Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

No-Yeast Whole Grain Butter Naan

28 | 02 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

As a follow-up to my two previous posts namely my Salmon Tikka Wraps and Tandoori Gobhi, I’ve got for you a Naan recipe that you can make to wrap these delicious fillings in!But mind you these are not your usual Naans.These require no yeast and are made using Whole Grain Flour!Healthy, soft and so so delicious, you’re going to love them them 🙂

whole grain naan

I’ve always wanted to make my own Naans but kept putting it off due to the yeast requirement, since I’ve never worked with yeast!Maybe one of these days I’ll surprise myself and bake my own bread,because  every time I see a bread recipe or those soft Dinner Rolls I’m tempted to try them,but then again the yeast comes into the picture.Maybe its not a big deal after all!Anyways on my quest to find an easy no-yeast recipe I stumbled upon this website called Sailu’s Kitchen that had exactly what I was looking for!

Whole Grain Naan 7I’ve used Whole Grain Flour instead of All Purpose Flour to make it more healthier.I get my Whole Grain Flour from my Indian Grocer.You can use any flour of your choice.Once ready the warm soft Naans just melt in your mouth and a knob of butter while serving does its magic!You can add any toppings of your choice once you’ve rolled these.You can use Cilantro or Garlic or Nigella Seeds or make a simple Butter Naan like I’ve done here.Serve these with my Cabbage Koftas or use these as a wrap for your tikkas or make Naan Pizzas!

whole wheat naan5

 

No Yeast Whole Grain Butter Naan

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Whole Grain Flour-2 cups
  • Baking Powder-3/4 tsp
  • Baking Soda-a pinch
  • Salt-1/4 tsp
  • Sugar-1 tsp
  • Warm Milk-1/2 cup
  • Yoghurt-1/2 cup

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl mix the flour,baking powder,baking soda,salt and sieve two times.
  • Make a well in the center and add the milk, yoghurt and sugar and mix until it comes together to form a soft dough.
  • Cover with a damp cloth and leave it for two hours.
  • After two hours knead the dough again and cut into 6 equal balls.
  • Sprinkle some flour on a flat surface and start rolling the ball into an elongated or round shape.Could be small or large.
  • Heat a pan on high.
  • Brush one side with water and put it wet side down on the pan.Look for bubbles forming and gorgeous golden spots appearing on the side down.Flip it over.
  • Do the same for the other side too.
  • Spread a knob of butter/earth balance all over.
  • Serve hot!

 

Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)

22 | 02 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

When talking about Tandoori recipes,the typical dishes that comes to mind are the Tandoori Meats, Fish or Paneer, but what if I gave you something else?Like a Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)? Yes, Cauliflower florets marinated in Tandoori spices and broiled until all golden and crispy on the outside but tender and meaty on the inside!

tandoori cauliflower3

This started off purely as an experiment mainly because,I hadn’t used either of the two Cauliflower heads sitting in my refrigerator all week!I thought of using them in some way other than the usual and this was the outcome 🙂 I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor in these bites.You can taste all the lovely spices and the lemon juice!The Cauliflower has a nice bite to it and I think its a perfect vegetable for a Tandoori dish since it holds its shape quite well.

tandoori cauliflower

Its also a great option for Vegetarians who’re not fond of Paneer or Vegans who cannot eat Paneer or anybody who likes Cauliflower 🙂 These also make for an easy brunch with some Pita or Naan and some Yoghurt!

Tandoori Gobhi (Cauliflower)

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Cauliflower Florets medium-2 cups
  • Greek Yoghurt-1 cup {Vegans can use Dairy Free Yoghurt}
  • Crushed Ginger-2 tsp
  • Crushed Garlic-2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chili/paprika-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Lemon Juice-2 tbsp
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Chat Masala optional

Instructions
 

  • In a ziplock bag mix all the ingredients and let it marinade for about 2-3 hours in the fridge.
  • Place the florets on a foil lined baking sheet and broil on low for about 20 mins (turning once in between) until all golden and cooked!
  • Arrange on a platter on some onions and lemon wedges and sprinkle some chat masala all over.

 

Salmon Tikka Wraps with Cucumber Raita #SundaySupper

17 | 02 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

salmon tikka wraps4

Today SundaySupper is going skinny!And I’ve got for you my scrumptious Salmon Tikka Wraps that are easy and so so good!Succulent bites of Salmon as a filling in a wrap with crispy lettuce and cool Cucumber Raita!Tikka as we all know is the Indian term for small bites of meat or fish that’s marinated in a mix of fragrant spices and yoghurt and is either broiled or cooked in a Tandoor (Clay Oven).It can be eaten on its own along with some coriander chutney and grilled onions or you can make these delicious Indian Wraps!It makes for a healthy lunch or dinner and is quite fun to eat.You can make a vegetarian version using Paneer or Tofu also.I’ve chosen Salmon since its heart healthy and is a rich source of the essential Omega 3’s!

salmon wraps4

I’ve wrapped these Tikkas in a Whole Wheat Middle Eastern Flat bread (sold at Trader Joe’s) that’s softer than a Pita and my kids find it easier to bite into.The filling consists of lettuce, Tikkas and Cucumber Raita with lots of texture and flavor.The Tikkas are marinated for about 3-4 hours and then broiled until you see those gorgeous golden edges and you know they’re ready!Once ready, just assemble it all together and you have one great tasting dish!

salmon tikka wraps

 

Salmon Tikka Wraps with Cucumber Yoghurt Raita #SundaySupper

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Whole Wheat Middle Eastern Flat Bread-4
  • Lettuce-2 cups chopped

Tikka Marinade

  • Salmon Fillets-2 cubed about 6-8 oz each
  • Lemon juice-2 tbsp
  • Greek Yoghurt-1 cup
  • Ginger paste-2 tsp
  • Garlic paste-2 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-2 tsp
  • Red Chili/paprika-1 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Chat Masala optional

Cucumber Raita

  • Cubed Cucumber peel and cut into small pieces-1/2 cup
  • Yoghurt-1 cup
  • Red chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Marinade the Salmon cubes with all the ingredients and let it sit in the refrigerator for 4-5 hours.
  • Place the cubes onto a foil lined baking sheet and broil on high until you see the edges golden and the Salmon cooked.
  • Take it out and allow to cool slightly.
  • Mix the Raita ingredients and keep aside.
  • Heat the Flat Bread on a pan to warm it up a bit.Transfer onto a plate and arrange the lettuce at the botton followed by the Tikka topped with the Raita.
  • You can sprinkle some chat masala all over.
  • Roll and enjoy!

Our friend Sunithi from Sue’s Nutrition Buzz is hosting this week’s Skinny #SundaySupper and you’ll be amazed at the collection we have for you today!Who says Skinny is boring,just scroll down for some great healthy skinny ideas 🙂

Sizzling Skinny Appetizers & Soups

 Healthy Skinny Mains & Sides

Guilt Free Skinny Desserts & Snacks

Wine Pairing Recommendations for Skinny Sunday Supper by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on twitter each Sunday. We tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world. This week we will be sharing out special skinnified recipes! Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun. Follow the#SundaySupper hash tag 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.

Join us Around the Family Table this Sunday at 7pm Eastern Time and share your favorite healthy recipes with us!

 

 

Indian Shrimp Pulao for Valentine’s Day#SundaySupper

10 | 02 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

There are certain days in the year when you’re looking forward to spending more time outside the kitchen than inside.And for days like those, easy one pot meals are the perfect solution.Throw in some exotic spices and you have one special meal that stands out and yet looks like you’ve slogged all day!My Shrimp Pulao is one such dish that’s versatile enough to be served as your cozy meal at home or as a stunning centerpiece at a party!Its perfect for day’s like the Valentine’s Day when your looking to cook something special for your loved ones and still get to enjoy your time!

shrimp pulao

We love seafood in our family and Shrimp has been a favorite for quite sometime!I always have a pack of Frozen Cooked Shrimp sold at Trader Joe’s in my freezer and it comes in handy especially in the weeknights.I use it in my soups, pastas, quick curry or my Shrimp Pulao!Of course,fresh Shrimp would taste even better!Whether you have unexpected guests or you’ve been asked to bring a main dish for a potluck, this Pulao never fails!

shrimp pulao1

The addition of whole spices add the exotic Indian touch to this dish and the Coriander and Mint flavor it beautifully.Serve with a Raita and a simple salad for a special one pot meal this Valentine’s Day!

shrimp pulao3

Indian Shrimp Pulao

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • White Basmati Rice-1 1/2 cups
  • Water-3 Cups
  • Shrimp-1 lb fresh or frozen
  • Ghee or Butter-1 tsp
  • Vegetable Oil-2 tbsp
  • Green Cardamom-3 pods
  • Cloves-3
  • Cinnamon-1/2 inch
  • Onion- 1 medium sliced
  • Ginger-1/2 inch crushed
  • Garlic-3 cloves crushed
  • Tomato Puree-1 cup
  • Ground Cumin-1 1/2 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 1/2 tsp
  • Red Chili Powder-1 tsp
  • Fresh Coriander-1/2 cup chopped
  • Fresh Mint-1/2 cup chopped
  • Salt- to taste

Instructions
 

  • Soak the rice in water for 30 mins.If using frozen Shrimp,defrost and rinse.Keep aside.
  • In a deep pot heat the Ghee and Oil.
  • Add the Cardamom, Cloves and Cinnamon.Let it flavor the oil for about a minute.
  • Add sliced onions.Saute until slightly golden.
  • Add the crushed ginger and garlic.Saute for a minute.
  • Add the ground cumin, ground coriander,red chili and stir on low heat until fragrant.
  • Add the tomato puree and the chopped coriander and mint and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the drained rice, water and salt.Check for seasonings.Bring to a boil.Reduce the heat on low.
  • Cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
  • After 10 mins,arrange the Shrimp on top of the rice.Close the lid back and cook for another 5 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot with Raita and Salad!Enjoy!

Our friend Jen from Juanita’s Cocina is hosting our special #SundaySupper!Check out what the rest of the #SundaySupper crew is serving up this Valentine’s Day!

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Breakfasts, Apps & Main Dishes:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Sweet Eats:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Drinks:

#SundaySupper Valentine’s Day Tablescape:  A Romantic Table For Two Please from An Appealing Plan

Join the #SundaySupper conversation on Twitter today to talk all about Valentine’s eats and treats!  We’ll tweet throughout the day and share recipes from all over the world.  Our weekly chat starts at 7:00 pm ET and you do not want to miss out on the fun.  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!

 

 

Quinoa Potato Cakes (Quinoa Aloo Tikkis)

16 | 01 | 2013
By Soni Sinha

Quinoa is one of my most favorite grains to cook with these days.I love the fact that it can be cooked on its own or combined with other products to create a variety of dishes!My recipe today is an Appetizer/Snack or even Breakfast combining Quinoa and Potatoes.If you’re familiar with Indian Foods you must have heard of Aloo Tikkis that are these yummy potato cakes made with Indian Spices!If you’ve been to Delhi,you must have come across lots of street stalls selling Aloo Tikkis,Chaats,Chole, Pani Puri to name a few, cooked right in front of your eyes!The Street foods in India are to die for and just writing about them makes my mouth water 🙂 In an attempt to quench my insatiable appetite for Delhi Street Foods, I came up with this recipe that’s both healthy and delicious!!

quinoa tikkis:patties

The process involves boiling the potatoes and cooking the Quinoa.Once they’re cooked I mix them with some Indian Spices readily available at your grocery stores and pan fry the ready patties with a little oil until they’re all nice and golden!If you’re looking for a great Quinoa recipe that’s a tad different from the usual but packed with flavor, then this is for you.It tastes just like a Aloo Tikki, but is healthier and has a nice texture!

quinoa tikkis 3

Quinoa Potato Cakes (Quinoa Aloo Tikkis)

Healthy and Delicious Quinoa Potato Cakes/Tikkis for a great Appetizer, snack or breakfast!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • Quinoa Cooked-1 cup
  • Potatoes large-2 boiled (1 1/2 cups apprx)
  • Fresh Crushed Ginger-1/2 inch
  • Ground Cumin-1 1/2 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Fresh Coriander-1/2 cup
  • Jalapeños green chillies-2 chopped
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-to pan fry

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Quinoa according to the instructions.
  • Boil the potatoes until tender.Drain and allow to cool and mash.
  • In a deep bottomed vessel, add the Quinoa, mashed potatoes,ginger, cumin, garam masala,japalenos,coriander and salt.Check the seasonings.
  • Made round patties with the mixture.
  • In a skillet heat about 2 tbsp of oil on medium heat and place the patties.Let it develop a golden color on one side before flipping over and repeat the process for the other side as well.
  • Arrange on a platter with some salad of your choice and some sauce or chutney!
quinoa aloo tikkis4