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Paneer Beet Balls- Indian Inspired

31 | 03 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

Spring has decided to show up late this season.I’m so fed up of this cold spell that has a taken a liking for the East Coast unwilling to let go.Temperatures are expected to go up this week and I’m hoping it stays that way and we get to finally welcome Spring.In order to cheer us up I decided to make these balls using some colorful Beets and Paneer.You could also use Tofu if you prefer.I love Mom’s Beet Cutlets and decided to give a spin on those.

Paneer Beet Balls

Beets scream spring to me and I love using them in my salads.But these balls are a great way to enjoy them and make for easy party appetizers too.To make the process even easier I’ve used store bought cooked beets and grated them along with the paneer before adding some nutty earthy spices like cumin, coriander and garam masala.The addition of jalapeños is essential here to balance the sweetness of the beets and you can go with either mild or spicy green chilies too.

Paneer Beet Balls-Indian Inspired 1

Serve these alongside some cilantro chutney or your favorite condiment and watch them disappear in no time.My kids loved this and I believe you will too.Its a keeper.

Paneer Beet Balls- Indian Inspired

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Ingredients
  

  • Cooked beets-3
  • Paneer-200 gms
  • ½ inch Ginger-crushed
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam masala-1/2 tsp
  • Jalapenos or green chili-1-2 finely chopped
  • Cilantro-2 tbsp chopped
  • Cornstarch-2 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste
  • Bread Crumbs-1/2 cup
  • Oil-to fry

Instructions
 

  • Grate the beets and paneer either in a food processor or using a grater.
  • In a deep mixing bowl combine all the ingredients except bread crumbs.
  • Mix and form round balls.
  • Coat in the bread crumbs.(At this point you can keep it in the refrigerator until ready to fry)
  • Heat some oil in a small wok and fry the balls until golden.
  • Drain on a paper towel and serve hot.

 

 

 

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Chicken Tikka Masala

21 | 02 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

The Tikka Masala is an all time favorite dish all across Indian restaurants.There are many theories about its origin where-by some claim that it was accidentally invented in India but the most viable theory suggests that it was invented in the UK when a customer complained that the chicken curry was too dry and the chef created this tomato based sauce that was so well received that it gained popularity all over the UK.It is now a British National Dish and devoured by people all over the world.Chicken tikka masala is the perfect fusion of east-meets-west flavors in a global world.

chicken tikka masala

I love the vibrant color of the Tikka Masala and the rich luscious texture that’s just wanting to be savored. It’s a favorite in our family with my kids demanding it for dinner many times. I’ve made this dish using Chicken,Paneer and Tofu and they’re always a hit with the crowd when entertaining. The small chunks of Chicken are marinated in yoghurt and some spices and left for a few hours to ensure that the flavors seep in.The chunks are then grilled just until they develop those gorgeous golden edges.A great party tip is to make a big batch of these Chicken Tikkas and save some to serve as an appetizer and use the rest in the Tikka Masala sauce.

Chicken Tikka Masala

The Chicken Tikkas are then transferred into this rich tomato based sauce consisting of ginger, garlic, spices,tomatoes and cream and then simmered until the redolence of the warm spices starts making you hungry.The unique smoky flavor that’s achieved by grilling the tikka and then adding them into the sauce is what makes this dish so irresistible.The sauce has a hint of sweetness in the background but you can still taste the spices.The cream adds the richness and brings it all together.It’s the perfect comfort food especially in these cold winter days and can be enjoyed with some Roti,Naan or steaming hot Rice.Enjoy!

Chicken Tikka Masala

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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tikka

  • Chicken Tenders-1 lb cubed
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Greek Yoghurt-a cup
  • Garam masala-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1/2 tsp
  • Red chili or paprika-1 tsp
  • Salt- to taste

For the Sauce

  • Medium onion-1 chopped finely
  • Crushed Ginger-1 tbsp
  • Crushed Garlic-1 tbsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Turmeric- 1/2 tsp
  • Canned Tomato Puree-2 cups
  • Sugar-1 tbsp
  • Water-1 1/2 cups
  • Cream-1/3 cup
  • Kasoori Methi dried fenugreek-1 tbsp
  • Butter-2 tbsp
  • Oil-1 tbsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

For the Chicken Tikka

  • In a ziplock bag marinade the chicken tenders along with the rest of the ingredients and let it sit in the fridge for 4-5 hrs.
  • Place the marinated chicken pieces onto a foil lined baking sheet.Drizzle some oil all over and grill for about 8-10 minutes checking constantly until you see the golden edges developing on the sides.
  • Once done take the tray out of the oven and keep aside.

For the Sauce

  • In a deep skillet heat the butter and oil.
  • Add the onions and saute until slightly golden.
  • Lower the heat and add the ginger and garlic and continue to cook for about a minute.
  • Add the spices and mix well.Add the tomato puree and continue to cook.
  • Add the sugar, salt and cook for about 5 minutes until well combined.
  • Add the water and bring to a boil.Reduce the heat and add the chicken pieces.
  • Continue to cook for about 8-10 minutes on low heat until all incorporated.
  • Add the cream and kasoori methi. Check the seasonings.
  • Serve hot with roti,naan or rice.

 

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Top 10 Recipes of 2014

27 | 12 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Top 10 Recipes of 2014

What a year it has been!2014 started off in a very difficult way with Mom in the hospital two days before New Year’s Eve but as the year progressed her condition improved and she is in a much better state. Losing Papa was hard enough but Mom’s illness was like a second blow and took me a few months to recover from the emotional toll it had taken on me and my family.But as they say ‘things, they only get better’, the second half of the year was much better with Mom’s health improving everyday and I could focus on my blog and share my recipes with you all.My kitchen is my sanctuary and it has helped me in the most difficult situations.I tend to forget all my miseries and just immerse myself in my cooking.And, I have to thank you my lovely readers for your unflinching support and keeping me motivated by visiting my blog,reading my posts,recipes,leaving comments each and every single time.

Top 10 Recipes of 2014

I would also like to share with you my Top 10 Recipes of 2014 in order of their popularity.This year the blog went global with recipes that I’d never attempted earlier like my Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites that were also featured on Buzzfeed and my Chicken Meatball Chiptole Chili among others. And for the coming year I promise to give you some more amazing recipes,with a zillion ideas floating in my head right now.Watch out for a few surprises that’s in order too!!

I’m looking forward to a happy,peaceful and a successful 2015 in all aspects and wishing all my readers the same.May all your wishes come true and the new year gives you tons of reasons to smile!

“Happy New Year”

Please scroll down to see the 10 most popular recipes of 2014 on Soni’s Food!

  1. Brussels Sprouts Kofta

Brussles-Sprouts-Kofta-1

2.  Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites

Slow Cooker Moroccan Chicken Pita Bites3. Tofu and Peas Curry (Tofu Matar)

Tofu and Peas Curry

4. Indian Smashed Potatoes

Indian Smashed Potatoes 2

5. Easy Chicken Curry

Easy Chicken Curry

6. Potatoes and Green Beans (Indian Inspired)

Potatoes and Green Beans-Indian Inspired

7. Chicken Shami Kebab

Chicken Shami Kebab

8. Chorizo and Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas

Chorizo with Spicy Sweet Potato Tapas.jpg

9. Chocolate Orange Buttermilk Cake

Chocolate Orange Buttermilk Cake

10. Chicken Meatball Chipotle Chili

Chicken meatball chipotle chili

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Aloo Matar (Potatoes and Peas) #Vegan

03 | 12 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Aloo Matar

The mix of the damp and cold weather inspired me to make this dish.I love dry stir fried veggies with parathas or puri during this kind of weather.Its a cozy weeknight meal that just screams comfort.I love the crusty layer that the potatoes develop during the cooking process and the peas add their wonderful vibrant color.Its a simple dish that comes together quickly and is a favorite of my kids too!

Aloo Matar

This is a dry version of Aloo Matar that is a tad different from the usual.I boil the potatoes first and then fry them in some aromatic spices like cumin,coriander, turmeric ,chili and amchur (dry mango powder).Amchur is is basically powdered green mango and adds this wonderful citrusy tangy flavor to the dish.Its easily available at your local Indian grocers.Enjoy!

 

Aloo Matar

Aloo Matar (Potatoes and Peas) #Vegan

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Ingredients
  

  • 3 medium Potatoes
  • Frozen green peas- 1 cup
  • Oil-3 tbsp
  • Cumin Seeds-1 tsp
  • Ground Coriander-2 tsp
  • Turmeric-1 tsp
  • Red Chili powder-1/2 tsp
  • Tomato paste-1 tsp
  • Amchur dry mango powder-1 tsp
  • Salt-to taste

Instructions
 

  • Boil the potatoes in some water until cooked.Peel off the skin once slightly cooled.Roughly chop them.
  • In a skillet heat the oil and add cumin seeds.
  • Once they crackle lower the heat and add the rest of the spices and tomato paste.
  • Stir for about a minute.If sticking to the pan add about a tbsp of water.
  • Add the chopped boiled potaoes and let it coat in the mixture.Add salt and peas.
  • Mix all together and cook until the peas are cooked.
  • Enjoy!

 

 

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Saffron Chicken Pulao/Pilaf using @PerdueChicken #WeekdaySupper

14 | 11 | 2014
By Soni Sinha

Saffron Chicken Pulao,Pilaf

With temperatures dropping, we should now be gearing up for winter knocking on our doors.The beauty of these cooler temperatures is that we get to enjoy warm foods either sitting by the fireplace or all wrapped up in our blankets.I really look forward to my Soups,casseroles,curries,warm one pot meals during these cold months.Talking about one pot meals, the recipe I have for you today will blow your mind.Its a Pulao or Pilaf flavored with aromatic spices, using some chicken tenders, Basmati rice and Chicken Stock.And what would I ever do without Chicken Stock.Call me obsessed but I use it in almost anything I cook during Autumn and Winter.The result is a delicious and flavorful meal for the whole family in less than half the time and the effort.A total win win for us busy moms!

Saffron Chicken Pulao,Pilaf

Among the brands I trust,PERDUE® stands out for me since their delicious Signature Chicken Stock is always fresh and needs refrigeration, unlike the packaged stock that stays in your pantry.Which also means that there’s no added preservatives and it has to be used by a certain timeframe.As a parent its imperative for me to use products that are healthy for my family and since PERDUE® Signature Chicken Stock is made with antibiotic free chicken and free of artificial flavors it has become our favorite.What’s more, it even comes in a convenient packaging with a side window so you can see how much you’re left with and a ready to pour spout.You can find Perdue Signature Chicken Stock in the refrigerated section, right next to fresh-tasting PERDUE® Chicken in your grocery stores.PERDUE® was kind enough to send me their Signature Chicken Stock and I loved using it in my recipe.

Perdue Signature Chicken StockMy Saffron Chicken Pulao or Pilaf is an easy one pot meal that tastes as if you’ve spent hours in the kitchen but it only requires 30 mins to cook!The flavors from the spices and saffron are unbelievable.Saffron is an essential part of this dish and gives it a lovely golden yellow color and its unique sweetness.The aroma of the dish is similar to cooking a Chicken Biryani and you instantly start feeling hungry!Plus who doesn’t love a chicken and rice dish!The PERDUE® Signature Chicken Stock adds its own richness and gives it that long slow cooked flavor.Its a meal perfect for these colder days when you crave warm comforting foods.I’ve used a combination of whole and some ground spices that are easily available in the stores.You can also add nuts or dried fruits although I’ve kept it fairly simple.I also like to use mint in my rice dishes and I love the sweet flavor it imparts to the dish.

Start by heating 3 tbsp of butter or ghee.Add a bay leaf,1 star anise, 1 cinnamon stick,3 cloves,6 peppercorns and 4 cardamom pods.

Saffron Chicken Pulao:Pilaf

Add the sliced onions and saute for a minute.Add a tbsp of crushed ginger and garlic into the pan.Stir and cook for about 2 minutes.Add 1 tsp of garam masala and 1/2 tsp of red chilli powder.

Saffron Chicken Pulao:Pilaf 1

Add the cubed Chicken tenders along with 2 tbsp of yoghurt.Mix all together.Add some salt.

Saffron Chicken Pulao:Pilaf 3

Add 2 cups of basmati rice into the pan and stir to mix.Mix 2 tsp of saffron strands into a cup of warm milk and let it soak for a few minutes.Add the milk mixture into the pan along with 2  1/2 cups of PERDUE® Signature Chicken Stock.Mix well.Throw in some chopped mint.Add salt.

Saffron Chicken Pulao:Pilaf 4

Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked.Serve hot with some boiled eggs and a salad or Cucumber Raita.Enjoy!

Saffron Chicken Pulao

 

Saffron Chicken Pulao,Pilaf

Saffron Chicken Pulao/Pilaf using #Perdue #WeekdaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Chicken Tenders cut into cubes
  • 2 Cups of Basmati Rice
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 4 Cardamom Pods
  • 6 Peppercorns
  • 3 Cloves
  • 1 Star Anise
  • 1 Large Onion
  • 1 tbsp Crushed Ginger
  • 1 tbsp Crushed Garlic
  • 1 tsp Garam Masala
  • 1 tsp Red Chili Powder
  • 2 tsp Saffron Strands
  • 2 tbsp Yoghurt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 ½ Cups Perdue Signature Chicken Stock
  • few mint leaves chopped
  • Salt-to taste
  • Butter-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Warm up the milk and add the saffron strands.Let it soak.
  • In a deep pan heat the butter and add the bay leaf,cardamom,cinnamon,cloves and peppercorns.
  • Stir for a minute and add sliced onions and saute for another minute.Add the ginger and garlic followed by garam masala and chili powder.
  • Add the chicken pieces into the pan along with the yoghurt.
  • Add rice into the mix.
  • Add the saffron milk, chicken stock, mint leaves and salt.
  • Bring to a boil on high, cover and lower the heat.
  • Cook for about 20-25 minutes until the rice and chicken are cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Serve hot with boiled eggs, salad and raita.
  • Enjoy!

A good quality Chicken Stock makes a ton of difference in your recipe.And PERDUE® fits the bill just perfectly.I so love this product and I’m sure you will too.You can find all the information regarding PERDUE® Signature Chicken stock over here http://www.perduechickenstock.com/

You can also join the PERDUE® Crew to get some pretty sweet rewards and coupons by clicking this link http://www.perduecrew.com/.For product availablilty, recipe and kitchen tips visit their website http://www.perdue.com/.You can follow them on Facebook, Pinterest and  Twitter.

Perdue Logo

Perdue is working with #SundaySupper for a month long campaign highlighting their new PERDUE® Signature Chicken Stock, so please be sure to follow the #WeekdaySupper Pinterest board to see all the delicious recipe ideas using this amazing stock.

Check out these wonderful recipes from our other Weekday Supper bloggers!

11/10/14 – Monday – Hot & Sweet Cranberry Curry Chicken by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
11/11/14 – Tuesday – Creamy Chicken Pasta with Leeks and Shallots by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
11/12/14 – Wednesday – 30-Minute Bistro Chicken by Healthy Delicious
11/13/14 – Thursday – 30 Minute Chicken Pho by I’m Not the Nanny
11/14/14 – Friday – Saffron Chicken Pulao/Pilaf by Soni’s Food

weekdaysupper logo

 

Disclosure:I received PERDUE® Signature Chicken Stock from Perdue in conjunction with a sponsored social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own.

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