Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

15 | 09 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Ground meats are a staple in my freezer and I use them all the time!They can be used in so many exciting dishes,such as meatballs for your spaghetti, a big bowl-full of your favorite chili, Indian curries with hot steaming rice or my Lettuce Wraps that are super easy and delicious.Wraps are a great family favorite here and I love to experiment with different flavors.Recently,when I was looking for an excuse to use leftover coconut milk in my refrigerator, I came up with the idea of making these Thai lettuce wraps using some Red Curry paste (that I always have on hand).I added some crunchy peppers and beans and voila,these amazing Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps were born!

thai chicken wraps

I’ve used ground chicken here, but you could substitute any ground meat on hand.Veggies are totally up to you.Use any crunchy vegetable of your choice and that also goes for the lettuce.Use any green leafy vegetable that can hold the filling.Its a delicious appetizer,entree for your family and a great way to add more variety into your diet!

Thai Chicken Wraps 1

My kids had so much fun biting into the crunchy lettuce and it was great to see them enjoy this nutritious meal with so much enthusiasm!The ground chicken tastes amazing with the red curry paste that consists of a mix of galangal,lemongrass and fragrant spices and when mixed with coconut milk oozes that wonderful Thai aroma.Enjoy!

Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Ingredients
  

  • Butter or Iceberg Lettuce -5-6 leaves

For the filling

  • Ground Chicken-1 lb
  • Shallots-2 diced
  • Garlic minced-1 clove
  • Ginger crushed-1/2 inch
  • Peppers any color-1 cup
  • Frozen Green Beans-1/4 cup
  • Red Curry paste-1 tbsp
  • Coconut milk-1/4 cup
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Fresh basil

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet or wok heat oil and add the shallots.
  • Add ginger and garlic and saute.
  • Add the red curry paste and mix well until aromatic.
  • Add the ground chicken and cook until its cooked through stirring frequently.
  • Add the peppers,beans and salt.Saute for about 4-5 mins.
  • Stir in the coconut milk and mix well.Add chopped fresh basil.
  • Serve 2-3 tbsp of the filling in each lettuce and enjoy.

 

 

Indian Spiced Chicken Meatball Wraps #Lunchbox #SundaySupper

18 | 08 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

When it comes to making your own lunch or your kids’ lunches you’re sometimes lost as to what to pack.School starts in a few weeks and I can see myself fretting over what to pack in my Ten year old’s lunchbox. For starters, my daughter does not like sandwiches and I end-up making some kind of pasta dish almost every other day for her lunch.I know that she’s fond of Wraps but then again she doesn’t want cold-cuts inside and that has got me thinking of coming up with something that she would love, like these Indian Spiced Chicken Meatball Wraps that are healthy and packed with flavor to please all those picky eaters (kids and adults)!

Indian Spiced Chicken Meatballs 3

My Indian Spiced Chicken Meatballs are baked in the oven, have tons of flavor from the coriander,garam masala, cilantro and mint!Whether you are a cilantro lover or hater you will love this recipe since I’ve used a combination of mint and cilantro that balances the flavor of both the herbs and is used extensively in Indian cooking.The grated onion keeps these meatballs moist and you can make  a big batch of these and freeze them for later use.Use them in soups,curries,even as a tasty appetizer for your next party!The possibilities are endless!

Indian Spiced Chicken Meatball Wraps 5

For the wraps I use Whole wheat tortillas and any salad mix.I also make a simple raita using Plain Yoghurt with some salt and ground toasted cumin.You pack each item separately and assemble at lunchtime.Its a great variation from the usual and a fun way to enjoy Indian flavors!I made these for our dinner yesterday and got a big thumbs-up from my both my kids! 🙂

Indian Spiced Chicken Meatball Wraps 6

Indian Spiced Chicken Meatball Wraps

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Ingredients
  

  • Whole Wheat Tortillas-4
  • Salad mix-2 cups

For the Meatballs

  • Chicken Mince breasts and thighs-1 lb
  • 1 small onion- grated or pureed
  • Crushed Ginger-1/2 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1/2 tbsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala- 1/2 tsp
  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro -1/2 cup
  • Chopped Fresh Mint-1/2 cup
  • Salt-to taste

Raita

  • Plain Yoghurt-2 cups
  • Cumin Seeds-1-2 tsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • In a dry pan, toast the cumin seeds on medium until slightly golden.Allow to cool and crush using a pestle mortar.
  • Mix the Raita ingredients in a bowl and keep in the fridge.
  • Mix all the meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  • Make small balls and place on a greased foil lined baking sheet.
  • Spray with cooking spray all over the top.
  • Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 mins until slightly golden.

To assemble

  • Take a Tortilla Wrap and place some salad greens in the center.
  • Add 4-5 meatballs and pour some raita all over.
  • Roll and enjoy!

This event is hosted by the lovely Liz from That Skinny Chick can Bake and we’ve all come together to share some exciting lunch ideas for you all!!

Sandwiches, Wraps and Entrees:

Munchies, Salads and Sides:

Sweet Treats:

And remember that we have a #SundaySupper chat tonight at 7 PM. We tweet throughout the day using the hashtag #SundaySupper, then we all gather to share ideas, recipes and answer questions from 7-8 PM ET. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest Board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? You can sign up here: Sunday Supper Movement

 

 

 

Fourth of July Menu Ideas!

03 | 07 | 2013
By Soni Sinha


This time of the year is all about socializing with friends and family!Foods on the grill are the favorites all around.If you’re looking for some exciting menu ideas that you can try for your 4th of July party,you won’t be disappointed because I’ve got for you some of my favorite recipes to try 🙂 Any recipe that is broiled in the oven can be grilled outside on a barbecue!I’ve got some Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian options for you to choose from.Take a look.

4th of July Party Ideas

Starting from the top left….

Appetizers

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks, Lemon Chicken Kebabs, Tandoori Cauliflower

Sides and Salads

Couscous Tabbouleh, Black Bean and Mango Salad, Quinoa Endive Boats

Entree

Fish Kebabs with Mint Chutney, Salmon Tikka Wraps with Cucumber Raita, Chicken Burger with Curried Cabbage Slaw

Dessert

Mini Strawberry Cheesecake, Mango and Strawberry Cream, Mango Lassi Frozen Yoghurt

 

Hope you enjoy them!!

 

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks #SundaySupper

26 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather has played a dampener this weekend that is so unusual for this time of the year!The kids were looking forward to our pool opening,but the weather Gods had something else in mind, I guess!Our Sunday Super team is definitely unfazed by the weather pattern and we’re here to lift your spirits up with some mouth watering picnic ideas!!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

I’ve got my scrumptious Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with a spice blend of Coriander,Fennel,Cumin,Red Chilies,Cinnamon and Cloves that gives it some great flavors.I toasted the spices in a pan until the air in my kitchen was filled with a warm aromatic scent and then transferred the mixture into my spice grinder.You could use this as a spice rub for various meats or fish too!So good!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 4

I marinated these overnight and broiled them the next day until all nice and golden on all sides.Drumsticks are the perfect finger foods for a picnic and are adored by adults and kids alike!Pack it with some salad or grill them right in the picnic area if you have the facility and you’ve got  a great picnic dish that couldn’t be any easier!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 3

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks

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Ingredients
  

Indian Spice Blend

  • Coriander Seeds-3 tbsp
  • Cumin Seeds-1 1/2 tbsp
  • Fennel Seeds-1 tbsp
  • Cinnamon-1 inch
  • Cloves-4
  • Dry Red Chili-2

For the Marinade:

  • Chicken Drumsticks-7-8 pieces
  • Thick Yoghurt-1 cup
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Indian Spice Blend-2 tbsp
  • Oil-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Chaat Masala optional-1 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pan toast all the spices on low heat until aromatic making sure to not burn it.
  • Transfer into a spice grinder and coarse grind the spices.
  • In a ziplock bag mix all the marinade ingredients except oil and keep it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
  • When ready arrange on a greased foil lined baking sheet,drizzle oil all over and broil until all golden turning the drumsticks every now and then to develop color on all sides.
  • Brush the sides with the remaining marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Sprinkle some lemon juice and chaat masala all over and serve warm!

This wonderful event is hosted by the lovely Katy of Happy Baking Days and our group has some amazing picnic ideas for this season!Get inspired 🙂

Salads and Slaws:

Sandwiches and Mains:

Desserts:

Drinks:

Check back on Sunday for all the recipes! You can join in the chat on Twitter too: we’ll tweet throughout the day and share all of our picnic recipes. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. To join in, just follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets. You can also check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and photos.

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