Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Harissa Mint Chicken Kebabs

24 | 01 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

Harissa has long captivated me.I’d never heard of it until a few months ago when all of a sudden everywhere I looked people were making Harissa and cooking tons of recipes using Harissa.Just looking at those pics,I fell in love with the vibrant red color of the paste and the flavors seemed right up my alley since I love chilies in any form. As I walked past the aisles in our local Sur La Table the other day, I was overjoyed when I spotted a jar of Harissa sitting right there!I immediately picked it up and couldn’t wait to get home and try it!I was amazed at the flavor explosion in my mouth,right from the smoky,tangy to the heat from the chilies and the garlic not to mention the beautiful vibrant red color!Its my new favorite condiment these days and I couldn’t wait to create something amazing with it.

Harissa Mint Chicken Kebabs

For those of you who haven’t heard of Harissa before, its a Tunisian condiment made from serrano peppers,hot chili peppers,roasted red peppers,garlic,coriander or caraway seeds along with olive or vegetable oil for preservation and it is available in some speciality stores.It can be used to flavor a ton of recipes including couscous, a stew, as a rub over your favorite meat or fish, in a dip and so on..

Harissa Mint Chicken Kebabs 1

With eyes on the Superbowl, I thought that a great way to use this would be in some moist juicy Chicken kebabs that would also make an easy appetizer to feed a crowd.I started off by mixing the harissa with some yoghurt as I would in a Tandoori and added some fresh mint, some ginger-garlic paste and some cumin.The chicken tenders were then left to marinade for a good few hours and then placed onto skewers to be grilled on the stove top.The flavors from the Harissa just comes through and the mint complements it beautifully.They came out absolutely delicious and a good squeeze of fresh lemon juice just completed the dish.Enjoy it for your game day or any other day!

Harissa Mint Chicken Kebabs

Harissa Mint Chicken Kebabs

Harissa Mint Chicken Kebabs

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Tenders-1 pck about 1 1/4 lbcubed

Marinade

  • Greek yoghurt-2 tbsp
  • Harissa paste-2-3 tbsp
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic- 1 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Fresh mint-1 few sprigs chopped

Garnish

  • Freshly squeezed juice of a lemon all over

Instructions
 

  • In a deep bowl assemble all the ingredients to marinade and mix the chicken tenders.
  • Let it sit in the fridge for about 5-6 hours.Place the chicken pieces onto skewers.
  • In a gridldle pan heat some oil.
  • Once the griddle is really hot, place the skewers and let it cook and develop a lovely golden color on one side (apprx 5-6 mnutes) and then gently flip over using a spatula to loosen the pieces if stuck.
  • Cook on the other side for apprx same time until fully cooked.
  • Arrange on a tray and squeeze some lemon juice all over.
  • Enjoy!

Aloo Asparagus (Potato and Asparagus)

09 | 09 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

 

Aloo Asparagus

Asparagus is one of my favorite vegetables and I love to experiment with it in different ways.This recipe I have for you today combines Asparagus with Potatoes.Typically this dish is made using just potatoes,but teaming it with Asparagus was a brilliant idea and was a hit even with my kids!

Aloo Asparagus

This dish is called ‘Bhujia’ and is a staple in the states of UP and Bihar in India.Its a simple stir fry that requires minimal ingredients and tastes great with some roti/naan along with some dal (lentils) for a simple weekday supper.The potatoes are cooked first and a non stick pan or cast iron skillet would work best since you don’t want them to stick to the pan.They’re cooked until they develop that lovely golden color and the asparagus is added a little later towards the end since they don’t take long to cook.This dish has lovely flavors from the garlic,turmeric and red chili.A family favorite that’s super easy and healthy too!Enjoy!

Aloo Asparagus 2

Aloo Asparagus

Aloo Asparagus (Potato and Asparagus)

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Ingredients
  

  • Potato-3 medium diced
  • Asparagus-1 bunch
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Red chili or paprika-1/2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Trim the tough ends of the Asparagus and chop them into 1/2 inch pieces and dice the potatoes.Wash and pat dry.
  • In a skillet heat the oil and add the cumin seeds.
  • Once they splutter, add the potatoes along with the turmeric and some salt.Lower the heat to medium and cover.
  • Keep stirring every few minutes until more than halfway cooked and add the asparagus.
  • Add the crushed garlic,red chili/paprika,salt and mix well.
  • Cook for another 6-8 minutes.
  • Enjoy!

 

 

Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs #backtoschool #SundaySupper

17 | 08 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Summer holidays are coming to an end and I’m already fretting over my daughter starting Middle School in September.I’ve heard parents moan about all the work the kids come home with and hope that its a smooth transition for her.While she starts Middle School, my son will start his First Grade and is very excited  about it!He’s already counting the days and cannot wait to go full-time like BIG KIDS.That also means that starting September, I need to pack lunches for both my kids and I’m constantly looking for ideas.You are too? Well then, we’ve got over 40 recipe ideas for you that I’m pretty sure will come in very handy while planning out your weekly lunches in our back-to-school Sunday Supper.

Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs

 

When it comes to my kids’ favorites, there are certain foods that never fail like Spaghetti with meatballs.Since we don’t eat Beef, I always make meatballs using Chicken and it turns out great every single time.Plus there’s nothing like an authentic homemade sauce with carrots and celery that add so much flavor.I have to credit my sister’s mother-in-law for the recipe.She hails from Italy and cooks some of the best Italian dishes I’ve ever eaten.

Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs 3

 

My Chicken meatballs are absolutely delicious bursting with flavors from the garlic, oregano and parmesan cheese.Instead of breadcrumbs,I soak a slice or two of bread in water, squeeze out the excess and add them into the chicken mixture.The moisture keeps the meatballs moist and juicy.You can make the meatballs and the sauce in advance.The sauce lasts for a week in the fridge.Just heat the sauce and the meatballs in the morning,add the spaghetti and you have one amazing lunch option that’s healthy and delicious!My kids love it and so will yours!

Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs

Spaghetti with Chicken Meatballs #backtoschool #SundaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • Spaghetti-1 lb

Sauce

  • 1 Large Onion-chopped
  • 3 Garlic cloves- finely chopped or crushed
  • Carrots peeled and chopped-1/2 cup
  • 2 Celery stalks-chopped
  • Can of crushed tomato-13 oz
  • Oregano-1 tsp
  • salt and pepper
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil-3 tbsp

Chicken Meatballs-makes about 12-14

  • Ground Chicken-1 lb
  • 1 tbsp grated onion
  • 2 Garlic Cloves-crushed or grated
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 slices bread soaked in water
  • Oregano-1 tsp
  • Parmesan cheese-1/2 cup
  • Salt
  • chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Boil spaghetti according to the instructions.Reserve about 1/4 cup of the liquid and drain the rest.

Sauce

  • In a pot heat the olive oil and add the onions.
  • Saute for a minute or two and add garlic.
  • Saute for a minute and add the carrots and celery with some salt and pepper.
  • Add the crushed tomatoes.Add the oregano,salt,pepper and mix.
  • Bring to a boil, cover and cook on low for about 15 minutes until all incorporated.Add the reserved liquid to the sauce to thicken.
  • Your marinara sauce is ready.

Chicken Meatballs

  • Squeeze excess water from the bread and add them into a deep mixing bowl.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
  • Form into balls and shallow fry them in a little oil until slightly golden.
  • Add the balls into the sauceand cook for 10-15 minutes.Pour the sauce over the spaghetti.Sprinkle some fresh parmesan all over.
  • Enjoy.

This event is hosted by Tammi from Momma’s Meals and Gwen from Simple Healthy Family and school lunches never looked this good!!

Back to School Beginnings

Back to School Lunches and Simple Suppers

Back to School Sips

Back to School Super Snacks

Back to School Sweets and Treats

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. To get more great Sunday Supper Recipes, visit our website or check out our Pinterest board.

Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? It’s easy. You can sign up by clicking here: Sunday Supper Movement.

 

Easy Chicken Curry

12 | 08 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Who doesn’t love a good Chicken Curry?Its an all time favorite Indian Dish and today I’ve got for you an easy version using Chicken Breasts that cooks fast and tastes delicious.This is my go-to curry even on weekdays and I use the same base substituting Chicken for Tofu,Paneer or veggies.This is a basic North Indian curry where the sauce consists of onions.ginger,garlic, tomatoes and spices.If you’re a curry lover that frequents local Indian restaurants to enjoy Indian food, I would suggest you try this recipe at home and see how easy it can be.

Easy Chicken Curry

I’ve used Chicken breasts here but you can also use Thighs or Drumsticks if you prefer.The joy of cooking Indian food lies in the fact that you get to smell all those wonderful spices during the cooking process and the end result is worth every bit of the effort.The onion mixture along with the spices and the tomatoes are simmered slowly for the flavors to develop before the chicken is added.The chicken gets coated in all those lovely flavors and you can enjoy it with some hot steaming rice or rotis.

Easy Chicken Curry 3

Easy Chicken Curry

Easy Chicken Curry

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Breasts- 1lb cubed
  • Onion-1 medium
  • Ginger-1 inch
  • Garlic-5 cloves
  • Cumin Seeds-1/2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Mild Red chili or paprika-1 tsp
  • Tomato-1 small pureed
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Water-1 cup
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-5 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Make a paste of the onion,ginger,garlic,cumin seeds with a little water in the food processor.
  • In a wok or a deep skillet heat the oil.
  • Add the onion paste and stir every few minutes until it starts changing color a bit and the raw smell disappears (about 5-6 minutes)
  • Add all the spices except garam masala and continue to stir for a minute or two until aromatic.If you find the paste sticking to the bottom add a tbsp of water and stir to mix.
  • Add the tomato puree and cook the mixture on low heat while stirriing at intervals until you see oil separating from the sides.
  • Add the chicken pieces and mix.
  • Add water, salt and garam masala.,Bring to a boil, cover and cook on med and then reduce the heat and continue cooking for about 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
  • Garnish with cilantro.
  • Serve hot with rice or roti.

Curried Roasted Asparagus with Boiled Egg

18 | 06 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Hot Summer days calls for recipes that require as little time as possible in your kitchen leaving more time for you to enjoy with your loved ones.Keeping exactly that in mind I’ve got for you an easy appetizer that tastes fantastic and is ready in under 15 minutes!

Curried Roasted Asparagus

You’re already aware of my love for Asparagus.Its one of the healthiest veggies out there.If you’re looking for easy low carb dishes or trying to eat healthy,then this is for you.Asparagus is rich in Fiber,Potassium and also low in calories and sodium.

Curried Roasted Asparagus with Boiled Egg 3

This time round I played with some curry powder and garlic to flavor it and I wasn’t disappointed at all!Roasting veggies is one of my favorite ways to enjoy them and Curried Asparagus is a pure delight.Serve with some boiled egg for an easy Indian Inspired appetizer and see your guests raving.

Curried Roasted Asparagus with Boiled Egg

Curried Roasted Asparagus with Boiled Egg

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Ingredients
  

  • Asparagus-10 oz
  • Curry Powder-1 tsp
  • Garlic powder-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Olive Oil-2 tbsp

Eggs-4

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • In a baking sheet place the asparagus along with the rest of the ingredients.Mix well with your hands.
  • Bake for 10 minutes.
  • Take out and slightly cool.
  • Arrange on a serving tray.
  • Boil the eggs in for 5 minutes.Slice into wedges and arrange on top of the Asparagus.
  • Enjoy!