Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Chicken Tikka Masala

21 | 02 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

The Tikka Masala is an all time favorite dish all across Indian restaurants.There are many theories about its origin where-by some claim that it was accidentally invented in India but the most viable theory suggests that it was invented in the UK when a customer complained that the chicken curry was too dry and the chef created this tomato based sauce that was so well received that it gained popularity all over the UK.It is now a British National Dish and devoured by people all over the world.Chicken tikka masala is the perfect fusion of east-meets-west flavors in a global world.

chicken tikka masala

I love the vibrant color of the Tikka Masala and the rich luscious texture that’s just wanting to be savored. It’s a favorite in our family with my kids demanding it for dinner many times. I’ve made this dish using Chicken,Paneer and Tofu and they’re always a hit with the crowd when entertaining. The small chunks of Chicken are marinated in yoghurt and some spices and left for a few hours to ensure that the flavors seep in.The chunks are then grilled just until they develop those gorgeous golden edges.A great party tip is to make a big batch of these Chicken Tikkas and save some to serve as an appetizer and use the rest in the Tikka Masala sauce.

Chicken Tikka Masala

The Chicken Tikkas are then transferred into this rich tomato based sauce consisting of ginger, garlic, spices,tomatoes and cream and then simmered until the redolence of the warm spices starts making you hungry.The unique smoky flavor that’s achieved by grilling the tikka and then adding them into the sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible.The sauce has a hint of sweetness in the background but you can still taste the spices.The cream adds the richness and brings it all together.It’s the perfect comfort food especially in these cold winter days and can be enjoyed with some Roti,Naan or steaming hot Rice.Enjoy!

Chicken Tikka Masala

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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tikka

  • Chicken Tenders-1 lb cubed
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Greek Yoghurt-a cup
  • Garam masala-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili or paprika-1 tsp
  • Salt- to taste

For the Sauce

  • Medium onion-1 chopped finely
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Turmeric- 1/2 tsp
  • Canned Tomato Puree-2 cups
  • Sugar-1 tbsp
  • Water-1 1/2 cups
  • Cream-1/3 cup
  • Kasoori Methi dried fenugreek-1 tbsp
  • Butter-2 tbsp
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

For the Chicken Tikka

  • In a ziplock bag marinade the chicken tenders along with the rest of the ingredients and let it sit in the fridge for 4-5 hrs.
  • Place the marinated chicken pieces onto a foil lined baking sheet.Drizzle some oil all over and grill for about 8-10 minutes checking constantly until you see the golden edges developing on the sides.
  • Once done take the tray out of the oven and keep aside.

For the Sauce

  • In a deep skillet heat the butter and oil.
  • Add the onions and saute until slightly golden.
  • Lower the heat and add the ginger and garlic and continue to cook for about a minute.
  • Add the spices and mix well.Add the tomato puree and continue to cook.
  • Add the sugar, salt and cook for about 5 minutes until well combined.
  • Add the water and bring to a boil.Reduce the heat and add the chicken pieces.
  • Continue to cook for about 8-10 minutes on low heat until all incorporated.
  • Add the cream and kasoori methi. Check the seasonings.
  • Serve hot with roti,naan or rice.

 

Aloo Matar (Potatoes and Peas) #Vegan

03 | 12 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

The mix of the damp and cold weather inspired me to make this dish.I love dry stir fried veggies with parathas or puri during this kind of weather.Its a cozy weeknight meal that just screams comfort.I love the crusty layer that the potatoes develop during the cooking process and the peas add their wonderful vibrant color.Its a simple dish that comes together quickly and is a favorite of my kids too!

Aloo Matar

This is a dry version of Aloo Matar that is a tad different from the usual.I boil the potatoes first and then fry them in some aromatic spices like cumin,coriander, turmeric ,chili and amchur (dry mango powder).Amchur is is basically powdered green mango and adds this wonderful citrusy tangy flavor to the dish.Its easily available at your local Indian grocers.Enjoy!

 

Aloo Matar

Aloo Matar (Potatoes and Peas) #Vegan

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Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium Potatoes
  • Frozen green peas- 1 cup
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Red Chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Tomato paste-1 tsp
  • Amchur dry mango powder-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil the potatoes in some water until cooked.Peel off the skin once slightly cooled.Roughly chop them.
  • In a skillet heat the oil and add cumin seeds.
  • Once they crackle lower the heat and add the rest of the spices and tomato paste.
  • Stir for about a minute.If sticking to the pan add about a tbsp of water.
  • Add the chopped boiled potaoes and let it coat in the mixture.Add salt and peas.
  • Mix all together and cook until the peas are cooked.
  • Enjoy!

 

 

Indian Spiced Cabbage and Fennel

10 | 11 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Stir fried vegetables are always a great addition to a dinner table. And with the holidays nearing, its not a bad idea to add some to your repertoire of recipes to serve. I love Indian spiced Cabbage and decided to give it a little twist by adding some sweet fennel. I don’t know about you but I absolutely love Fennel and have enjoyed them in recipes like this and this. In this recipe the Cabbage and fennel combo works wonderfully and you can taste the sweet licorice flavors amped up with some spices.

Indian Spiced Cabbage and Fennel

If you’re pressed for time you could use sliced cabbage from Trader Joe’s like I’ve done or just get a regular green cabbage and slice them thinly. The spices consist of smoky cumin, coriander, a little bit of garam masala and ginger. The dish brings together all these flavors and the leftovers can be turned into tasty sandwich fillings or even a savory puff pastry filling. This dish is sure to please your vegetarian and vegan guests too. I served this with some roti and dal and its an easy and delicious way to use fennel in Indian cooking. You’ll be glad you tried it. Enjoy.

Indian Spiced Cabbage and Fennel

Indian Spiced Cabbage and Fennel

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Ingredients
  

  • Cabbage-1 head thinly sliced
  • Fennel-2 bulbs edges trimmed and thinly sliced
  • Cumin seeds-1 tsp
  • 1 large onion-sliced
  • 1 inch ginger crushed
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Red chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Garam masala-1 tsp
  • Green chili-2 optional
  • Tomato paste--1-2 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet or wok heat the oil and add the cumin seeds until they crackle.
  • Add the onion and saute for a about 2 mins.
  • Add the ginger and continue to cook.
  • Add the spices followed by the tomato paste and cook until all aromatic about 2 minutes.Add a tbsp of water if its sticks to your pan.
  • Continue to cook for about 5-6 minutes until the paste doesn't stick to the pan and oil starts to separate from the sides.
  • Add the cabbage and fennel along with salt.Mix well.
  • Cover and continue to cook stirring every few mins until evenly cooked.

Easy Chicken Curry

12 | 08 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Who doesn’t love a good Chicken Curry?Its an all time favorite Indian Dish and today I’ve got for you an easy version using Chicken Breasts that cooks fast and tastes delicious.This is my go-to curry even on weekdays and I use the same base substituting Chicken for Tofu,Paneer or veggies.This is a basic North Indian curry where the sauce consists of onions.ginger,garlic, tomatoes and spices.If you’re a curry lover that frequents local Indian restaurants to enjoy Indian food, I would suggest you try this recipe at home and see how easy it can be.

Easy Chicken Curry

I’ve used Chicken breasts here but you can also use Thighs or Drumsticks if you prefer.The joy of cooking Indian food lies in the fact that you get to smell all those wonderful spices during the cooking process and the end result is worth every bit of the effort.The onion mixture along with the spices and the tomatoes are simmered slowly for the flavors to develop before the chicken is added.The chicken gets coated in all those lovely flavors and you can enjoy it with some hot steaming rice or rotis.

Easy Chicken Curry 3

Easy Chicken Curry

Easy Chicken Curry

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Breasts- 1lb cubed
  • Onion-1 medium
  • Ginger-1 inch
  • Garlic-5 cloves
  • Cumin Seeds-1/2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Mild Red chili or paprika-1 tsp
  • Tomato-1 small pureed
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Water-1 cup
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-5 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Make a paste of the onion,ginger,garlic,cumin seeds with a little water in the food processor.
  • In a wok or a deep skillet heat the oil.
  • Add the onion paste and stir every few minutes until it starts changing color a bit and the raw smell disappears (about 5-6 minutes)
  • Add all the spices except garam masala and continue to stir for a minute or two until aromatic.If you find the paste sticking to the bottom add a tbsp of water and stir to mix.
  • Add the tomato puree and cook the mixture on low heat while stirriing at intervals until you see oil separating from the sides.
  • Add the chicken pieces and mix.
  • Add water, salt and garam masala.,Bring to a boil, cover and cook on med and then reduce the heat and continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
  • Garnish with cilantro.
  • Serve hot with rice or roti.

Mixed Vegetable Curry

21 | 07 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Is it just me or this summer is really going-by way too fast!We’re already inching towards the end of July and there’s just one more month of summer vacation left.I’ve been busy with lots of entertaining and cooking, but somehow not all recipes make it to my blog.I cooked a variety of dishes this past month, but couldn’t take pictures of any.But I promise you that those recipes will be made again so I can share them with you!

Mixed Vegetable Curry 2

With so much going on during the summer, easy family recipes is what everyone is look for, and I’ve got for you exactly that.An easy Mixed Vegetable Curry that you can make using your favorite frozen mixed vegetable pack.I like to add in some fresh cauliflower for some body and also some extra flavor.This dish is a staple if I’m in a rush or if we’ve been out all day and need something fast on the table.

Mixed Vegetable Curry 1

I make it just like any other Indian sauce beginning with browning the onions followed by ginger-garlic, spices and tomatoes.The spices I use are typically ground cumin,coriander,garam masala, turmeric and  chili.The redolence is unbelievable and the once the veggies are added into the sauce, its just waiting to be scooped up with some warm rotis or naan.If you desire the sauce more creamier, you could also add a tablespoon of some sour cream or heavy cream towards the end.Enjoy.

Mixed Vegetable Curry

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Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of frozen mixed veg pck
  • 1 cup fresh small cauliflower florets
  • Onions-2 small finely chopped
  • Fresh crushed ginger-2 tsp
  • Fresh crushed garlic-2 tsp
  • Tomatoes-2 small pureed
  • Ground cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Garam masala-1/2 tsp
  • Water-1/2 cup or more if req
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Salt to tatse

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet heat oil and add onions.
  • Brown until golden on medium heat and add ginger and garlic.
  • Saute for a minute and add the spices.
  • Saute for another minute or two until aromatic and add the tomato puree.
  • Cook the mixture until you see oil separating from the sides.
  • Add the veggies and cauliflower along with salt.Mix well.
  • Add water and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the veggies are cooked.Check the seasonings.
  • Add cream if desired.
  • Enjoy.