Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Roasted Curried Cauliflower

07 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

If you’ve been reading my blog you would very well know by now how much I love roasting my veggies!There’s so much flavor that you can extract out of any vegetable just by roasting them!The best part is they’re super easy and you don’t end up using your pots and pans that prevents the mess around the stove top and makes cleaning a breeze!I serve roasted vegetables as a side dish with my Indian and Non-Indian meals very often and now even my kids have started enjoying them!

Roasted Curried Cauliflower 1

Cauliflower is one vegetable that I’ve always loved even as a kid. My kids also love it as much as I do and I make it a point to cook it at least once a week. From heath perspective its something you’d want to make very often since its full of antioxidants and fiber.As a great source of Vitamin K it contains anti-inflammatory properties too.Source

Roasted Curried Cauliflower.jpg

This preparation I have for you today is very simple.All you need is curry powder,salt and chili powder.The fact that I’ve sliced the cauliflower all the way makes for a delightful presentation and its quicker too.I’ve also garnished it with some toasted coconut since it pairs well with curry powder.Simple yet flavorful this is one amazing side dish for any table!

Roasted Curried Cauliflower.jpg

Roasted Curried Cauliflower

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Medium Cauliflower- sliced into 1/2 inch slices
  • Curry Powder-2 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Red chili or paprika-1/4 tsp
  • Shredded Coconut-1 tbsp
  • Oli-2-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
  • Toast some shredded coconut in a dry pan until slightly golden.Keep aside.
  • Rub the cauliflower with the spices on both sides.
  • Drizze some oil all over.
  • Roast on a greased baking sheet for about 20 mins until all golden.Sprinkle the toasted coconut all over.
  • Serve hot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indian Spiced Roasted Eggplant (Baingan Bhaja)

07 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The sweet aroma of vegetables roasting in the oven just makes me hungry!The soft and tender insides, the crispy outsides,the caramelized flavors,the golden color is unbeatable and can easily convert the vegetable haters into vegetable lovers!They make for easy side dishes,warm salads or tasty sandwich fillings!The dish I have for you today is my take on a Bengali Classic Baingan (Eggplant) Bhaja. Mom made this often with Khichdi along with fried fish and pickles.Traditionally its made in a frying pan in India, but I’ve roasted it in the oven and it tastes absolutely delicious!!

roasted eggplant 2

Growing up I was never fond of Eggplants and this was the only preparation that I enjoyed.And even after so many years its one of the few eggplant dishes that I still like.Its super easy and just involves adding turmeric,salt and red chili on the sliced eggplant and then roasting it in a preheated oven until all golden.You can serve this alongside some lentils and rice for an easy meal.I also ate some for my lunch with lettuce!So Yum!

roasted eggplant 4

I’ve used the smaller version of the regular eggplant and sliced it through the middle.Its perfectly sized to fit in-between your bread slices if you’re panning to make a sandwich!You can also use your outdoor grill and serve this for an Indian themed Barbecue along with my Chicken Burgers!Easy, delicious and a great way to use up your eggplant this is one recipe that will not disappoint!

roasted egglant

Indian Spiced Roasted Eggplant

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Medium Eggplants-4
  • Turmeric-2 tsp
  • Red Chili/cayenne-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-2-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 440 degrees.
  • Slice your Eggplants through the middle.
  • Mix Turmeric,salt and red chili in a bowl.
  • Sprinkle the mixture on to your eggplants generously.
  • Grease a baking sheet and place the Eggplants skin size down.
  • Drizzle about 2 tbsp of oil all over and bake in the oven until all golden for about 20-25 mins.Keep an eye making sure to not burn!
  • Serve warm!

Chicken Burgers with Curried Cabbage Slaw~{Indian Inspired} #SundaySupper

01 | 07 | 2012
By Soni Sinha

I really look forward to this time of the year when the air is filled with the smokiness of the grill.Its the official barbecue season and everywhere you see people are having a great time with their friends and family!Also a great time to enjoy burgers,grilled foods,salads and anything cold .

chicken burger 2

As the 4th of July nears, I’ve decided to serve my guests a delicious Indian style burger with a curried cabbage slaw!Its absolutely delicious and super easy to make even at the last minute.The juicy chicken patties, that are flavored with Indian spices combined with the fresh mint make them irresistible!Grilled to perfection these are a great variation from the usual and could also be served as an appetizer with a salad for your next party!

Curried Cabbage Slaw
The slaw is amazing and reminds me of the coronation sauce I’ve had in the UK!The crunchy cabbage with a hint of curry with the creamy mayo and the sweet honey results in the perfect slaw to accompany my burgers!I’ve used a light Canola Oil Mayonnaise (has no eggs)sold at Whole Foods that’s super delicious and healthy!

An Indian Inspired summer meal for this barbecue season, that’s to die for~

Chicken Burgers with Curried Cabbage Slaw

Chicken Burgers with Curried Cabbage Slaw~{Indian Inspired}

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

Burger Buns-5-6

  • 1 Large Tomato-Sliced
  • Lettuce leaves-5

For the Burger:

  • Chicken Mince-1lb
  • Ground ginger/garlic - 1 tbsp
  • Ground Coriander-1/2 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-1/2 tbsp
  • Red Chilli powder Cayenne-1/2 tsp
  • Fresh Mint - 1/2 cup chopped
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil -to grill

For the Curried Cabbage Slaw:

  • Shredded White Cabbage-2 cups
  • Canola Oil Mayonnaise-3/4 cup
  • Curry Powder-1 tbsp
  • Honey-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Pepper-1/2 tsp

Instructions
 

  • Mix together all the slaw ingredients and refrigerate.
  • Mix together the burger ingredients either by hand or in a food processor.Make 5-6 round shaped patties from the mixture and keep aside.
  • Preheat the outdoor grill for medium heat.
  • Lightly oil the grill grate and grill the burgers about 5-6 minutes on each side until fully cooked.Move the patties to a cooler area of the grill to keep warm.
  • Lightly grill the buns.Now assemble the burger.
  • Take the bottom part of a bun and place a tomato slice.Top it up with a lettuce leaf followed by a chicken patty.Spoon 2 tbsp of the slaw over the patty and top with the other half of the bun.Your burger is ready!
Check out the fabulous menu for some great ideas for the 4th of July!Its a SundaySupper that’s not to be missed J

Main Dishes:

Salads and Sides:
Desserts:
Fabulous Pairings by Martin from ENOFYLZ

 

 

Tandoori Salmon

18 | 02 | 2012
By Soni Sinha

I love Tandoori preparations.So simple, yet packed with flavor and irresistible!They look great on any table and are versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or a main dish.They look elegant, smell heavenly and are always a crowd pleaser.They’re one of my most popular party appetizers and I’ve made many different versions both Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian.
Tandoori Salmon 4
They’re surprisingly easy and flavorful and do not require much effort.You can marinade them overnight and grill them the next day!I love using local ingredients and creating dishes with an Indian twist and this is one such example where I’ve combined my favorite preparation with my favorite fish Salmon!
Often you will find Tandoori dishes having a reddish color,that is due to the addition of food coloring and is purely optional.I have made mine without any coloring here.Enjoy!

Tandoori Salmon 1

 

Tandoori Salmon

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Ingredients:
  • Salmon-2-3 fillets either whole or cut into cubes
  • Yoghurt-2-3 cups of thick yoghurt
  • Tandoori Masala-2 tbsp
  • Ginger Garlic paste-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Lemon juice-1 tbsp
  • Oil- 2 tbsp
  • Chaat masala- to sprinkle easily available at your Indian Grocer's

Instructions
 

  • Put all the ingredients except oil and chaat masala into a zip-lock bag and marinade in the refrigerator for about 5-6 hours or overnight.
  • Place the pieces on a greased foiled lined baking sheet.
  • Drizzle oil all over the pieces and grill on medium high for about 20 minutes or until Salmon is just cooked and has the beautiful grill marks.
  • Arrange on some salad leaves, red onions and lemon wedges and sprinkle some chaat masala all over.Enjoy!
 For a vegetarian version try my Tandoori Paneer Tikka !!