Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Tandoori Turkey Sliders with Mint Raita

14 | 05 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

While sunshine and warm days still elude us, I’m hoping that the weather is only going to get better and looking forward to lots of grilling and barbecue in the coming days and weeks!Dinners are a breeze during this time of the year.Just throw in some meats, veggies in the barbecue, make a salad and you’re done!Fun to eat and flavor possibilities are endless.

Tandoori Turkey Sliders with mint raita

My Tandoori Turkey patties (you can use chicken if you prefer) are bursting with warm tandoori spices,mint, ginger and garlic.These take literally minutes to make to go on the grill.I’ve used regular store bought tandoori spice mix here.The flavors taste amazing and my kids loved them!They can also be made ahead and frozen.The patties are placed on a hot grill and cooked to perfection until golden and delicious.

Tandoori Turkey Sliders 5Indian spices add a wonderful depth of flavor to meats and poultry and this recipe is one such example where a few ingredients transform a mundane dish to something phenomenal.The tandoori spice blend consisting of aromatic spices such as coriander,cumin and cardamom is a great way to enjoy some Indian flavors effortlessly.

Mint Raita

My Mint raita is the perfectly luscious base to place these patties on.The sweet and salty raita with a hint of cumin compliments the tandoori spices well and its a great Indian spin on a traditional turkey slider. They make for delicious kids’ lunches and party appetizers with layers of lettuce,red onions and tomatoes on some mini hamburger buns.An easy and fun dish for the grilling season.Enjoy.

Tandoori Turkey Sliders with mint raita

Tandoori Turkey Sliders with Mint Raita

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Ingredients
  

  • Mini Hamburger Buns
  • 1 large tomato-sliced
  • lettuce leaves
  • ½ small red onion-peeled and chopped

for the Tandoori Turkey(or Chicken) Patties

  • Ground Turkey or Chicken- 1 lb
  • 1 small onion
  • Tandoori masala powder- 2 tbsp
  • Crushed ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed garlic-1 tsp
  • Chopped mint- 1/4 cup
  • Salt to tatse
  • Oil to grill

Mint Raita

  • 1 cup greek yoghurt
  • ½ cup chopped mint
  • juice of 1 small lemon
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp red chili or paprika optional

Instructions
 

  • Mix the raita ingredients in a bowl.Keep aside or refrigerated.
  • Make a paste of the onion in your food processor.Empty in a mixing bowl and add the rest of the ingredients for the patties.
  • Make round balls in your palm and flatten them to make round patties.
  • Heat the grill or griddle pan brushed with oil.
  • Place the patties and cook on both side until golden.

to make the sliders

  • Take one half of the bun and spread some raita topped with one patty followed by lettuce,onion and tomato.Cover with the other half.Repeat with the rest.

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!

Baked Garam Masala Avocado Fries

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.

Baked Garam Masala Avocado fries 4

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

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.

Basil Pesto

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.

Pesto and Olive Flatbread

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 3

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.

Hara Bhara Kebab

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 2

Hara Bhara Kebab

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.

 

Balsamic Strawberry Walnut Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil #SundaySupper #FlStrawberry

14 | 02 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

Strawberries are great any time of the year and are my favorite fruit. I can’t get enough of the deliciously sweet strawberries that are available all summer long. The vibrant red color can light up any gloomy day and every bite of the ripe juicy strawberries satiates like none other. Come winter and although you may still find strawberries in the stores, they’re not the same. Solution? Florida Strawberries that are available December through April and are every bit the plump, red, ripe, juicy strawberries that you find in the summer! Today is Valentine’s Day and what better way to celebrate than with some mouth-watering Strawberry recipes that you can make for your loved ones. I’m excited to be partnering with Florida Strawberries, for our Valentine’s Day event!

Strawberries

While we might tend to go overboard with our treats for Valentine’s Day, it’s always a good idea to plan a healthy yet indulgent menu so as to not regret it later! Keeping this is in mind our event is showcasing ‘Healthy and Nutritious Valentine’s Day recipes’ that you can enjoy without guilt. Did you know that just eight medium strawberries contain more Vitamin C than one orange? They’re also packed with fiber and anti-oxidants. Enjoy them while you can!

Balsamic Strawberry Walnut Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

My Balsamic Strawberry Walnut Pizza has some amazing flavors going on with the fresh mozzarella and basil but the star of the show have to be the balsamic strawberries. The strawberries are cooked in a sweet balsamic reduction to soak the delicious flavors before being added on to the pizza. I’m crazy about strawberries with Balsamic vinegar. It adds another dimension to the flavors. I’ve used regular store-bought whole wheat pizza dough that also makes this a fiber filled meal. The walnuts add some crunch and every bite of the pizza is alluring with the lovely sweet and tart combination working beautifully. It’s an elegant meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and also looks pretty on the table. Enjoy!

Balsamic Strawberry Walnut Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

 

Balsamic Strawberry Walnut Pizza with Fresh Mozzarella and Basil

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ball Whole wheat Pizza dough
  • 10-12 thinly sliced fresh mozzarella cheese
  • fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
  • ¼ cup walnuts

Balsamic Strawberry Reduction:

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries diced

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • In a small pot mix the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce and let it cook for about 10 minutes. Add the strawberries and let it cook for about 5-6 minutes.
  • In a pan dry roast the walnuts until fragrant.
  • Lightly flour your surface and roll your pizza dough into a 10-12 inch circle. Cover your sheet pan with parchment paper and transfer the rolled dough onto the parchment paper.
  • Drizzle some balsamic reduction over the dough. Follow with the fresh mozzarella and walnuts all over.
  • Arrange the strawberries all over and bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes.
  • Once it’s done scatter fresh basil all over and drizzle some of the balsamic sauce.

See what our other Sunday Supper tastemakers have come up with for this event!

Beverage

Breakfast

Salad

Main

Dessert

Plus: Nutritious Fresh Strawberry Recipes plus Strawberry Almond Milk from Sunday Supper Movement

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If you’d like more strawberry-inspired recipes, you can visit the Strawberry Sue Website for both sweet and savory dishes.GET SOCIAL with Florida Strawberry

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GET SOCIAL with Strawberry Sue

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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 Florida Strawberry Pinterest board.

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

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Florida Strawberry Growers Association in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own.