Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Fried Polenta

07 | 01 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

Welcome to the new year!As promised I’m on my task for the new year and have some exciting recipes lined up for you.During the winter break we visited our family in the UK.We met some old friends in London and had a lovely time with my in-laws near Birmingham.The kids got to meet their cousins and I also got to meet my sister in Wales and spent some quality time with her sans hubby and kids.We chatted our hearts out, watched movies, went shopping, you know..all the good stuff that sisters do!

Fried Polenta

We went out for a drive around the country side one morning and was hungry after a while.We spotted this lovely restaurant and decided to have lunch there.The menu consisted of some pretty good options and after much deliberation we settled on Fried Polenta with Asparagus that sounded amazing.Believe it or not I’d never had fried polenta before!I was always intrigued looking at the pics on the web or when somebody mentioned it but never tried it until this point.When the dish arrived it just looked stunning!The polenta was topped with pan fried asparagus,a poached egg and shavings of parmesan cheese.It looked divine and I couldn’t wait to dig in.It tasted amazing.Slightly crispy on the outside along with the contrasting textures of the asparagus and the egg.We enjoyed our lunch and ever since I came back I’ve been wanting to try them at home.

Fried Polenta 3

Hence today, Fried Polenta is on the menu for you.I had some cornmeal sitting in the pantry waiting to be used and this seemed like the perfect opportunity!I loved how easy the process is and it also makes for a great party appetizer served along with some marinara sauce.I searched the web for a good recipe and found this one from Giada De Laurentiis.I was delighted that they turned out so good in the first try !My kids ate them for their after school snack with a thumbs-up!Will be making them again and again!Enjoy!

Fried Polenta

Fried Polenta

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Ingredients
  

For Polenta

  • 6 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 ¾ cups yellow cornmeal
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Fried Polenta

  • 3 cups Basic Polenta
  • 6 tbsp olive oil for frying
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • Salt
  • 1 cup purchased marinara sauce

Instructions
 

Polenta recipe

  • Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan.
  • Add 2 teaspoons of salt. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal.
  • Reduce the heat to low and cook until the mixture thickens and the cornmeal is tender, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes. Turn off the heat.
  • Add the butter, and stir until melted.

Fried Polenta

  • Cut the polenta into thin long pieces.
  • Heat the oil in a heavy large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Working in batches, fry the polenta pieces until golden brown on all sides, about 3 minutes per side. Using tongs, transfer the polenta pieces to paper towels and drain.Serve warm along with some store bought marinara.

 

 

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

20 | 03 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

I have a question for you.

Given the chance to cook a meal for a gathering, would you stick to your traditional food/cuisine or cook different flavors from around the world for a change?I love to try global foods and flavors.The world has such amazing foods to offer so why settle for just one cuisine?

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

I recently tried cooking Moroccan Chicken for the first time and it tasted amazing!The tangy lemon and olives combined with the warm cinnamon and cumin just makes it so aromatic.Instead of serving it with the traditional Couscous, I decided to use some Pita Bread and came with this idea to serve the whole dish as an appetizer!

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites 1

To make the process even easier,I made this in a slow cooker without any hassle.The flavors develop slowly adding so much depth.The chicken soaks up all the juices and becomes so moist and tender and all you have to do is to toast up the Pitas just before your guests arrive for it to be all crispy.Just spread some store bought Hummus and a dollop of the Chicken over each Pita bite and you’re done.Wasn’t that easy?

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites 2

 

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

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Ingredients
  

  • Boneless Chicken Thighs-1 lb
  • Onion-1 large sliced
  • Fresh Minced Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Fresh Minced Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Cinnamon-1 tsp
  • Paprika-1-2 tbsp
  • Chicken Stock-1 1/2 cups
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Green Olives-1/2 cup quartered
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Pita bread-5-6
  • Hummus
  • Fresh Parsley-for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet heat the oil and saute the onions along with some salt and pepper until golden.Add the ginger,garlic and cook for another minute.
  • Follow with the cumin and cinnamon.Mix well and cook for a few minutes.
  • In your slow cooker place the Chicken Thighs and pour the onion mixture all over.
  • Add 2 cups of chicken stock,lemon juice,olives,salt and pepper.
  • Cover and let it cook on low for about 6-7 hours.
  • Shred the chicken when done.
  • Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Slice the pitas into quarters and place on a baking sheet and toast until crispy for about 10 minutes.
  • Spread some hummus over and about a tbsp of the Moroccan chicken.Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

Recipe adapted from here.

10 Amazing Superbowl Appetizers

31 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Superbowl is round the corner and if you’re still lost for menu ideas,I’ve got the perfect solution.My 10 Appetizer round-up has something for everyone and will surely get your guests raving.All these recipes are easy and packed with so much flavor.And if that isn’t enough, these recipes are also healthy so you don’t feel guilty when indulging.

Without further ado here’s my Top 10 for Super Bowl!Scroll down for the links!Enjoy!

10 Amazing Superbowl Appetizers from Soni's Food

  1. Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)
  2. Tofu Buffalo Bites
  3. Honey Cumin Boneless Chicken Wings
  4. Indian Spiced Chicken Meatballs
  5. Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas
  6. Spiced Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat’s Cheese
  7. Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms
  8. Indian Tofu Vegetable Patties
  9. Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps
  10. Quinoa Potato Cakes

 

 

 

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

28 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Temperatures dropping yet again.Seems like there is no respite from this brutal cold even this week.The one thing that we look forward to during this weather is socializing with our friends.The kids have fun and so do we.And with the big Game on this weekend,I’m looking forward to getting together with our friends and enjoying the day.I have to admit that for me it’ll still be all about the food and less about the game.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

The dish I’ve got for you is an old favorite with an Indian twist.I’m not talking wings here,but Stuffed Mushrooms.I love them to bits and this time round I played with some shredded cabbage that I bought from Trader Joe’s.You might be wondering why Cabbage?Well, Cabbage to me is perfect as a filling in many ways.I love the crunch,the lovely texture and it pretty much takes up any flavor that’s added to it.Shredded Cabbage is also used in Pot Stickers,Vegetable Spring Rolls and rolled up into balls in Indian Koftas.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

The addition of Indian spices along with the ginger compliments the cabbage and it just seems perfect with the meaty mushrooms.And if that isn’t enough, its also super healthy and great as an appetizer or even a side dish with your entree.I’ve used Portobello Mushrooms,but you could also use Cremini for this dish.Enjoy with friends or on your own.This dish will cheer you up even if the weather doesn’t.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired 1.jpg

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired .jpg

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

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Ingredients
  

  • Portabello Mushrooms-6
  • Shredded Cabbage-2 cups
  • Onion-1 small
  • Ginger-1/2 inch crushed
  • Ground cumin-1/2 tsp
  • Ground coriander-1/2 tsp
  • Salt-to tatste
  • Shredded Mozzarella
  • Bread Crumbs
  • Olive Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • With a sharp knife cut out the mushroom stems.Chop them into small pieces.
  • In a skillet heat the oil and saute the onions until translucent.
  • Add the ginger and saute for a minute.Add the spices and mix well for two-three minutes on medium heat until aromatic.
  • Add the mushroom stems.Saute for a bit.
  • Add the cabbage and salt.Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until still crunchy but cooked enough.
  • Stuff about a tbsp or two of the cabbage mixture into each Mushroom,press gently.Cover with some shredded mozzarella.
  • Sprinkle some olive oil mixed with bread crumbs and bake on a greased baking tray for about 15-18 minutes until golden and the bottom of the mushrooms are dry.

Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas #SundaySupper

19 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Tapas has got to be one of my favorite foods.I first got a taste of it in London when my husband and I went to a Tapas bar and I was hooked!I loved every single one that we tried.The small delicious portions are just perfect with a few beverages and its a great party idea!Irrespective of whether you are meat eater or a vegetarian there’s something for every one.

Chorizo with Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas.jpg

I feel that the idea of serving small portions of a combination of appetizers or entrees is the best way to enjoy different flavors instead of a big meal and I could have these EVERY SINGLE DAY.

My recipe today involves Sweet Potato and some delicious Chorizo!I’ve used Smoked Chorizo here that adds that amazing smokiness to the dish.You all know how much I love Sweet Potatoes.I’ve used them in these amazing Sweet Potato Bites with Kale and Goat’s Cheese that’s also a great party starter.Coming back to this dish,spicing the sweet potatoes with some cumin and cayenne worked for me just fine.This Tapas has got the sweet,salty,smoky,spicy and the hubby couldn’t stop himself from finishing off the whole thing.Its that good.

Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas 3.jpg

Chorizo with Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas.jpg

Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas #SundaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • Chorizo-3 sliced from the middle and diced
  • Sweet Potato-3 peeled and diced
  • Red Onion-1 small
  • Garlic-2 cloves crushed
  • Red Chili flakes-a generous pinch
  • Cumin-1 tsp
  • Cayenne-1/8 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pot boil the sweet potatoes with some water until fork tender about 10 minutes.
  • In a skillet heat a tbsp of oil and add the chorizo.Cook until golden.Transfer onto a bowl.
  • Discard the fat and add another tbsp of oil.
  • Saute the onions for about a minute.
  • Add the garlic and saute.
  • Add the cumin,red chili and cayenne.
  • Mix well and add the sweet potato until well combined.
  • Add the chorizo back and mix all together.
  • Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

This event is hosted by the lovely Conni from the Foodie Army Wife and we’ve got an amazing Tapas menu for you!Look no further!

Here’s what’s on the Table:

Stuffed Green Queen Olives with Garlic Infused Olive Oil from MarocMama
Cheesy, Tortellini Tapas & Spicy Bacon Ranch Dip from Daily Dish Recipes
Black-Eyed Pea Cowboy Caviar from Shockingly Delicious
Goan Beef Croquettes from Masala Herb
Giardiniera Salad from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Bacon Wrapped Calamari from Jane’s Adventures in Dinner
Patatas Bravas from Supper for a Steal
Caramelized Onion & Gruyere Bites from The Foodie Army Wife
Agave Truffles from Killer Bunnies, Inc
Pear, Brie, and Honey Crostini from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Tomato Bread from girlichef
Clams in Green Sauce (Almejas en Salsa Verde) from The Little Ferraro Kitchen
Roasted Tomato-Basil Flatbread from Take A Bite Out of Boca
Herb and Citrus Marinated Olives from Magnolia Days
Smoky Paprika Peppers from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Balsamic Raspberries with Mascarpone Cream from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
Gambas al Ajillo from Manu’s Menu
Squid in Garlic Chili Olive Oil from Food Lust People Love
Tortilla Española from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Croquetas de Pollo from Cookin’ Mimi
Low-Carb Salmon Croquettes from Yours And Mine Are Ours
Bruschetta Topping from What Smells So Good?
Herb Roasted Almonds from Curious Cuisiniere
Artichoke Heart and Manchego Spread on Fried Garlic Bread from The Wimpy Vegetarian
Tortillita de Camarones from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Patatas A La Riojana (Rioja-Style Potato & Chorizo Stew) from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
Gambas al Ajillo y Clementina (Shrimp with Garlic and Clementines) from FoodieTots
Tortillas De Papa y Atun (Tuna and Potatoes Tortilla) from Basic N Delicious
Pocky Cake Pops from NinjaBaking.com
Chorizo Filled Dates Wrapped in Bacon from I Run For Wine
Manchego-Stuffed Spanish Meatballs from The Weekend Gourmet
Roast Onions with Blue Cheese and Pine Nuts from Healthy. Delicious.
Shrimp and Chorizo Tapas from The Texan New Yorker
Blueberry and Lemon Yogurt Quesada from In The Kitchen With KP
Chorizo with Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas from Soni’s Food
Chorizo and Manchego Toast Tapas from Family Foodie
Roasted Bone Marrow with Citrus Salad from The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
Mushroom Chevre Crostini from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
Serrano Ham and Manchego Croquetas with Smoked Pimenton Aioli from My Other City By The Bay
Krab Filled Avocado Tapas from from Hot Momma’s Kitchen Chaos
Polenta Crostini Bites with Caramelized Mushrooms: Cicchetti – A Venetian Tapas Traditionfrom La Bella Vita Cucina

Martin Redmond is here to give you the perfect recommendations: Best Wines To Pair With Tapas from ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Sunday Supper Movement

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter every Sunday! We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET. 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 fabulous recipes and food photos. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy! You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.