Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Curried Green Beans

04 | 12 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Green Beans have never been one of my favorite vegetables.I despised them as a kid and until my late twenties.Then one fine day, it dawned upon me to try something different.I remembered the times when we were living in the South Indian state of Karnataka where we were introduced to some great South Indian food through my parents’ friends.They made a similar version using Green Beans and also Cabbage.Although this recipe might not be the exact way its made,I’ve tweaked it to make it easy enough for me and the flavors are similar.I do remember that they cut the beans very fine, but I just leave it whole.They look prettier that way. I’ve been enjoying them ever since.

Curried Green Beans

This dish is spiced up using curry powder.You could use mild or hot depending upon your preference.The use of coconut is quite common in South Indian cooking.It adds a nice texture and crunch to the dish.You can serve this as a side dish for the Holidays.It cooks fast and is on the table in a matter of minutes.I use frozen beans but you could use fresh ones too.Couldn’t be any easier and it could easily feed a crowd.Serve alongside your favorite entree.Enjoy!

Curried Green Beans 1

Curried Green Beans

Curried Green Beans

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Ingredients
  

  • Frozen or Fresh Green Beans-3 cups
  • Curry powder-2 tsp
  • Shredded Coconut-1/4 cup
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet heat the oil and add the green beans.
  • Add the curry powder,salt and the shredded coconut.
  • Saute until the beans are cooked but still crunchy.
  • Serve hot.

 

 

 

Aloo Gobi for #Diwali

02 | 11 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

This Sunday,Hindus,Jains and Sikhs all over the world will be celebrating Diwali the festival of lights.Its a celebration of the triumph of good over evil and is marked by lighting up our homes with lots of Diyas (earthen lamps),Lanterns,Candles and colorful lights.Back home,in the evening fireworks light up the skies and people cannot get enough of burning fire crackers in their yards! Families get together to celebrate and enjoy with sweet and savory delicacies.Its the biggest festival in the Hindu Calendar and preparations start days in advance.For us though, the celebration this year is subdued without my Dad, but I know he’s smiling down and giving us his blessings.Miss him.

Aloo Gobi

In my family there’s always been a set menu for Diwali consisting of a few dishes that Mom makes every year.I try to cook some of them over here, just to connect with that fervor back home. Aloo Gobi is one such dish that’s a firm favorite around any festival in my house and also one of my most favorite vegetable dishes of all time.It has bold North Indian flavors going on and its a family recipe that you won’t find on the menu in any Indian restaurant.The taste is unbelievable.I love the flavor of Cauliflower and the Potatoes when they’re shallow fried in a little oil just to get those golden edges all around before adding them into the sauce.This process gives this dish a unique flavor and transforms it into something special.

The sauce consists of onions,garlic,ginger along with some spices that includes Black Cardamom (Badi Illaichi).

Aloo Gobi Curry 1

Black Cardamom is easily available at your Indian grocer and unlike Green Cardamom it cannot be used in desserts.It has this dense smoky flavor and a little goes a long way. You put the whole thing into your food processor along with the rest to make a paste.That becomes the base for your sauce.The mixture is then added into the wok and cooked with some spices before adding the cauliflower and potatoes.This is a dish meant for special occasions and comes out great every single time.Enjoy with some warm Naan bread ,Rotis or my Vegetable Pulao.

Here’s Wishing all my readers a Very Happy Diwali glowing with Peace,Joy and Prosperity!

Diwali

 

Aloo Gobi

Aloo Gobi

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Ingredients
  

  • Potatoes-2
  • Cauliflower Florets-2 cups
  • Bay Leaf-1
  • Medium Onion-1
  • Garlic Cloves-4-5
  • Ginger-1 inch
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • Black Cardamom-1
  • Cinnamon-1/2 inch
  • Tomato-1 medium chopped fine
  • Ground Coriander-1 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chili Powder or paprika-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-5-6 tbsp
  • Water-1 1/2 cups

Instructions
 

  • Peel and cube the potatoes into about 2 inch cubes.
  • In a food processor add the onions,garlic,ginger,cumin, cardamom and cinnamon.Add a little water to make a paste.Puree until smooth.Keep aside.
  • In a wok or a skillet heat 2-3 tbsp of oil on high and add the potatoes and cauliflower.
  • Add some salt and turmeric and saute until you see them turn slightly golden about 3-4 minutes on high.
  • Empty on a plate.
  • In the same wok add 3 tbsp of oil and add a bay leaf and the pureed onion mixture.
  • Saute the mixture on medium until the raw onion smell disappears.
  • Add the chili,coriander,cumin,turmeric and some salt and continue to saute until aromatic.
  • Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until oil separates.Add the cauliflower and potatoes.
  • Mix well and saute for about 2 minutes.
  • Add the water, bring to a boil.Lower the heat,cover with a lid and cook until potatoes are tender and cauliflower is cooked.Make sure that the cauliflower is not over cooked and still has a bite to it.
  • Check the seasonings.
  • Serve hot with naan, rotis,puris or rice!

 

 

 

 

Masala Shrimp

07 | 09 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Cooler air this week has got me thinking, are we braced for an early winter this year?I have to admit that I’m not a winter person.I mean I don’t mind the occasional snow that accumulates just enough for the kids to make their own snowman and snow angels and melt off the next day, while its still pristine white.I dislike the snow that lasts for days turning into ice ready to break people’s backs.Its just not fun.Not to mention the mess it makes.

Masala Shrimp 1

But hang on,why am I talking about winter yet?We haven’t even witnessed ‘Fall’ and don’t know what that has in store for us.Last year ‘Sandy’ just destroyed it all and I sincerely hope and pray that major hurricanes steer clear of our shores!Inspite of all this I still love ‘Fall’.I just love the warm colors of the leaves,the cool breeze,the pumpkins,the excitement of my kids to dress up for Halloween,the apples,the stews,warm comforting dishes hot from the oven and talking about hot my Masala Shrimp just fits the bill perfectly.

Masala Shrimp

Spicy and full of flavor this dish is my perfect companion for these cool days and since we’re using Shrimp here they don’t take too long to cook!The heat comes from the green chilies,the red chili powder and the garam masala.The spices give it tons of flavor and you can serve it with rice or naan bread to scoop up all those lovely juices!Its one of those special dishes you make when you’re craving something really spicy.

Masala Shrimp

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Ingredients
  

  • Jumbo Shrimp-1 lb cleaned and deveined
  • Onion-1 large onion chopped into small pieces or grated
  • Ginger-1 inch crushed
  • Garlic- 3 cloves crushed
  • Tomato-2 pureed
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Red Chili powder or paprika-1 tsp
  • Green Chili-2 seeded and chopped
  • Salt- to taste
  • Water-1 cup
  • Fresh Coriander-to garnish
  • Oil-3-4 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet heat the oil.
  • Add the chopped onion and saute on medium heat until golden.
  • Add the ginger and garlic.
  • Add the pureed tomato along with all the spices and the green chili
  • Continue to cook until you see oil separating from the sides.
  • Add water and bring to a boil.Add salt and check the seasonings.
  • Reduce the heat and add the Shrimp.
  • Cook for about 5-6 minutes until Shrimp is cooked.
  • Mix well and garnish with fresh coriander.
  • Serve hot with Rice or Naan!

 

Curried Green Garbanzo Lettuce Cups (or Wraps)

13 | 03 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

I’m very excited about today’s recipe!Of late I’ve been working a lot with Green Garbanzos ever since I discovered them in the frozen section at Whole Foods!The new ‘Super Food’ to hit the American markets, they are super delicious,high in fiber,protein,vitamins,iron and are heart healthy!They have a lovely nutty flavor and since they’re already blanched and then frozen,they take no time to cook.They’re a freezer staple in my house and have become my newest obsession 🙂

curried green garbanzo

A curried version sounded fantastic and I started off by steaming these in the microwave for about 2 minutes.I’ve added scallions instead of onions since I love the flavor and the lovely color and the combination sounded wonderful!Once it was ready,another idea popped up!Why not serve them in lettuce cups instead of rice.It would taste really good on top of some crunchy Ice Berg lettuce that I luckily had in my fridge 🙂 I absolutely loved the flavors and got a thumbs up from the hubby too 🙂

curried green garbanzo2

Its a great alternative to chickpeas or peas in any dish and makes for a tasty and filling lunch or dinner!I’ve used Coconut Oil and curry powder along with some mustard seeds and toasted coconut and the whole dish barely takes 10 minutes to come together!You can eat it in a wrap or as a side dish with an Indian Inspired meal or as a salad on its own!A healthy low carb dish that’s full of delicious flavors!

Curried Green Garbanzo Lettuce Cups

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Ingredients
  

  • Frozen Green Garbanzo Beans-2 cups
  • Iceberg Lettuce-4 leaves
  • Chopped Scallions spring onions-1/2 cup
  • Black Mustard- 1 tsp
  • Curry Powder-1 tsp
  • Jalapeños-1 chopped seeds removed
  • salt-to taste
  • Toasted shredded coconut-for garnish
  • Coconut Oil-1 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Place the garbanzos in a microwave safe dish and microwave on high for 3 minutes.
  • Trim the ends of the lettuce and carefully peel off about 4-5 leaves.
  • Toast some shredded coconut in a separate pan.Keep aside.
  • Heat oil in a skillet.
  • Add the mustard seeds and let it crackle.
  • Add the scallions and jalapeños.
  • Add the curry powder and stir for a minute.
  • Add the steamed garbanzos and salt and cook for about 4-5 minutes until well mixed.
  • Serve the garbanzos in the letttuce cups.Garnish with toasted coconut.
  • Enjoy!

Curried Apple and Leek Soup ~ Autumn Apple Party #SundaySupper

23 | 09 | 2012
By Soni Sinha

Come autumn and the crisp cool air just feels so good in the mornings.I’m enjoying this transition of the weather and the lovely warm and comforting foods that come along with it!Talking about autumn, its also the season of Apples!.This lovely fruit is one of my most favorite things to cook/bake with and I can think of so many ways to use them in my sweet and savory creations.So when my friend Cindy from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings suggested ‘Autumn Apple Party’ as the title for this #SundaySupper I jumped with excitement 🙂
apple soup2
I’m bringing a savory item for this event and its already becoming a family favorite, going by the verdict of my 4 and 9 year olds :)Its my creamy Curried Apple and Leek Soup that has so many varied flavors that tickle your tastebuds in just the right way.I found the original recipe at All Recipes and added my own twist with the bacon and paprika! The soup is slightly acidic from the Granny Smith Apples,with a slight hint and heat of the spices combined with the creaminess of the potatoes. The flavors further elevate with the garnish of the salty, crisp bacon!One bowl full of goodness for this Fall~

Curried Apple and Leek Soup

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Ingredients
  

  • Granny Smith Apples-2 peeled cored and chopped
  • Leeks-2 stalks cleaned and chopped
  • Potato-1 medium peeled and chopped
  • Curry Powder-2 tsp
  • Paprika-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Pepper-2 tsp
  • Water-2 cups
  • Bacon-2 slices
  • Butter-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Heat butter in a sauce pan and add the chopped leeks.Saute for about a minute until translucent.Add the curry powder and saute for another minute.Add the potatoes,apples,all the other spices and water.Bring to a boil.Reduce the heat, cover and cook for 15 minutes.Adjust the seasonings.
  • Crisp up the bacon in a pan and break it by hand.
  • Once cooked blend the soup until all smooth and creamy.Garnish with the bacon bits and serve hot with crusty bread!

Check out the scrumptious creations of my blogger friends using Apples and don’t forget to join our twitter chat at 7pm est!Soups, Salads, Starters and Breads