Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Cauliflower,Spinach and Coriander Soup

07 | 02 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

I’ve been on a slight health kick lately.My salad is a sure shot way to a get those essential vitamins and with Valentine’s Day fast approaching, its not a bad idea to eat healthy, so that a little bit of indulgence on the day itself will not hurt.

That brings me to this amazing soup.I love Cauliflower and anything that has anything to do with Cauliflower.Its my most favorite vegetable and I cook it all the time.I’m so glad that my kids and the hubs are also with me on this one.With the temperatures being the way they have,I’ve been making soups for dinner.I find them very comforting, very easy for weeknights and you can have different variations without sounding monotonous.

Cauliflower,Spinach and Coriander Soup

This soup is inspired by my Carrot and Coriander Soup and I’ve substituted carrots for cauliflower and added some spinach for extra nutrition and color.The coriander gives it just a hint of spice in the background, while the creamy cauliflower and spinach work their own magic.The soup comes together with a splash of light cream at the end and couldn’t be any easier.Scoop it with a crusty bread and enjoy!

Cauliflower,Spinach and Coriander Soup

Cauliflower,Spinach and Coriander Soup

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Ingredients
  

  • Cauliflower florets-2 cups
  • Fresh Spinach-1 cup
  • Chicken or vegetable stock-2 cups
  • Olive Oil-2 tbsp
  • Onion- 1 medium
  • 2 garlic cloves-crushed
  • Ground Coriander-1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper
  • Light cream-1/4 cup

Instructions
 

  • In a pot heat the oil and saute the onions for about a minute or two until translucent followed by garlic.
  • Add the cauliflower florets and coriander.
  • Saute for a minute and add the stock.
  • Add salt and pepper.Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat, cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
  • Add the spinach and cook for another five minutes.
  • Puree in a blender.
  • Return to the stove and add the cream.Stir and serve hot.

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.

Top 10 Recipes of 2013

05 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Its the start of the New Year and I’m so glad 2013 has ended.It will forever be the most difficult year of my life, having lost my Dad .I still cannot believe that he’s gone and I yearn to hear his voice, his phone calls, his messages and struggle with it everyday.

To add to the pain,my Mom had a health scare just two days before the year ended.Thankfully she’s stable now and recovering.The last few months have been extremely hard for me and made me see life in a totally different way.Events like these make you appreciate the value of life and teach you to enjoy every moment with your near and dear ones because you don’t know what the next moment has in store for you.

While 2013 was extremely difficult for me personally, it was a great year for my blog in terms of growth and I also got to work with some well known brands like Campbells, Bertolli and Gourmet Garden to name a few.I look forward to working with these brands again and add many more to the list in 2014.

In-spite of so much turbulence going on in my life, YOU my dear readers were always here reading my stories and encouraging me with your kind words.Every time you visit my site,comment,read a recipe, you motivate me to keep cooking and sharing my recipes with you.It has helped me immensely and kept me going throughout and I have to thank each and every one of you.

“I Wish you all a Very Happy New Year and I hope that this Year brings lots of cheer, happiness and prosperity for you all”.

I leave you with a list of my Top 10 Recipes of 2013 in order of their popularity and you can click on the links below to view the recipes.Enjoy!

  1. Easy Paneer Tikka Masala
  2. Indian Spiced Sweet Potato Patties
  3. Easy Saag Paneer
  4. Tandoori Gobhi
  5. Easy Indian Lemon Chicken
  6. Indian Spiced Roasted Eggplant
  7. Quinoa Potato Cakes (Quinoa Aloo Tikkis)
  8. Healthy Banana Muffins
  9. Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)
  10. Almond Flour Apple Crumble

Top 10 Recipes of 2013 

 

 

 

 

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish #SundaySupper #GGHoliday2013

08 | 12 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Appetizers for me are the star of any party.They’re fun to cook ,bake or grill.The small bites are perfect for munching while you’re engaged in a conversation or enjoying your favorite drink.You could bring the flavors from around the world in your appetizers and get creative.As a result,I place special emphasis on my appetizers when I’m entertaining and they’re always a hit with my guests. I could easily skip the main course and just enjoy the appetizers and desserts any day.

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish 1

I was really excited when Gourmet Garden asked me to create an Easy Holiday Entertaining recipe featuring their herbs and spices.My mind went straight to creating an amazing appetizer.As soon as I spotted the lemongrass,I knew I was going to make a Thai Style Appetizer using their ginger,garlic,lemongrass,basil and cilantro.The ease of the tubes was just what I needed and the marinade was ready in no time!

I chose Monkfish since it holds well under the grill and is quite meaty.I let it marinade for 5-6 hours in the fridge and grill on low for about 8 minutes on each side.The flavors are amazing and it is a great recipe for a crowd not to mention insanely delicious!I loved the flavors of the lemongrass coming through and the spices add their own magic.Its now one of my favorites and I cannot wait to try the same marinade with chicken or even Tofu!

gg-hero_herbs_spices_3

Gourmet Garden sell a wide range of herbs and spices including Basil, Cilantro, Chili Pepper, Dill, Garlic, Ginger, Italian Herbs, Lemon Grass, Parsley and Oregano and can be found in the fresh produce section (next to the fresh herbs) of your local supermarket.They typically last for up to 3 months in the fridge.They are used like fresh herbs in a one-to-one ratio, but can be used in place of dried typically in a 2 to 1 ratio (2 tbsp GG Ginger equals 1 tbsp dried ginger).

I think they’re great for entertaining since the prep work is already done for you and they’re such a time saver.

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish 2

 

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish #SundaySupper #GGHoliday2013

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Ingredients
  

  • Monkfish-8-10 pieces

Marinade

  • Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Lemongrass-3 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Basil-2 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Cilantro-2 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Oil
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl or a ziplock bag.
  • Add the monkfish.MIx well.
  • Let it marinade in the fridge for about 6-7 hours.
  • On a foil lined oiled baking sheet place the monkfish.
  • Drizzle some oil all over and broil on low for about 8 minutes on each side or until cooked with golden grill marks.
  • Serve hot.

For more ideas using Gourmet Garden herbs and spices check out these amazing recipes by our Sunday Supper group!

You can Pin these recipes from our Easy Holiday Entertaining Pinterest Board and sign-up to receive Gourmet Garden Newsletter  and download a coupon on their website Gourmet Garden . Follow Gourmet Garden on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

Sunday Supper Movement

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter on 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.

Disclaimer-This post is sponsored by Gourmet Garden  Herbs & Spices. All opinions are my own.