Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

28 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Temperatures dropping yet again.Seems like there is no respite from this brutal cold even this week.The one thing that we look forward to during this weather is socializing with our friends.The kids have fun and so do we.And with the big Game on this weekend,I’m looking forward to getting together with our friends and enjoying the day.I have to admit that for me it’ll still be all about the food and less about the game.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

The dish I’ve got for you is an old favorite with an Indian twist.I’m not talking wings here,but Stuffed Mushrooms.I love them to bits and this time round I played with some shredded cabbage that I bought from Trader Joe’s.You might be wondering why Cabbage?Well, Cabbage to me is perfect as a filling in many ways.I love the crunch,the lovely texture and it pretty much takes up any flavor that’s added to it.Shredded Cabbage is also used in Pot Stickers,Vegetable Spring Rolls and rolled up into balls in Indian Koftas.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

The addition of Indian spices along with the ginger compliments the cabbage and it just seems perfect with the meaty mushrooms.And if that isn’t enough, its also super healthy and great as an appetizer or even a side dish with your entree.I’ve used Portobello Mushrooms,but you could also use Cremini for this dish.Enjoy with friends or on your own.This dish will cheer you up even if the weather doesn’t.

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired 1.jpg

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired .jpg

Cabbage Stuffed Mushrooms-Indian Inspired

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Ingredients
  

  • Portabello Mushrooms-6
  • Shredded Cabbage-2 cups
  • Onion-1 small
  • Ginger-1/2 inch crushed
  • Ground cumin-1/2 tsp
  • Ground coriander-1/2 tsp
  • Salt-to tatste
  • Shredded Mozzarella
  • Bread Crumbs
  • Olive Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  • With a sharp knife cut out the mushroom stems.Chop them into small pieces.
  • In a skillet heat the oil and saute the onions until translucent.
  • Add the ginger and saute for a minute.Add the spices and mix well for two-three minutes on medium heat until aromatic.
  • Add the mushroom stems.Saute for a bit.
  • Add the cabbage and salt.Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until still crunchy but cooked enough.
  • Stuff about a tbsp or two of the cabbage mixture into each Mushroom,press gently.Cover with some shredded mozzarella.
  • Sprinkle some olive oil mixed with bread crumbs and bake on a greased baking tray for about 15-18 minutes until golden and the bottom of the mushrooms are dry.

Chicken Shami Kebab #SundaySupper

12 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Happy Second Birthday Sunday Supper!Its hard to believe that it’s been two years since Sunday Supper began.I’m so inspired by all our talented chefs,cooks,writers,moms who’ve been a part of our Sunday Supper group and learn from them all the time.We’re growing each day and its just great fun to get together and cook for our families.Thanks to Isabel for creating this diverse group and carrying this movement forward.

Chicken Shami Kebab

I joined Sunday Supper in May 2012 with this recipe and it has been an amazing journey.There have been many memorable moments but one stands out clearly and that was during Hurricane Sandy when we all came together and dedicated our posts to the people affected by it.Our neighborhood was also affected although not as badly as the coastal areas of New Jersey, but in our own way our Sunday Supper group raised awareness and asked people to donate to the organizations that were helping in the rescue efforts.This shows the other side of our group where we don’t just talk about food but also help,support and care for our communities.

Chicken Shami Kebab 1

I’m sharing with you an all time favorite recipe to honor this occasion.I’m extremely fortunate to have grown-up in a family where special delicacies like these were a regular feature.Thanks to my Dad, I ate home cooked Biryani almost every Sunday and Kebabs like these were served when my parents entertained (which again was pretty often).

Chicken Shami Kebab

Shami Kebab is indigenous to the city of Nawabs-Lucknow in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India and was introduced by the Moghuls. Its traditionally made using Ground Goat Meat, but I’ve used Ground Chicken over here.The meat is first boiled with Split Pea Lentils (Chana Dal) along with some whole spices and then ground to make a paste.The paste is then mixed with egg, mint and cilantro and shaped into round patties to be fried until golden.Its definitely a dish for a special occasion and I thought it would be perfect for our celebration!The subtle flavors from the spices,the sweetness of the mint and the smooth texture is what makes this extra special.Its succulent,moist and insanely delicious served alongside some Mint Chutney.Enjoy.

Chicken Shami Kebab

Chicken Shami Kebab #SundaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • Ground Chicken Thighs-2 lbs
  • Onion-1 medium chopped
  • Garlic Cloves-8-10
  • 2 inch Ginger-chopped
  • Split pea Lentils soaked overnight-1/2 cup
  • Coriander Seeds-2 tsp
  • Cumin Seeds-2 tsp
  • Black Peppercorns-1 tsp
  • Whole Cloves-1 tsp
  • Green Cardamom-5
  • Cinnamon-2 sticks broken in half
  • Salt-to taste
  • Water-1 cup

Additional ingredients

  • Eggs-2
  • Chopped Mint- 1/2 Cup
  • Chopped Cilantro-1/2 Cup
  • Oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a large pan heat about 2 tbsp of oil and add the onions and the next 10 ingredients.Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat, cover and cook until the chicken is cooked and the water has evaporated completely.
  • Once ready discard the green cardamom and cinnamon stick.
  • Transfer the mixture into a food processor and blend to make a paste.
  • Empty into a deep mixing bowl and add the additional ingredients.
  • Using your hands make small round patties.
  • Deer fry or shallow fry in batches until golden on both sides.
  • Serve hot with your favorite chutney.
  • Enjoy!

This event is hosted by the lovely Liz from That Skinny Chick can Bake and we’ve got some amazing stories and recipes shared by our group!

Brilliant Breads and Breakfast Fare:

Amazing Appetizers and Cocktails:

Spectacular Soups and Salads:

Enticing Entrees:

Decadent Desserts:

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.

SundaySupper

 

 

Top 10 Recipes of 2013

05 | 01 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Its the start of the New Year and I’m so glad 2013 has ended.It will forever be the most difficult year of my life, having lost my Dad .I still cannot believe that he’s gone and I yearn to hear his voice, his phone calls, his messages and struggle with it everyday.

To add to the pain,my Mom had a health scare just two days before the year ended.Thankfully she’s stable now and recovering.The last few months have been extremely hard for me and made me see life in a totally different way.Events like these make you appreciate the value of life and teach you to enjoy every moment with your near and dear ones because you don’t know what the next moment has in store for you.

While 2013 was extremely difficult for me personally, it was a great year for my blog in terms of growth and I also got to work with some well known brands like Campbells, Bertolli and Gourmet Garden to name a few.I look forward to working with these brands again and add many more to the list in 2014.

In-spite of so much turbulence going on in my life, YOU my dear readers were always here reading my stories and encouraging me with your kind words.Every time you visit my site,comment,read a recipe, you motivate me to keep cooking and sharing my recipes with you.It has helped me immensely and kept me going throughout and I have to thank each and every one of you.

“I Wish you all a Very Happy New Year and I hope that this Year brings lots of cheer, happiness and prosperity for you all”.

I leave you with a list of my Top 10 Recipes of 2013 in order of their popularity and you can click on the links below to view the recipes.Enjoy!

  1. Easy Paneer Tikka Masala
  2. Indian Spiced Sweet Potato Patties
  3. Easy Saag Paneer
  4. Tandoori Gobhi
  5. Easy Indian Lemon Chicken
  6. Indian Spiced Roasted Eggplant
  7. Quinoa Potato Cakes (Quinoa Aloo Tikkis)
  8. Healthy Banana Muffins
  9. Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)
  10. Almond Flour Apple Crumble

Top 10 Recipes of 2013 

 

 

 

 

Curry Roasted Broccoli

19 | 12 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

I’m so excited for today’s recipe.It involves one of my favorite vegetables, Broccoli!And I’m also excited today because I’m guest posting over at my friend Erin’s blog Our Table for Seven!

Erin is an amazing blogger with some gorgeous recipes up her sleeve!Be it her Baked Pierogi Casserole or her mouth watering Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Brownies ,she never fails to capture your attention.

The recipe I made for her is an easy Curry Roasted Broccoli that uses only five ingredients and tastes delicious!Broccoli is by far my kids’ favorite vegetable and they love to see it on their plates.I try to incorporate it as much as I can into our meals for its health benefits.

Curry Roasted Broccoli.jpg

Curry Roasted Broccoli.jpg

Curry Roasted Broccoli

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Ingredients
  

  • Broccoli florets-3 cups
  • Curry Powder-1 tsp
  • Ground Ginger-1/2 tsp
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • On an oiled baking sheet mix all the ingredients and drizzle some oil all over.
  • Bake for about 13-14 minutes or until you see the broccoli starting to turn slightly golden round the edges.

 

 

 

Curried Green Beans

04 | 12 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Green Beans have never been one of my favorite vegetables.I despised them as a kid and until my late twenties.Then one fine day, it dawned upon me to try something different.I remembered the times when we were living in the South Indian state of Karnataka where we were introduced to some great South Indian food through my parents’ friends.They made a similar version using Green Beans and also Cabbage.Although this recipe might not be the exact way its made,I’ve tweaked it to make it easy enough for me and the flavors are similar.I do remember that they cut the beans very fine, but I just leave it whole.They look prettier that way. I’ve been enjoying them ever since.

Curried Green Beans

This dish is spiced up using curry powder.You could use mild or hot depending upon your preference.The use of coconut is quite common in South Indian cooking.It adds a nice texture and crunch to the dish.You can serve this as a side dish for the Holidays.It cooks fast and is on the table in a matter of minutes.I use frozen beans but you could use fresh ones too.Couldn’t be any easier and it could easily feed a crowd.Serve alongside your favorite entree.Enjoy!

Curried Green Beans 1

Curried Green Beans

Curried Green Beans

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Ingredients
  

  • Frozen or Fresh Green Beans-3 cups
  • Curry powder-2 tsp
  • Shredded Coconut-1/4 cup
  • Salt-to taste
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • In a skillet heat the oil and add the green beans.
  • Add the curry powder,salt and the shredded coconut.
  • Saute until the beans are cooked but still crunchy.
  • Serve hot.