Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)

22 | 02 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

When talking about Tandoori recipes,the typical dishes that comes to mind are the Tandoori Meats, Fish or Paneer, but what if I gave you something else?Like a Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)? Yes, Cauliflower florets marinated in Tandoori spices and broiled until all golden and crispy on the outside but tender and meaty on the inside!

tandoori cauliflower3

This started off purely as an experiment mainly because,I hadn’t used either of the two Cauliflower heads sitting in my refrigerator all week!I thought of using them in some way other than the usual and this was the outcome 🙂 I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor in these bites.You can taste all the lovely spices and the lemon juice!The Cauliflower has a nice bite to it and I think its a perfect vegetable for a Tandoori dish since it holds its shape quite well.

tandoori cauliflower

Its also a great option for Vegetarians who’re not fond of Paneer or Vegans who cannot eat Paneer or anybody who likes Cauliflower 🙂 These also make for an easy brunch with some Pita or Naan and some Yoghurt!

Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Cauliflower Florets medium-2 cups
  • Greek Yoghurt-1 cup {Vegans can use Dairy Free Yoghurt}
  • Crushed Ginger-2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chili/paprika-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Chat Masala optional

Instructions
 

  • In a ziplock bag mix all the ingredients and let it marinade for about 2-3 hours in the fridge.
  • Place the florets on a foil lined baking sheet and broil on low for about 20 mins (turning once in between) until all golden and cooked!
  • Arrange on a platter on some onions and lemon wedges and sprinkle some chat masala all over.

 

Tofu Buffalo Bites for Superbowl! #SundaySupper

03 | 02 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Superbowl is a great opportunity to get together and enjoy some fun foods with friends and family!Although I’ve never seen any of the games and have no clue as to how its played, I surely enjoy snacking and having a great time,while the die hard fans are glued to the TV!My appetizer today is a great option for anyone looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional Buffalo wings.My Tofu Buffalo Bites couldn’t be easier and are great for any occasion.

tofu buffalo bites

I’d initially thought of using just the Buffalo Wing Sauce, but realized it was overly tangy and quite hot!Solution?Adding some sweet honey!Honey gives a nice glaze to the sauce and makes it stick to the Tofu giving it lots of flavor.A healthy appetizer that’s easy, delicious and you can swap the honey for agave or any liquid sweetener for your Vegan guests!

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Tofu Buffalo Bites

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the Tofu

  • Extra Firm Tofu-1 15 Oz pack
  • Salt-1/4 tsp
  • Pepper-1/2 tsp
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-2 tbsp

For the sauce

  • Franks Buffalo Wing Sauce-1/4 cup
  • Canola Oil-2 tbsp
  • Honey -3 tbsp Vegans can use Agave-adjust accordingly

Instructions
 

  • Squeeze the liquid from the tofu by pressing between your hands.Cut into rectangles.
  • In a skillet heat EVOO and add the Tofu pieces along with salt and pepper.
  • Brown on both sides.
  • In a saucepan heat the sauce ingredients and bring to a boil.
  • Add the Tofu pieces and mix evenly, very gently.
  • Arrange Tofu pieces in a platter and pour the remaining sauce all over.
  • Serve with your favorite dressing.

Our friend Jen from Juanita’s Cocina is hosting our Superbowl #Sunday Supper and wait till you see the Menu!If you’re looking for some last minute inspiration you’ve come to the right place 🙂

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Appetizers & Snacks:

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Main Dishes:

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Desserts:

#SundaySupper Super Bowl Tablescape:  10 Tips For A Winning Superbowl Buffet Table fromAn Appealing Plan

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter today to talk all about our Super Bowl Recipes!  We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world.  Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun.  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!

 

Honey Cumin Boneless Chicken Wings with Greek Yoghurt Dip #CookedInTranslation

23 | 01 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

chicken wings2

With Superbowl in sight, our Cooked in Translation team has chosen the perfect dish to try out this time!The theme of Cooked in Translation is to create your own adaptation of a recipe and that’s what makes this so exciting!!The recipe for today is CHICKEN WINGS chosen by our host Azlin Bloor of LinsFood!I’ve used Chicken Tenders or Goujons here because the hubby doesn’t like Chicken Wings with bones.I’m sure there are many people out there who prefer boneless wings like my husband does and why not, its more meaty and tastes absolutely delicious.

chicken wings1

These make for the perfect little bites to enjoy while watching your favorite game and they couldn’t be easier, since they’re made in a skillet!The sauce is a sweet and spicy combination of honey and Sriracha with some toasted Cumin that gives it so much flavor and the lovely color.Talking about Sriracha, I have to admit I’m addicted to it and add it to everything I cook these days!But wait till you try this recipe, it all comes together on the stovetop and I serve these with a simple Greek Yoghurt Dip spiked with cayenne and cumin!Its hot, its sweet,its just perfect for any game night!

greek yoghurt dip1

 

Honey Cumin Boneless Chicken Wings with Greek Yoghurt Dip

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Tenders/Goujons-1 lb apprx 8 pcs cubed
  • Garlic Powder-1 tsp
  • Salt- 1 tsp
  • Pepper-1 tsp
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-2 tbsp

For the Sauce

  • Honey-1/4 cup
  • Sriracha-1/8 cup
  • Toasted Cumin-1 tbsp
  • Unsalted Butter-2 tsp

Greek Yoghurt Dip

  • Greek Yoghurt-1 cup
  • Cayenne-1/2 tsp
  • Toasted Cumin Powder-1 tsp
  • Salt-1/2 tsp

Instructions
 

  • Cut the Chicken into cubes or small pieces.
  • In a skillet, heat the oilve oil and add the chicken pieces with the garlic powder, salt and pepper.Saute unitl cooked through.

Sauce

  • Dry roast some about 2 tbsp of cumin seeds in a pan.Once it changes color and is all crispy transfer into a pestle and mortar or spice grinder and powder it.
  • In a saucepan mix all the sauce ingredients and gently bring to a boil and reduce on low heat.Once the sauce starts to thicken add the cooked chicken wings and mix it all together.
  • Arrange on a platter.Pour the remaining sauce all over.

Greek Yoghurt Dip

  • Mix 1/2 cup of Greek Yoghurt along with a some salt, 1/2 tsp of cayenne and 1/2 tsp of the toasted cumin powder.Serve alongside the chicken wings with some sliced carrots and celery!

See all other yummy interpretations that my friends have come up with!!You can also add your own version of Chicken Wings!


Quinoa Potato Cakes (Quinoa Aloo Tikkis)

16 | 01 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Quinoa is one of my most favorite grains to cook with these days.I love the fact that it can be cooked on its own or combined with other products to create a variety of dishes!My recipe today is an Appetizer/Snack or even Breakfast combining Quinoa and Potatoes.If you’re familiar with Indian Foods you must have heard of Aloo Tikkis that are these yummy potato cakes made with Indian Spices!If you’ve been to Delhi,you must have come across lots of street stalls selling Aloo Tikkis,Chaats,Chole, Pani Puri to name a few, cooked right in front of your eyes!The Street foods in India are to die for and just writing about them makes my mouth water 🙂 In an attempt to quench my insatiable appetite for Delhi Street Foods, I came up with this recipe that’s both healthy and delicious!!

quinoa tikkis:patties

The process involves boiling the potatoes and cooking the Quinoa.Once they’re cooked I mix them with some Indian Spices readily available at your grocery stores and pan fry the ready patties with a little oil until they’re all nice and golden!If you’re looking for a great Quinoa recipe that’s a tad different from the usual but packed with flavor, then this is for you.It tastes just like a Aloo Tikki, but is healthier and has a nice texture!

quinoa tikkis 3

Quinoa Potato Cakes (Quinoa Aloo Tikkis)

Healthy and Delicious Quinoa Potato Cakes/Tikkis for a great Appetizer, snack or breakfast!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Quinoa Cooked-1 cup
  • Potatoes large-2 boiled (1 1/2 cups apprx)
  • Fresh Crushed Ginger-1/2 inch
  • Ground Cumin-1 1/2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Fresh Coriander-1/2 cup
  • Jalapeños green chillies-2 chopped
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-to pan fry

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Quinoa according to the instructions.
  • Boil the potatoes until tender.Drain and allow to cool and mash.
  • In a deep bottomed vessel, add the Quinoa, mashed potatoes,ginger, cumin, garam masala,japalenos,coriander and salt.Check the seasonings.
  • Made round patties with the mixture.
  • In a skillet heat about 2 tbsp of oil on medium heat and place the patties.Let it develop a golden color on one side before flipping over and repeat the process for the other side as well.
  • Arrange on a platter with some salad of your choice and some sauce or chutney!
quinoa aloo tikkis4

Easy Home-made Hummus

27 | 12 | 2012
By Soni Sinha

The party season is on full swing and everyone wants easy recipes that can feed a crowd.My recipe today is probably one of the easiest and my most favorite of all time.Hummus!Its great for entertaining,its packed with nutrition, it’s easy to make and it tastes delicious.Hummus is a dip or a spread,made using cooked mashed Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) served alongside some toasted Pita or chips.It finds its origin in the Middle East and has now become an extremely popular appetizer in parties all across the globe.I love serving my Hummus with some Corn Tortilla Chips!

hummus1.jpg

Apart from its delicious taste, Hummus is also very nutritious.Its high in Iron and Vitamin C,and a great source of protein for Vegans and Vegetarians.You can cook the Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas) at home (the process begins by soaking the raw garbanzo beans overnight followed by pressure cooking them the next morning).In case you’ve forgotten to soak your Garbanzo Beans (like I invariably do :)), place about 2 cups of raw Garbanzo Beans in your slow cooker.Add 4-5 cups of water.Let it cook for 5-6 hours and you have your Cooked Garbanzos ready to be used!I’ve cooked mine from scratch in this instance and you cannot beat the fresh flavors!Or you can skip the above process and use a Can of Cooked Garbanzo Beans instead.

Easy Home-made Hummus

An easy dip or spread using Cooked Garbanzo Beans (Chickpeas)!
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Cooked Garbanzo Beans Chickpeas -2 cups
  • Reserved cooking liquid-1/4 cup
  • Tahini Sesame Paste-1 1/2 tablespoon
  • Garlic-2-3 cloves
  • Lemon Juice-3 tablespoon
  • Olive Oil-2 tablespoon
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients in your food processor or blender and blend until smooth and mixed thoroughly.
  • Add a little cooking liquid if its too thick.
  • Check the seasonings.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature with some toasted pita or any other chips or veggies of your choice.
As with any home made stuff, its way healthier than store-bought ones, since You control the amount of sodium. I have to warn you though that its highly addictive and you just cannot stop eating once you’ve started 🙂

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