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Baked Garam Masala Avocado Fries

21 | 04 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

The weather has finally warmed up and I’m looking forward to some glorious days ahead. The cold spell seemed never ending and my 8 yr old is now excited about playing outside wearing shorts! It’s funny how the weather impacts our mood. A gorgeous day instantly brightens me up and I want to soak in the beautiful sun and its energy.There’s something else that brightens me up too!

Its Avocados, the green, creamy high protein fruit that’s become my obsession these days. There are so many ways to enjoy it and it’s a good source of energy, fiber and good fats. Apart from the delicious guacamole, avocados are used in pretty much everything from smoothies to desserts and I love the texture and flavor of this amazing fruit.I just can’t get enough of avocados these days and use it over my toast,in my salads or just grill it.Its delicious in every way.

The recipe I have for you today is an Indian spin on avocado using garam masala and taking it to a whole new level. And these beauties are baked to a perfect crispy exterior just the way I like it. The crisp outer layer opens up to the soft buttery goodness on the inside and you just cannot stop at one. You wouldn’t believe how easy the process is and its ready in minutes. The garam masala adds just a hint of spice and it’s best served hot. It’s an amazing party appetizer and sure to wow even your vegan guests.Enjoy!

Baked Garam Masala Avocado Fries

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Ingredients

2 large avocados sliced
Juice of ½ lime
Salt & Pepper
⅔ cup all purpose flour
⅔ cup water
1 cup bread crumbs
1 tsp garam masala
1 tsp garlic powder
salt
2 tablespoons oil

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
In a bowl mix the flour and water.Add a little salt.
In a tray mix the bread crumbs,garam masala and garlic powder with a little salt.
Slice each avocado into long slices and squeeze some lime juice all over.
Dip each avocado slice into the flour mixture and dredge through the bread crumbs. Coat thoroughly place on a foil lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle some oil all over.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until it's lightly browned. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pesto and Olive Flatbread

05 | 04 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Pesto is one of my favorite condiments and I make it every week for my 12yr old (she loves pasta with pesto for her school lunch and could survive on just that if I’d let her). I love that its so versatile and super easy to make. The vibrant color of a pesto is just beautiful and today I have an easy party appetizer that can be made in less than 30 minutes and tastes phenomenal.

There’s something about the combination of basil,garlic,parmesan,pine nuts and olive oil that’s just incredible.The texture, the color and the smooth consistency just makes you crave for a spoonful the moment its ready :).I love to smear my pesto over my toast,in my wraps,sandwiches you name it and its a great condiment to have on hand.

I love flatbreads.They’re fun to make and eat and can be enjoyed with a million different toppings.My Pesto and Olive Flatbread is the perfect balance of salty, nutty and tangy flavors coming together to tantalize your taste buds in the most amazing way and yet there’s hardly any effort in making them. I’ve used store bought flatbread and spread the pesto all over before adding the cheese and olives. Once it’s all bubbly and slightly golden in the oven, its ready to cut into your desired shape and served. Its great for a crowd and even the kids love it! Need I say more?

Pesto and Olive Flatbread

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Ingredients

Any flatbread of your choice-1
Homemade or store-bought Basil Pesto-2 tbsp
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese-1/2 cup
Green olives sliced-1/2 cup

Basil Pesto

2 cups fresh basil
2 cloves garlic
¼ cup pine nuts
⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
salt and pepper

Instructions

Pesto

Place all the pesto ingredients except olive oil in the food processor and pulse.Gradually pour the olive oil and blend until all incorporated and smooth.

Flatbread

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Place flatbread on a baking sheet.
Spread the pesto all over followed by cheese.
Arrange the olives in any pattern.
Bake for 8-12 mins until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

Hara Bhara Kebab (Indian Spiced Potato Cakes with Spinach and Peas)

23 | 03 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Its Holi (Hindu festival of colors) and millions of Indians are celebrating it with food and festivities.India becomes a kaleidoscope of colors on Holi, where people and even the streets are painted with myriad of colors.Everywhere you see, colorful powders in red,pink,greens and yellows are strewn through the air or mixed with water ready to be used on your loved ones and people have so much fun. It’s one of the biggest festivals in India and is known for the one time when ‘bhang’ (cannabis) is consumed openly.It’s used in various delicacies being prepared during Holi and everyone wants a taste!Not to forget all the multifarious foods that’s also a huge part of Holi celebrations, preparations for which starts way before-hand.Elaborate menus are planned for Holi with varieties of appetizers,entrée and desserts serving to every palate.

And while I do not have a bhang recipe to share with you today, these gorgeous Hara Bhara Kebabs are quite the perfect Holi appetizer with their vibrant color derived from the spinach and green peas.The kebabs are then mixed with a combination of aromatic spices and fresh herbs to give a distinctive color and flavor that’s synonymous with a traditional Hara Bhara Kebab.Its one of the most popular Vegetarian appetizers in Indian Restaurants and with this easy recipe you can enjoy them in the confines of your own home!The kebabs can be assembled in advance and can be frozen or chilled until you’re ready to pan fry them for your guests.They come together in no time and couldn’t be any easier.The flavors consist of nutty cumin,coriander and garam masala along with some ginger and fresh herbs like cilantro and mint.

What would I do without mint!I use it in almost anything I cook 🙂
And believe me it works beautifully in these kebabs too!They’re insanely delicious and highly addictive even without the ‘bhang’!Enjoy and HAPPY HOLI!!

Hara Bhara Kebab (Indian Spiced Potato Cakes with Spinach and Peas)

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Ingredients

3 medium size boiled potatoes
2 tsp chopped ginger
1 tbsp chopped green chillies
1 cup blanched spinach
2 cups boiled green peas microwaved for 2 minutes on high
¾ cup fresh coriander & mint leaves
Cornflour-2 tbsp
Salt
Oil to pan fry

Spice Mix

1 tsp cumin seeds
1 dry red chili
1 tbs coriander seeds
1 tsp chat masala
1 tsp garam masala

Instructions

Boil the potatoes, allow them to cool and then peel and mash.
Blanch spinach leaves in boiling water, then put immediately in cold water (to retain fresh green color) and squeeze out excess water.
Dry roast the spice mix ingredients in a pan for a few mins until fragrant.Once done allow to cool and grind to a powder.
In the same pan add 2 tbsp of oil and ginger. Saute for a minute and add the green peas.
Cook for a couple of minutes.
Transfer the peas and spinach into a food processor and make a paste along with cilantro and mint.
Add this to the mashed potato along with the spice mix and cornflour.Check the seasonings.
Divide the mixture into equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball and then press it between your palms to give it a flat shape.
Heat a pan and drizzle some oil. Cook the kababs on both sides to golden and crisp outside on medium heat.
Repeat the same with the remaining mixture.Serve with your favorite chutney or sauce.

Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Sour Cream Sauce

03 | 03 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Busy weeknights call for easy recipes that are ready in minutes and also appeal to the hungry stomachs after a long day. In our house Wednesdays are Pasta days since my kids love pasta.This recipe I have for you is one of the most adored by my kids and they go for seconds.A pasta dish with chunks of tender flavorful chicken and asparagus coated in the creamy sour cream sauce is my idea of a perfectly delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner.You could easily make this a vegetarian meal by omitting the chicken and adding mushrooms instead.The dish takes just a few minutes and yet turns out amazing. It’s filling, healthy and nutritious with the addition of asparagus that works beautifully. I’ve used chicken tenders and sautéed them with a little salt, pepper and paprika but you could also use rotisserie chicken instead. The sour cream adds a rich creamy consistency and the freshly grated Parmesan completes the dish.Enjoy!

Chicken Asparagus Pasta with Sour Cream Sauce

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Ingredients

For the chicken

1 lb chicken tenders
salt pepper and paprika
Olive oil- 1 tbsp

Sour Cream Sauce

Any pasta of your choice-1 lb
1 large Onion-chopped
2 cloves of garlic crushed
2 cups Asparagus-chopped
Cooked chicken-1 lb
Chicken broth-1/2 cup
Sour Cream-1 cup
Freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the instructions.
In a deep skillet sauté the chicken with some salt, pepper and paprika.Cook until done.
In another pan heat some olive oil and butter and add the onions.
Sauté for about a minute or two until translucent and add the garlic.
Add the chopped asparagus and cook for a minute or two and add the cooked chicken pieces.
Add the broth and sour cream and mix well.Check the seasonings.
Add the boiled pasta and mix well.
Top with some freshly grated parmesan cheese.Serve hot.

10 Easy Recipes for your Super Bowl Party

06 | 02 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

The biggest football event is here and I’m sure many of you are eagerly waiting to see your favorite team win!Whether you’re watching it with your friends or just your family at home you will need some food to munch-on.

I’ve compiled a list of 10 easy and delicious recipes that you can cook-up in no time there-by allowing you to sit back,relax and watch the game.Enjoy!

Beet Hummus