had an avocado lying around desperate to be used and decided to throw it into my smoothie.

And boy was it delicious!

Where have I been all this time?

Avocados are great in smoothies because they add a rich creamy texture not to mention their anti-inflammatory properties, nutrients and minerals. They also fill you up and provide you with the fuel to last through the day. I love adding bananas into my smoothies and this combo (avocado and banana) works perfectly. I use almond milk when making it for myself and semi skimmed milk for my 13yr old, so go with your preference.You can use honey or maple syrup to sweeten it.An easy fun way to ingest something healthy never sounded so good.Enjoy.

Avocado Banana Smoothie

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Ingredients

1 small Avocado-soft and peeled
1 banana
½ cup yoghurt Greek or any other natural yoghurt
1 cup almond/semi skimmed milk
1-2 tbsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions

In a blender place all the ingredients and puree until smooth.
Pour into glasses and serve.

Easy Tofu Scramble

15 | 09 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Crisp morning air feels magical, especially after the recent heat spell the past few weeks. Kids are now settled into their routine and I can finally get back into my own routine after the summer break. I’m back into my kitchen rejuvenated and inspired (this weather does that to me) and the focus will be on healthy recipes since I’ve realized that I might have gained a few extra pounds over the summer break, especially our month-long UK holiday! (blame it on my list of must-eat British foods and its quite a long list 🙂 )

My recipe today involves Tofu and it’s a simple breakfast/brunch recipe that’s absolutely delicious! If you haven’t tried a Tofu Scramble yet, well then, you should. I love Tofu and it’s one of the easiest things to work with. It can take on any flavor and it’s a good source of protein and energy. Its also pretty filling so you won’t be hungry for a while!

My Tofu Scramble uses onions, scallions and peppers (in yellow and orange keeping in mind the warm autumn hues) along with some cilantro for garnish. The peppers are a nice addition here adding their crunch and color and I’ve also added some chili flakes for a hint of heat (that’s purely optional). The dish takes less than 30 mins to prepare and looks beautiful on the table. The flavors are very clean and fresh and it’s a simple dish that looks as good as it tastes. Enjoy.

Easy Tofu Scramble

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Ingredients

Extra Firm Tofu-2 15oz packets
small onion-1
scallions chopped-1/2 cup
chili flakes-1tbsp
1 large yellow pepper
1 large orange pepper
cilantro-for garnish
salt and pepper
oil-2 tbsp

Instructions

Drain the tofu and place it between two thick towels to squeeze out the liquid.Crumble the tofu with your hands.Keep aside.
Chop the peppers and scallions.
In a pan heat oil and add the onions and scallions.
Saute for a about 2 mins and add the chili flakes.
Follow with the peppers and let it cook for another 3-4 mins.Add some salt and pepper.
Add the crumbled tofu and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes.Check the seasonings.
Add the cilantro.Mix well.
Serve hot.

Fish Tikka Bites

24 | 08 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Summer is fleeting but there’s still time to enjoy some delicious foods on the barbecue. So fire up your grill and get ready for lip-smacking Fish Tikka Bites served on Pita with some green chutney and treat your taste buds to a carnival of flavors.I’m a big tikka and kebab lover and they’re always on the menu when I entertain. Who can resist the slightly charred, delicious bites, bursting with flavors hot off the grill?

Fish Tikka is one of the most sought after appetizers in Indian Restaurants and with this recipe you can enjoy it in your own kitchen. I’ve used Arctic Char but Catfish or Salmon will work just fine. Just ask your fish monger to skin and cube them for you. They have to be marinated at least for 5 hours or overnight for the flavors to seep in.

Green chutney is a quintessential accompaniment to Indian appetizers and you can use either mint or coriander.I’ve used mint here since it compliments the fish tikka beautifully with its vibrant green color and robust flavor.The yoghurt and spices coat the fish cubes and the flavors intensify once they’re grilled until the edges are slightly golden and crispy. Garnish with lemon and chat masala and serve it on toasted pita with some chutney, sliced onions and salad. Enjoy.

Fish Tikka Bites

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Ingredients

Pita Bread-4
Green Chutney-3 tbsp
Red Onion sliced-1 large
Any mixed salad
Lemon juice
Chat masala

Fish Tikka Marinade

Arctic Char cubed- 1 lb
Turmeric- 1/2 tsp
Red Chili powder-1 tsp
Paprika-1 tbsp
Ground Coriander-2 tbsp
Garam Masala- 1 tbsp
Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
Greek Yoghurt-3 tbsp
Salt to taste

Instructions

Mix the fish tikka marinade in bowl and add the fish cubes.Coat evenly and let it sit in the fridge for 5 hrs or overnight.
Heat the grill and place the tikkas on a greased foil.Cook for about 8-10 minutes flipping them gently midway until you see slightly golden edges.
Once done sprinkle some lemon juice and chat masala.Keep aside.
Toast the pita and cut them in any desired shape.
Spread some green chutney.
Top with some fish tikka, onions and salad.

Fish Curry with Coconut Milk

28 | 06 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Summer is upon us and I’m loving the days spent with my kids being home and our plans for each day that involves generous amounts of chocolate and sugar in the form of cake-in-a-mug and brownies that my 12yr old loves to bake these days. I get to enjoy the desserts but I’ll have to increase my Fitbit steps to cope up with the calorific sugar intake as a result! I tend to balance that with a healthy dinner like this Fish Curry over a warm bed of Quinoa.Have I told you that I also love Quinoa?These Quinoa Potato Cakes are a favorite when entertaining and I love Stir fried Quinoa for my lunch.

We’re big fish lovers over here and it’s served on our table every week.I’m constantly experimenting with different flavors to break the monotony.My Fish Curry with Coconut Milk is an easy dish that takes minutes to prepare but is insanely delicious! The onion and garlic together with cumin and curry powder provide the flavor base and the coconut milk adds that creamy richness that brings it all together. I’ve used Arctic Char since we love it but you could choose any fish of your choice.

Serve this over a warm bed of rice or Quinoa (if you’re watching your calories like me)and a simple salad on the side.This is a perfect dish for an easy curry night at home.Simple pleasures of life.Enjoy.

Fish Curry with Coconut Milk

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Ingredients

Arctic Char or any fish of your choice-1 lb cubed
Onion-1
Garlic-5-6 cloves
Curry Powder-1 1/2 tbsp
Ground Cumin-2 tbsp
Turmeric-1 tsp
Red chili or paprika-1 tsp
Coconut Milk-14 oz can
½ cup water
Salt to taste
Oil-4 tbsp

Instructions

Blend the onion and garlic into a paste using a little water.
Heat oil and add the onion garlic paste.
Saute for a few minutes until the raw onion smell goes away.
Add the spices and cook on low heat for a few minutes (4-5 minutes apprx) until aromatic
Add the fish pieces and mix gently.Add the coconut milk and salt and water.
Mix well and bring to a boil.Lower the heat, cover and cook until all cooked (about 6-8 minutes).
Check the seasonings.Serve hot.

Easy Memorial Day Menu Ideas with a twist!

28 | 05 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Its the much awaited Memorial Day weekend and I’m sure you all have plans to get together and kick off the unofficial start of summer!While you’re looking for some inspiration for your memorial day cookouts, I’ve compiled a list of some easy menu ideas.These recipes have some incredible flavors going on that will surely make your party stand out.And did I mention that they’re also super easy? Your annual barbecue will never be the same!Enjoy!