Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Couscous Cakes

03 | 05 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Couscous is on the menu today!The tiny jewels of semolina granules coated in wheat flour is packed with fiber, vitamins and minerals.The key to a good couscous lies in the flavor you add to it, since its quite flavorless on its own.It cooks quickly and is the perfect lunch when you’re in a hurry!I’d picked up a packet of Whole Wheat Couscous from Trader Joe’s with the purpose of using it in some way and looked up the web for some inspiration.I came across Giada’s Recipe for Couscous Cakes that sounded unique with an Indian twist and I instantly knew I had to try it!

Couscous Cakes

I made some changes to the original recipe by using parsley instead of coriander and added some dried cranberries and almonds for some tart and crunch that works perfectly.The lemon zest gives a nice fresh flavor to the dish and the star of the dish clearly is the Mango Chutney that has all the delicious spices and ginger and juicy bits of mango that you get every now and then.

Couscous Cakes 1

The cakes turned out great and I really enjoyed all the flavors together!You can make these cakes ahead and store them in the refrigerator until required.Just shallow fry them at the last minute and serve your guests.A lovely recipe with an Indian touch that’s surely a keeper 🙂

Couscous Cakes

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Ingredients
  

  • Whole Wheat Couscous-1 cup
  • Egg-1
  • Egg Yolk-1
  • Mango Chutney-1/3 cup
  • Ground Coriander-1 1/2 tsp
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Lemon Zest-1 tbsp
  • Dried Cranberries-1/4 cup
  • Sliced Almonds-1/4 cup
  • Chopped Parsley-1/2 cup
  • Plain Flour-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Pepper- 1/2 tsp
  • Olive Oil- to shallow fry

Instructions
 

  • Cook couscous according to the instructions.
  • Add all the ingredients except Olive Oil and mix together.
  • Heat a skillet with some Olive oil.
  • Wet your hands with a little water and take a small amount of the mixture.
  • Form round shaped patties and shallow fry them until golden.
  • For easier frying you can also refrigerate the cakes for about 30 mins before frying them.
  • Serve hot!

Couscous Cakes 3

Lemon Chicken Kebabs

26 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

If there’s one dish I could live off for the rest of my life it would have to be Kebabs!! So many different possibilities and such a vast array of flavors, Kebabs are one of the most delicious foods of all time!I love experimenting with different flavors for kebabs and today I’ve got for you a tasty citrusy Lemon Chicken Kebab that’s super easy and I’m also going to share my secret to a moist and juicy Kebab 🙂

lemon chicken kebabs

I find Kebabs as the perfect party appetizer!They’re easy and always a crowd pleaser! You can use any meat or vegetable of your choice and you can make them spicy or non spicy according to your preference!!I’ve made these kebabs on my Griddle Pan but you could also broil it in the oven if you wish.I love the sizzle when the chicken touches the hot pan 🙂

The marinade for this dish is pretty easy and consists of lemon juice,some spices,ginger and garlic.The citrusy lemony flavor combined with a hint of spice in the background is mild enough for kids also.I marinated these for just a couple of hours and they still came out really juicy and flavorful.

Lemon Chicken Kebab 3

My secret? I do not throw the marinade after the kebabs go in the oven or pan.Instead,I brush the marinade all over the kebabs using a pastry brush on both sides every few minutes that gives them tons of flavor and prevents them from drying!Try this trick and you’ll never ever have a dry flavorless kebab again 🙂 I served these for our dinner in a tortilla wrap with some green chutney (made with coriander leaves,garlic,green chili and tomatoes) and lettuce!It was a fun dinner and my kids loved making their own individual wraps 🙂

Lemon Chicken Kebabs

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Ingredients
  

  • Chicken Breasts-2 pieces 6-8 oz each cubed
  • Lemon-3
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed garlic-1 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Chopped Fresh Coriander-1/2 cup
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-2-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Slice the Chicken Breasts and cube them into bite sized pieces.Juice the 3 lemons and zest one.
  • In a ziplock bag place all the ingredients excluding oil and mix.Leave it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours.
  • Insert the pieces into greased skewers.Save the marinade.
  • Heat a greased griddle pan on high.Once ready place the skewers onto the pan.
  • Pour a little oil all over and brush the marinade generously on the side up.
  • After about 2-3 minutes flip the skewers and brush the other side too.Repeat the process until cooked about 6-8 minutes on each side and it has a lovely golden color.
  • Your kebabs are ready!Serve hot with Chutney and lemon wedges.

lemon chicken kebabs 2

Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup-Indian Inspired

22 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

The weather is still a bit nippy in the mornings and I find myself craving for comforting meals even now 🙂 I had recently bought some gorgeous Fennel from my local Whole Foods and used them in two different ways, my Roasted Curried Fennel and this recipe in which I’ve used all the stems and fronds as well.Soups are a great nutritious lunch option without too many calories if made healthier and you can make so many varieties of soups to suit your palate.Eating healthy also naturally makes you feel good 🙂

Red Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup.jpg

I’ve taken Mom’s staple Dal Recipe using Red Lentils and Cabbage and just added sweet Fennel to amp up the flavors.It works beautifully 🙂 The Cabbage and Fennel are sliced thinly and sautéed along with some spices and ginger and then cooked along with the Lentils until all soft and creamy.I love the crunch from the fennel stems that contrasts the otherwise creamy texture and the flavors are just delicious! The turmeric gives it a vibrant color and in India it would be served alongside some Rice or Roti,Pickles and Raita! In my efforts to cut down on carbs I enjoyed it on its own 🙂 You can make it thick or watery depending on your preference!I like mine quite thick and creamy.Packed with protein and vitamins this is one healthy soup you’re going to love!

Lentil, Cabbage and Fennel Soup

Lentil, Cabbage and Fennel Soup

Lentil,Cabbage and Fennel Soup-Indian Inspired

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Ingredients
  

  • Red Lentils-1 cup
  • Sliced Green Cabbage-1 cup
  • Sliced Fennel including the stems and fronds -1 cup
  • Bay Leaf-1
  • Cumin Seeds-2 tsp
  • Ginger-1 inch crushed
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Tomato-1 chopped
  • Green chili/jalapeño-1 chopped
  • Water-2 cups
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Wash the lentils and keep aside.Prepare the veggies.
  • In a pot heat oil and the cumin seeds until it crackles.
  • Add the cabbage and fennel,bay leaf and all the spices,tomato and jalapeños.
  • Saute on medium until well mixed.Add the lentils and continue to stir for about a minute.
  • Add water and salt.Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce the heat and cover.Let it cook until the lentils are tender about (15-20 mins) If its too thick add some more water and mix.Check seasonings.
  • 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

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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!

Easy Paneer Tikka Masala

03 | 04 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

There’s something about the Tikka Masala that just makes it such an addictive dish.The lovely vibrant colored sauce with bits of marinated chicken or paneer is just pure heaven!Its the most popular dish ordered in Indian restaurants.Its a little different from the Butter Chicken back home, a bit spicier, more tomato-y and so delicious. Chicken Tikka Masala as we all know is a ‘British National Dish’ and considering how popular the ‘curry’ is in the UK, its not surprising at all!

paneer tikka masala 3

I’ve made this amazing dish using Paneer here since its a huge favorite in my family.My Paneer Tikka Masala is super easy to make and one of my staple dishes when I have guests over.Its always a hit and the recipe couldn’t be easier.The Paneer is marinated in a yoghurt mixture and broiled until golden.The sauce consists of tomato puree along with spices like Garam masala that give it its unique flavor.

paneer tikka

The paneer is then added into the sauce to soak up all the lovely flavors and a dash of cream is all it needs.Serve it with Naan or Rice.Enjoy!

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paneer tikka masala 1

paneer tikka masala

Easy Paneer Tikka Masala

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Ingredients
  

For Paneer Tikka Marinade

  • Paneer- 400 gms cut into bite sized pieces
  • Hung Yoghurt or Greek Yoghurt-2 cups
  • Lemon Juice-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili/paprika-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste

For the Sauce

  • Canned tomato puree-3 cups
  • Crushed Ginger-2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Sugar-1 tbsp
  • Water-1/2 cup
  • Light Cream-1/3 cup
  • Kasoori methi dried fenugreek-1 tbsp
  • Butter-1 tbsp
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a ziplock bag marinade the paneer along with all the ingredients and let it sit in the fridge for 2 hrs.
  • Place the marinated paneer onto a foil lined greased baking sheet and broil until golden.Keep aside.
  • In a pan heat the butter and oil and add the ginger and garlic.
  • Saute for 1-2 minutes until the raw smell disappears.
  • Add the tomato puree and all the spices, salt and sugar.Cook on medium for about 4-5 minutes.
  • Add the water and continue to cook for about a minute.
  • Add the cream and kasoori methi.Check the seasonings.
  • Add the broiled paneer into the sauce and simmer for about 8-10 minutes until well incorporated.
  • Enjoy with Naan or Rice!