Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup-Indian Inspired

22 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather is still a bit nippy in the mornings and I find myself craving for comforting meals even now 🙂 I had recently bought some gorgeous Fennel from my local Whole Foods and used them in two different ways, my Roasted Curried Fennel and this recipe in which I’ve used all the stems and fronds as well.Soups are a great nutritious lunch option without too many calories if made healthier and you can make so many varieties of soups to suit your palate.Eating healthy also naturally makes you feel good 🙂

Red Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup.jpg

I’ve taken Mom’s staple Dal Recipe using Red Lentils and Cabbage and just added sweet Fennel to amp up the flavors.It works beautifully 🙂 The Cabbage and Fennel are sliced thinly and sautĂ©ed along with some spices and ginger and then cooked along with the Lentils until all soft and creamy.I love the crunch from the fennel stems that contrasts the otherwise creamy texture and the flavors are just delicious! The turmeric gives it a vibrant color and in India it would be served alongside some Rice or Roti,Pickles and Raita! In my efforts to cut down on carbs I enjoyed it on its own 🙂 You can make it thick or watery depending on your preference!I like mine quite thick and creamy.Packed with protein and vitamins this is one healthy soup you’re going to love!

Lentil, Cabbage and Fennel Soup

Lentil, Cabbage and Fennel Soup

Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup-Indian Inspired

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Ingredients
  

  • Red Lentils-1 cup
  • Sliced Green Cabbage-1 cup
  • Sliced Fennel including the stems and fronds -1 cup
  • Bay Leaf-1
  • Cumin Seeds-2 tsp
  • Ginger-1 inch crushed
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Tomato-1 chopped
  • Green chili/jalapeño-1 chopped
  • Water-2 cups
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Wash the lentils and keep aside.Prepare the veggies.
  • In a pot heat oil and the cumin seeds until it crackles.
  • Add the cabbage and fennel,bay leaf and all the spices,tomato and jalapeños.
  • Saute on medium until well mixed.Add the lentils and continue to stir for about a minute.
  • Add water and salt.Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and cover.Let it cook until the lentils are tender about (15-20 mins) If its too thick add some more water and mix.Check seasonings.
  • Serve hot!

 

Easy Paneer Tikka Masala

03 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

There’s something about the Tikka Masala that just makes it such an addictive dish.The lovely vibrant colored sauce with bits of marinated chicken or paneer is just pure heaven!Its the most popular dish ordered in Indian restaurants.Its a little different from the Butter Chicken back home, a bit spicier, more tomato-y and so delicious. Chicken Tikka Masala as we all know is a ‘British National Dish’ and considering how popular the ‘curry’ is in the UK, its not surprising at all!

paneer tikka masala 3

I’ve made this amazing dish using Paneer here since its a huge favorite in my family.My Paneer Tikka Masala is super easy to make and one of my staple dishes when I have guests over.Its always a hit and the recipe couldn’t be easier.The Paneer is marinated in a yoghurt mixture and broiled until golden.The sauce consists of tomato puree along with spices like Garam masala that give it its unique flavor.

paneer tikka

The paneer is then added into the sauce to soak up all the lovely flavors and a dash of cream is all it needs.Serve it with Naan or Rice.Enjoy!

If you love cooking with spices I’d highly recommend ordering them from Raw Spice Bar.They have a range of spices from around the world and all their spices are freshly ground.I absolutely love their quarterly spice blends that include seasonal spice mixes with recipes that you can try and enjoy!Visit their website for more details.

paneer tikka masala 1

paneer tikka masala

Easy Paneer Tikka Masala

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Ingredients
  

For Paneer Tikka Marinade

  • Paneer- 400 gms cut into bite sized pieces
  • Hung Yoghurt or Greek Yoghurt-2 cups
  • Lemon Juice-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili/paprika-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste

For the Sauce

  • Canned tomato puree-3 cups
  • Crushed Ginger-2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Sugar-1 tbsp
  • Water-1/2 cup
  • Light Cream-1/3 cup
  • Kasoori methi dried fenugreek-1 tbsp
  • Butter-1 tbsp
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a ziplock bag marinade the paneer along with all the ingredients and let it sit in the fridge for 2 hrs.
  • Place the marinated paneer onto a foil lined greased baking sheet and broil until golden.Keep aside.
  • In a pan heat the butter and oil and add the ginger and garlic.
  • Saute for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  • Add the tomato puree and all the spices, salt and sugar.Cook on medium for about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the water and continue to cook for about a minute.
  • Add the cream and kasoori methi.Check the seasonings.
  • Add the broiled paneer into the sauce and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until well incorporated.
  • Enjoy with Naan or Rice!

Easy Indian Lemon Chicken #SundaySupper

31 | 03 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather is finally warming up and the days are absolutely gorgeous! The fresh produce during Spring is such a welcome sight with vibrant fruits and vegetables all around!Its also the time when citrus fruits are in abundance.Today being ‘Lemon and Oranges Day’ our Sunday Supper has teamed up to bring you some great citrus recipe ideas!I love citrus in my foods and desserts and the recipe I’ve got for you today is a tangy,easy and super quick chicken dish that tastes like spring in every bite!

indian lemon chicken1

Its ideal for this weather when you feel like having fresh and light meals.It takes no time to cook since we’re using Chicken Breasts.The process is fairly simple and starts off with sautĂ©ing the chicken pieces rubbed with a little salt and turmeric until slightly brown.The spices and yoghurt are then added to create a lovely sauce that you can scoop up with roti or rice!

indian lemon chicken

This is a recipe developed especially for this #SundaySupper and it was a hit with the taste testers aka hubby and kids!I’ve tried to keep it very simple yet flavorful and I’m very glad it turned out this good 🙂

Easy Indian Lemon Chicken #SundaySupper

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Boneless Chicken Breasts-2 pieces 6-8oz each
  • Crushed Ginger-2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Grund Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Red chili paprika-1 tsp
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Yoghurt-1 cup beaten
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Cut the Chicken into bite sized pieces and rub some turmeric and salt.Keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a skillet and add the chicken pieces.
  • Saute until slightly golden and almost cooked.
  • Add the crushed ginger and garlic.Saute for about a minute.
  • Add turmeric,cumin,coriander,garam masala and red chili.Saute on medium heat until oil separates from the sides.Add the lemon juice.
  • Beat the yoghurt in a bowl.Take the skillet off the heat and mix the yoghurt into the chicken.
  • Bring it back on the heat and keep stirring the whole mixture until it comes to a boil.Reduce the heat and continue to cook for about 2 minutes.Garnish with coriander.
  • Serve hot with rice or roti!

This event is hosted by our lovely Jen from Juanita’s Cocina !Scroll down for some amazing Citrus recipes and ideas and get inspired!

Better with Citrus Breakfasts:

Big On Citrus Breads & Condiments:

Make You Pucker Salads, Sides, & Main Dishes:

Sour Citrusy Sweets & Desserts:

Sour Sips & Drinks:

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter today to talk all about citrus recipes! We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. 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 delicious recipes and food photos.

 

Indian Chicken Koftas

06 | 03 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Meatballs are the ultimate comfort food! And this week with the temperatures dropping again, they seem like the perfect dish to cook!My Chicken Koftas are Indian Spiced Meatballs with aromatic spices that can make any mealtime special.They’re easy and so flavorful and pair very well with Naan or Pulao or just plain rice!I’ve used ground Chicken here, but you could use any ground meat for this preparation.Its a great dish for entertaining since it can be prepared ahead of time.

chicken kofta

To give a lovely color to the koftas I’ve fried them in a little oil before adding them into the sauce.The addition of coriander adds that freshness and the yoghurt makes them moist!You could skip the frying part and add them straight into the sauce if you wish.The sauce is a tomato based sauce with some cumin and garam masala for those lovely Indian flavors.You just have to let the koftas simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb all the delicious flavors!A great tasting dish for these cold days and nights!

chicken kofta1

Indian Chicken Koftas

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

For the Koftas

  • Ground Chicken-1 lb
  • Yoghurt-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1/2 tsp
  • Fresh Coriander-2 tbsp
  • Salt- to taste

For the Sauce

  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Cinnamon stick-1/2 inch
  • Green Cardamom-3
  • Cloves-3
  • Onions-2 medium finely chopped
  • Tomatoes-3 chopped
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Yoghurt-1 tbsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Red chili-paprika-1 tsp
  • Sugar-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Water-2 Cups

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the kofta ingredients and make small balls.
  • Shallow fry if you want a golden color.If not just keep the balls aside to add into the sauce.
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet and the cinnamon,cardamom and cloves.
  • Add the onions and a little salt and saute until golden.Add the ginger,garlic and spices and saute on low for a few minutes.
  • Puree the tomatoes and add them into the onion mixture.Add the salt,yoghurt and continue to cook on medium heat stirring every now and then until oil starts to separate around the edges.
  • Add water and bring it to a boil on high.Check the seasonings.
  • Slowly add the koftas and reduce the heat to medium.
  • Let the koftas simmer in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Serve hot!

 

Indian Shrimp Pulao for Valentine’s Day#SundaySupper

10 | 02 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

There are certain days in the year when you’re looking forward to spending more time outside the kitchen than inside.And for days like those, easy one pot meals are the perfect solution.Throw in some exotic spices and you have one special meal that stands out and yet looks like you’ve slogged all day!My Shrimp Pulao is one such dish that’s versatile enough to be served as your cozy meal at home or as a stunning centerpiece at a party!Its perfect for day’s like the Valentine’s Day when your looking to cook something special for your loved ones and still get to enjoy your time!

shrimp pulao

We love seafood in our family and Shrimp has been a favorite for quite sometime!I always have a pack of Frozen Cooked Shrimp sold at Trader Joe’s in my freezer and it comes in handy especially in the weeknights.I use it in my soups, pastas, quick curry or my Shrimp Pulao!Of course,fresh Shrimp would taste even better!Whether you have unexpected guests or you’ve been asked to bring a main dish for a potluck, this Pulao never fails!

shrimp pulao1

The addition of whole spices add the exotic Indian touch to this dish and the Coriander and Mint flavor it beautifully.Serve with a Raita and a simple salad for a special one pot meal this Valentine’s Day!

shrimp pulao3

Indian Shrimp Pulao

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • White Basmati Rice-1 1/2 cups
  • Water-3 Cups
  • Shrimp-1 lb fresh or frozen
  • Ghee or Butter-1 tsp
  • Vegetable Oil-2 tbsp
  • Green Cardamom-3 pods
  • Cloves-3
  • Cinnamon-1/2 inch
  • Onion- 1 medium sliced
  • Ginger-1/2 inch crushed
  • Garlic-3 cloves crushed
  • Tomato Puree-1 cup
  • Ground Cumin-1 1/2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chili Powder-1 tsp
  • Fresh Coriander-1/2 cup chopped
  • Fresh Mint-1/2 cup chopped
  • Salt- to taste

Instructions
 

  • Soak the rice in water for 30 mins.If using frozen Shrimp,defrost and rinse.Keep aside.
  • In a deep pot heat the Ghee and Oil.
  • Add the Cardamom, Cloves and Cinnamon.Let it flavor the oil for about a minute.
  • Add sliced onions.Saute until slightly golden.
  • Add the crushed ginger and garlic.Saute for a minute.
  • Add the ground cumin, ground coriander,red chili and stir on low heat until fragrant.
  • Add the tomato puree and the chopped coriander and mint and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the drained rice, water and salt.Check for seasonings.Bring to a boil.Reduce the heat on low.
  • Cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
  • After 10 mins,arrange the Shrimp on top of the rice.Close the lid back and cook for another 5 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot with Raita and Salad!Enjoy!

Our friend Jen from Juanita’s Cocina is hosting our special #SundaySupper!Check out what the rest of the #SundaySupper crew is serving up this Valentine’s Day!

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Breakfasts, Apps & Main Dishes:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Sweet Eats:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Drinks:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Tablescape:  A Romantic Table For Two Please from An Appealing Plan

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter today to talk all about Valentine’s eats and treats!  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!

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