Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Cauliflower Gratin with Smoked Mozzarella and Walnuts #sides #holidays

25 | 11 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

So, the protein is taken care of and so are the carbs.But what about the sides?Yes, there’s the Green Bean Casserole,the Sweet Potato Casserole and Brussels Sprouts and Stuffing, but how about some cheesy Cauliflower Gratin that uses minimal ingredients, tastes fantastic and is a breeze since you just mix the ingredients and let the oven do all the work for you.Sounds good right?!!

Cauliflower Gratin with Smoked Mozzarella and Walnuts

I absolutely love Cauliflower and could have it every night for my dinner.Cauliflower is not typically your first choice for a side dish during the holidays and I wonder why.Its about time it got its due and why not.Its an amazing vegetable that’s easily available and you can really get creative with it.Gratins are a great way to enjoy any vegetable and they’re the perfect side dish for any party.They’re easy to make, look elegant on any table and effortless!

Cauliflower Gratin with Smoked Mozzarella and Walnuts 2

My Caulflower gratin has been inspired by this recipe and I’ve added some smoked Mozzarella that adds that wonderful smokiness to the dish and walnuts just to make it more festive.The cauliflower has a wonderful crunch that I just love and the blend of parmesan and smoked mozzarella is pure joy.I’ve added some chili flakes for a slight kick and its purely optional.All in all an amazing side dish for the holidays or any day for that matter.Enjoy!

Cauliflower Gratin with Smoked Mozzarella and Walnuts

Cauliflower Gratin with Smoked Mozzarella and Walnuts #side #holidays

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Ingredients
  

  • I large head of cauliflower cut into florets
  • ¾ cup-heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon-all purpose flour
  • ½ cup-freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup grated smoked mozzarella
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • ½ cup-breadcrumbs fresh or store bought
  • ¼ cup grated smoked mozzarella
  • salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • Mix in a large bowl combine cauliflower,heavy cream,all purpose flour, parmesan cheese, smoked mozzarella,red chili flakes,walnuts, salt and pepper.Mix well.
  • Transfer mixture into a baking dish.
  • Mix bread crumbs and 1/4 cup smoked mozzarella in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle over cauliflower mixture.
  • Dot with butter all over and bake uncovered until golden brown about 15 mins until cauliflower is tender.
  • Let it cool slightly.Enjoy!

Easy Saag Paneer

16 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Today I’ve got for you a dish that’s extremely popular all across the globe.A North Indian delicacy,its hard not to love the rich, thick creamy spinach with succulent almost melting Paneer chunks ready to be scooped with an Indian Flatbread!The fresh vibrant color just brightens up any plate and can make anybody hungry!Its a weekly staple in our house since my kids adore this dish so much!

Saag Paneer 1

The flavors in Saag Paneer are mild compared to other curries and its a great way to get some Iron and Protein into your diet.You can use fresh or frozen spinach for this dish.I typically pick up fresh Baby Spinach from the salad section in grocery stores that’s pre-washed.Saves time and effort!

The process starts with boiling the Spinach in hot water to just wilt it and then puree it.Once you have the pureed mixture you prepare the sauce that consists of onions, tomato puree and some spices.The pureed spinach and the Paneer is then added into the sauce and simmered.You can use some sour creme or heavy cream to finish off the dish if you like.

Saag Paneer 6

You don’t have to visit an Indian Restaurant to enjoy ‘Saag Paneer’.Enjoy it in the comfort of your own home 🙂 Delicious flavors and gorgeous color this is one amazing dish from the land of the exotic!

Saag Paneer

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Ingredients
  

  • Fresh Spinach-2 Packets 6oz each
  • Paneer- 250 gms
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • 2 medium Onions-chopped fine
  • Crushed Ginger- 2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Tomato - 2
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin- 1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Sour creme or heavy cream-1 tbsp
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Salt- to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil the spinach for two minutes in a cup of water.Once its cool, puree until all smooth.
  • Puree the tomatoes.
  • Cube the paneer and keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a deep skillet and add the cumin seeds.
  • Once it splutters add onions and saute until slightly golden.
  • Add ginger and garlic and saute until raw smell disappears.
  • Add the tomato puree and spices,salt and cook on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes.
  • Add the pureed spinach and paneer and let it simmer on medium heat until paneer is soft.Add a little water if its too thick.
  • Add the sour creme or heavy cream.Turn off the heat.
  • Serve hot with Roti or Naan!

 

 

 

 

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!

Chiocciole with Creamy Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Mushrooms-Guest Post at Noshing with the Nolands

27 | 03 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Before I begin my post today,let me wish you all a Very Happy Holi, the Hindu festival of colors 🙂

I’m excited for today’s post since I’m guest posting over at my friend Tara’s blog Noshing With the Nolands!At this time of the year we all look for fresh spring flavors and gorgeous colors of all the fresh produce that’s abundant in the markets.I went with vibrant juicy Cherry Tomatoes that I absolutely love.This dish barely takes any time and is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.The roasted cherry tomatoes with garlic are so so delicious and bursting with juices in every bite!

chiocciole

chiocciole 3This recipe has been with me for quite sometime and I’m glad I finally made it!You can use any pasta of your choice.I just found the Chiocciole at my local Whole Foods and wanted to try it!The addition of mushrooms is also optional and you could just go with the cherry tomatoes and basil.Its a dish that screams spring and with Easter round the corner, this will make a perfect dish for a crowd and its easy, flavorful and looks beautiful!!

 

Chiocciole 1

My kids love this dish as much as we do!So, what are you waiting for then?Hop over to Noshing with the Nolands and check out the recipe for yourselves 🙂

 

 

Mango and Strawberry Cream

04 | 08 | 2012
By Soni Sinha

Summer months are my favorite since I get to enjoy my favorite fruit, Mango!Yes, I love mangoes and cannot have enough of them all summer long.I use them in my smoothies,salads,salsa,pies and of course the dessert I have for you today.It’s simple with pure flavors just the way I like my desserts in the summer.

Mango and Strawberry Cream
Its just my take on the good old Fruit Cream that I’ve enjoyed since childhood when Mom used heavy cream every time.Although it tasted delicious, I cannot imagine eating it for my dessert today due to the high fat content and the calories in there.But,I’ve made a healthier version of this family classic using mascarpone and greek yoghurt and it tastes delicious.

fruit cream (strw and mango1)

It can be whipped-up in no time and you can use any fruit on hand.Its an easy chilled dessert that can be made ahead especially when you’re entertaining and also looks super cute.Garnish with a little mint for the finishing touch.Who says healthy cannot be delicious!Enjoy.

Mango and Strawberry Cream

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Ingredients
  

  • Strawberries-1/2 cup hulled
  • Ripe Mangoes-1/2 cup peeled and chopped
  • Mascarpone Cheese-2/3 cup
  • Greek Yoghurt-1/2 cup
  • Honey-2-3 tbsp
  • Vanilla Extract-1 tsp

Instructions
 

  • Mix the mascarpone, greek yoghurt,honey and vanilla with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
  • Arrange the fruits and cream in any order that you prefer,into a serving dish.
  • Garnish with a little mint.
  • Serve chilled.