Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish #SundaySupper #GGHoliday2013

08 | 12 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Appetizers for me are the star of any party.They’re fun to cook ,bake or grill.The small bites are perfect for munching while you’re engaged in a conversation or enjoying your favorite drink.You could bring the flavors from around the world in your appetizers and get creative.As a result,I place special emphasis on my appetizers when I’m entertaining and they’re always a hit with my guests. I could easily skip the main course and just enjoy the appetizers and desserts any day.

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish 1

I was really excited when Gourmet Garden asked me to create an Easy Holiday Entertaining recipe featuring their herbs and spices.My mind went straight to creating an amazing appetizer.As soon as I spotted the lemongrass,I knew I was going to make a Thai Style Appetizer using their ginger,garlic,lemongrass,basil and cilantro.The ease of the tubes was just what I needed and the marinade was ready in no time!

I chose Monkfish since it holds well under the grill and is quite meaty.I let it marinade for 5-6 hours in the fridge and grill on low for about 8 minutes on each side.The flavors are amazing and it is a great recipe for a crowd not to mention insanely delicious!I loved the flavors of the lemongrass coming through and the spices add their own magic.Its now one of my favorites and I cannot wait to try the same marinade with chicken or even Tofu!

gg-hero_herbs_spices_3

Gourmet Garden sell a wide range of herbs and spices including Basil, Cilantro, Chili Pepper, Dill, Garlic, Ginger, Italian Herbs, Lemon Grass, Parsley and Oregano and can be found in the fresh produce section (next to the fresh herbs) of your local supermarket.They typically last for up to 3 months in the fridge.They are used like fresh herbs in a one-to-one ratio, but can be used in place of dried typically in a 2 to 1 ratio (2 tbsp GG Ginger equals 1 tbsp dried ginger).

I think they’re great for entertaining since the prep work is already done for you and they’re such a time saver.

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish 2

 

Thai Style Grilled Monkfish #SundaySupper #GGHoliday2013

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Ingredients
  

  • Monkfish-8-10 pieces

Marinade

  • Gourmet Garden Chunky Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Lemongrass-3 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Basil-2 tbsp
  • Gourmet Garden Cilantro-2 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Oil
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Mix all the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl or a ziplock bag.
  • Add the monkfish.MIx well.
  • Let it marinade in the fridge for about 6-7 hours.
  • On a foil lined oiled baking sheet place the monkfish.
  • Drizzle some oil all over and broil on low for about 8 minutes on each side or until cooked with golden grill marks.
  • Serve hot.

For more ideas using Gourmet Garden herbs and spices check out these amazing recipes by our Sunday Supper group!

You can Pin these recipes from our Easy Holiday Entertaining Pinterest Board and sign-up to receive Gourmet Garden Newsletter  and download a coupon on their website Gourmet Garden . Follow Gourmet Garden on Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

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. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more fabulous recipes and food photos.

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

Disclaimer-This post is sponsored by Gourmet Garden  Herbs & Spices. All opinions are my own.

Spicy Sea Scallop Skewers with Mint Yoghurt Sauce #SundaySupper

01 | 09 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Its the Labor Day Weekend and also the last weekend before school starts!September is here and very soon we’ll see the cooler crisp air in the mornings and evenings.Summer gradually making way for Fall.So while we still have some heat, lets just enjoy these last few days by having some barbecue fun with our favorite veggies,meats or seafood.For me it has to be Sea Scallops since I love them!Sea Scallops are one of the most nutritious seafoods out there and are packed with Vitamin B12,a necessary nutrient for cardiovascular health and Omega 3 Fatty acids.They are available fresh or frozen.You could use either for this recipe.Trader Joe’s sells these frozen Jumbo Sea Scallops that I’ve used here and they taste great.I just let them defrost before they’re ready to be used.

Spicy Sea Scallop Skewers.jpg

I like to have some spice, some heat on my seafood and that brings me to our recipe today.My Spicy Sea Scallops are of course spicy,but also fun to eat since I’ve got them on skewers.I’ve used the flat side of my griddle pan to get a nice sear on both sides, but you could also grill them directly on the grill for those lovely marks!

Spice Mix for Spicy Sea Scallops

The spice mix I’ve used here consists of Garam Masala,Cumin and Red Chili powder.The Sea Scallops are coated with the spice on one side before going into the skewers so as to not overpower the sweet delicate flavors and they taste absolutely delicious!I serve this with a cooling Mint Yoghurt Sauce that just balances the heat and also pairs nicely with all the flavors going on.

Spicy Sea Scallop Skewers 1

The hubby is trying to cut down on his carbs and found this dish perfect with some fresh salad for his meal.You could also serve this as an appetizer for your next party!

Spicy Sea Scallop Skewers with Mint Yoghurt Sauce

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Ingredients
  

For the Sea Scallops

  • Sea Scallops-8
  • Garam masala-2 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Red Chili powder or paprika-1/4 tsp
  • Lemon-cut into wedges
  • Salt-to taste

For the Mint Yoghurt Sauce

  • Mint-1/2 cup chopped
  • Yoghurt-1/2 cup
  • Garlic-1 minced
  • Salt- to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl mix the spices.
  • Coat the scallops on one side with the spices and arrange on skewers.
  • Heat the flat side of your oiled griddle pan.
  • Place the skewers and let them cook on medium high for about 2 minutes per side.Look for a lovely sear.
  • Mix all the ingredients for the mint yoghurt sauce.
  • Arrange the skewers on top of some fresh salad and serve with the sauce.
  • Squeeze some lemon juice all over.

This exciting event is hosted by Foodie Stuntman of Crazy Foodie Stunts and we’ve got some amazing Labor Day recipe ideas for you all!!

Refreshing Drinks

Amazing Appetizers and Sides

Enviously Good Entreés

Delicious Desserts

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We 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 fabulous recipes and food photos.

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

 

Fourth of July Menu Ideas!

03 | 07 | 2013
By Soni Sinha


This time of the year is all about socializing with friends and family!Foods on the grill are the favorites all around.If you’re looking for some exciting menu ideas that you can try for your 4th of July party,you won’t be disappointed because I’ve got for you some of my favorite recipes to try 🙂 Any recipe that is broiled in the oven can be grilled outside on a barbecue!I’ve got some Vegetarian and Non Vegetarian options for you to choose from.Take a look.

4th of July Party Ideas

Starting from the top left….

Appetizers

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks, Lemon Chicken Kebabs, Tandoori Cauliflower

Sides and Salads

Couscous Tabbouleh, Black Bean and Mango Salad, Quinoa Endive Boats

Entree

Fish Kebabs with Mint Chutney, Salmon Tikka Wraps with Cucumber Raita, Chicken Burger with Curried Cabbage Slaw

Dessert

Mini Strawberry Cheesecake, Mango and Strawberry Cream, Mango Lassi Frozen Yoghurt

 

Hope you enjoy them!!

 

Fish Kebabs with Mint Chutney #SundaySupper

30 | 06 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Its the first week of my kids’ summer holidays and I’ve been really enjoying my lazy mornings without the rush to wake them up or get their lunch boxes ready!Summer is my favorite time of the year!There’s fresh fruits and vegetables in abundance and let’s not forget the hot smoky barbecue that you can enjoy each day every day!!From fresh corn, to meats and seafood, grilled foods are probably the best thing about summer.They’re fun to eat, adaptable to every palate.And with the Fourth of July round the corner,we’re celebrating this season with a Summer BBQ party!

Fish Kebabs with Mint Chutney

My fish kebabs are super easy and have tons of flavor.You can also use Chicken,Lamb or Shrimp for this preparation.I’ve used a combination of Swordfish,Tuna and Salmon here.I let them marinade for about two hours and then grill them for about 6-8 minutes on each side.

You can choose any kind of firm fish for these kebabs.I just love the different textures in the fish and they came out great!The flavors of mint and coriander goes really well with the fish and the reserved chutney can be served alongside these kebabs.The chutney has a bit of tang from the lemon, and slight hint of heat from the Jalapeño, that I love.I served it on a bed of Couscous Tabbouleh with grilled corn for our dinner.Enjoy.

Fish Kebabs

Fish Kebabs with Mint Chutney

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 thick deboned fillet each of-Swordfish,Tuna and Salmon (6-8 oz each)

For the Mint Chutney

  • Fresh Mint-1 cup
  • Fresh Coriander-1 cup
  • Garlic clove-1
  • Green Chili or Jalapeño-1 seeded and chopped
  • Salt-to taste
  • Lemon Juice-1 tbsp
  • Olive Oil-2 tbsp
  • water-1/4 cup or more if required

Instructions
 

  • Wash the fish and pat dry.Slice though the middle and cube into apprx 2 inch pieces.
  • Chop up the coriander and mint.In a wet spice grinder or any food processor combine all the chutney ingredients except lemon juice and blend.Add a little more water if required.
  • In a ziplock bag take about 4-5 tbsp of the Chutney and the fish and give it a good mix.Save the remaining chutney.
  • Refrigerate the fish for two hours.Add the lemon juice a few minutes before grilling.
  • Preheat the grill.
  • Arrange the fish on skewers alternating each fish and grill on medium for about 6 minutes on each side.
  • Serve hot with the reserved chutney.

Fish Kebabs in Mint Chutney 1

The lovely Jenny from The Messy Baker Blog is hosting this special Sunday Supper and we’ve got some amazing summer dishes and drinks for you 🙂

SundaySupperBBQ

Hot Off the Grill:

On the Side:

Sweet Tooth:

In the Cooler:

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter on Sunday, June 30th to celebrate Summer. 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 Spiced Chicken Drumsticks #SundaySupper

26 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather has played a dampener this weekend that is so unusual for this time of the year!The kids were looking forward to our pool opening,but the weather Gods had something else in mind, I guess!Our Sunday Super team is definitely unfazed by the weather pattern and we’re here to lift your spirits up with some mouth watering picnic ideas!!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

I’ve got my scrumptious Roasted Chicken Drumsticks with a spice blend of Coriander,Fennel,Cumin,Red Chilies,Cinnamon and Cloves that gives it some great flavors.I toasted the spices in a pan until the air in my kitchen was filled with a warm aromatic scent and then transferred the mixture into my spice grinder.You could use this as a spice rub for various meats or fish too!So good!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 4

I marinated these overnight and broiled them the next day until all nice and golden on all sides.Drumsticks are the perfect finger foods for a picnic and are adored by adults and kids alike!Pack it with some salad or grill them right in the picnic area if you have the facility and you’ve got  a great picnic dish that couldn’t be any easier!

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 3

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks 1.jpg

Indian Spiced Chicken Drumsticks

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Ingredients
  

Indian Spice Blend

  • Coriander Seeds-3 tbsp
  • Cumin Seeds-1 1/2 tbsp
  • Fennel Seeds-1 tbsp
  • Cinnamon-1 inch
  • Cloves-4
  • Dry Red Chili-2

For the Marinade:

  • Chicken Drumsticks-7-8 pieces
  • Thick Yoghurt-1 cup
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Indian Spice Blend-2 tbsp
  • Oil-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Chaat Masala optional-1 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a pan toast all the spices on low heat until aromatic making sure to not burn it.
  • Transfer into a spice grinder and coarse grind the spices.
  • In a ziplock bag mix all the marinade ingredients except oil and keep it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
  • When ready arrange on a greased foil lined baking sheet,drizzle oil all over and broil until all golden turning the drumsticks every now and then to develop color on all sides.
  • Brush the sides with the remaining marinade to keep them moist and flavorful.
  • Sprinkle some lemon juice and chaat masala all over and serve warm!

This wonderful event is hosted by the lovely Katy of Happy Baking Days and our group has some amazing picnic ideas for this season!Get inspired 🙂

Salads and Slaws:

Sandwiches and Mains:

Desserts:

Drinks:

Check back on Sunday for all the recipes! You can join in the chat on Twitter too: we’ll tweet throughout the day and share all of our picnic recipes. Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm EST. To join in, just follow the #SundaySupper hashtag, and remember to include it in your tweets. You can also check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest board for more delicious recipes and photos.