Soni's Food

Indian Inspiration!

Goan Vegetable Curry

23 | 03 | 2018
By Soni Sinha

We lived four hours away from Goa and my parents had many Konkani speaking friends from the region, some of whom would often invite us for dinner and vice versa. As a kid, I loved trying different foods and flavors and have been lucky enough to live in various places that enabled me to experience that. Dad was in a transferable job and we moved a lot. My childhood food memories revolve around many such moments that have stayed with me all these years. I remember the first time that I tasted a Goan Curry at one of our family friends’ and it was unlike anything I’d ever eaten! The smooth coconut-based sauce flavored delicately with spices and curry leaves was a flavor explosion in my mouth!Once home I’d pester mom to make it for us and she finally got the recipe from one of her friends. I’m sharing the recipe with you today as I reminisce all the delicious food I’ve had growing up.

Goan Vegetable Curry

I’ve often made this recipe with Prawns and Chicken but this is the first time that I’ve tried it using vegetables and it did not disappoint at all. The vegetables get coated with the delicious spice paste while gently simmering in the creamy sauce and hunger pangs start to set in! Its difficult to not want to eat it right away. The color here comes from the addition of the dry Kashmiri chili easily available at your local Indian grocers. I’ve also used tomato paste for extra color and flavor.

The base of the sauce is the spice paste made with fresh grated coconut (available in the frozen section of your Indian grocer) along with cumin, coriander, peppercorns, ginger, garlic and tamarind paste. Once you have the paste ready its just a matter of heating it up a bit for the flavors to come through. Since we’re making our own spice paste here, the flavor is very fresh and tastes a thousand times better. The coconut milk (full fat and not the skimmed) adds a lovely creaminess that brings this dish together and makes it so comforting. All you need is some hot steaming rice to indulge. Enjoy!

 

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Goan Vegetable Curry

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Cauliflower florets (cut them smaller)
  • 1 1/2 cup carrots peeled and diced
  • 1 1/2 cup potatoes peeled and diced
  • 2 small onions finely chopped
  • 1 medium tomato diced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • Water-1/2 cup
  • Coconut milk-3/4 cup
  • 8-10 curry leaves
  • Coconut Oil-2-3 tbsp
    • for the spice paste
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 1 1/2 inch ginger
  • 2 tsp coriander seeds
  • 2 tsp cumin seeds
  • 1 tsp tamarind paste (available at your indian grocer)
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp whole peppercorns
  • 8-10 kashmiri chili
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated coconut
  • 1 cup coconut milk

Instructions

  1. In a food processor blend all the spice paste ingredients into a smooth paste.
  2. In a pan heat 2-3 tbsp coconut oil and add the chopped onions and saute until slightly golden.
  3. Add tomato paste and tomatoes.Cook until tomatoes are soft and mixed nicely.
  4. Add the spice paste and mix well.
  5. Continue to cook on low heat until it becomes fragrant (about 6-8 minutes)
  6. Add the potato and carrot and let it cook for about 6-7 mins on low heat to soften them up.Add the cauliflower and mix well.Add water and coconut milk along with the curry leaves and salt and let it cook until the vegetables are tender.
  7. Check the seasonings and serve hot with rice.
https://www.sonisfood.com/2018/03/goan-vegetable-curry.html

Fennel and Potato Soup

31 | 01 | 2018
By Soni Sinha

Winter months are the time when soups become a staple in our home.These days all my son wants for dinner is soup and although he loves his favorite Leek and Potato Soup , this time round I tried something different instead of leeks. I used fennel and boy was it delicious! We loved it,he loved it and I know I’ll be making it many more times in these cooler days.

Fennel and Potato Soup

If you know me, you know that I love fennel and use it a lot in my cooking.I love to combine it with cabbage in a simple Indian style stir fry or slightly roast it with some indian spices for a warm salad, but nothing comforts like a hot bowl of this delicious Fennel and Potato Soup especially when it’s cold outside!Fennel is also good for our bodies since its a natural anti oxidant.

I’ve used fresh and ground fennel here and the fragrant anise-like flavor comes through quite nicely. The potatoes are a great addition and balance the flavors in this soup. The potatoes also make it rich and creamy and all you need is a crusty bread to soak up the deliciousness. Enjoy and stay warm!

Fennel and Potato Soup

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large fennel bulbs diced
  • 2 medium potatoes peeled and diced
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic chopped
  • Butter-2 tbsp
  • 1 tsp ground fennel
  • 2 % Milk-1 cup
  • Water-1 1/2 cups
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • In a pot heat the butter and saute the onion until translucent.
  • Add the garlic and saute for another minute.Add the ground fennel and mix.
  • Add the potatoes and fennel and cover for a minute.
  • Add milk, water, salt and pepper.
  • Once it comes to a boil, cover , reduce the heat and continue to cook for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes and fennel are fully cooked.
  • Check the seasonings.Carefully transfer into a blender or use a hand blender and blend until all smooth.
  • Garnish with some fennel fronds and serve hot.

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.

 

Paneer Tikka Potato Poutine Bites #IdahoPotato #SundaySupper #FWCON

10 | 01 | 2016
By Soni Sinha

It’s National Sunday Supper Day!! I have been with this wonderful group for the past 4 years since joining in May 2012 and it has been an amazing journey!Sunday Supper is committed in their mission to bring back Sunday Supper around the family table in every home.You can also take the Sunday Supper pledge by clicking on this link.Our founder Isabel is a very inspiring woman with the way she has led and continues to lead our group. It has been a pleasure to share over 70 recipes for our Sunday Supper and I’m looking forward to many many more!!This day is even more special since we’re partnering with Idaho® potatoes in creating some delectable Poutine-Inspired recipes to celebrate our four-year anniversary!!Wait till you see the line-up we have for you!

Paneer Tikka Potato Poutine Bites

You know that I love potatoes!My recipes using potatoes are far too many to share here but I particularly loved using Idaho® potatoes in my Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells and they’re always popular with our guests. Idaho® potatoes’ Russet Potatoes are my favorite and I use them in most of my potato recipes.Idaho® potatoes have a unique taste and texture due to ample mountain-fed irrigation and rich Volcanic soil. Look for the “Grown In Idaho” seal to get top quality Idaho® potatoes in  your grocery stores.

Spicy Roasted Potatoes

I loved this Poutine Challenge thrown at us by Idaho® potatoes and decided to give my own Indian-Inspired spin on Poutine. Poutine is classic French Canadian dish of fries, cheese curds and gravy that I first tasted in Montreal.It was to die for! It has now gone global with chefs creating their own versions in different parts of the world! For today’s recipe I’ve come up with a savory spicy paneer tikka served over some garlicky roasted Potatoes that have been sliced and coated in warm aromatic spices like cumin and garam masala. I’ve made an Indian masala sauce to drizzle over these beauties and I have to tell you that they’re absolutely phenomenal!

Paneer Tikka Potato Poutine Bites 1

Paneer is an Indian cheese that’s easily available these days at your local grocers or if you’re lucky to have Indian grocers nearby. You can also make it at home following this recipe. The paneer is cubed and marinated in yoghurt and some spices for a few hours to soak the deliciousness and then grilled until nice and golden. The potatoes are coated in a spice mix and roasted in a preheated oven and deliciously crispy. Indian masala sauce consisting of onions, tomato, spices and cream is drizzled over the assembled poutine bites and the robust flavors tease your palate like none other. The contrasting flavors from the smoky paneer tikka on top of the crispy spicy potatoes smothered in a slightly sweet and rich creamy sauce is pure joy! Enjoy!

Paneer Tikka Potato Poutine Bites #IdahoPotato #SundaySupper #FWCON

Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

Paneer Tikka

  • Paneer-8-10 oz
  • Greek yoghurt or thick plain yoghurt-1/2 cup
  • Crushed ginger and garlic-1 tbsp
  • Tandoori masala-2 tbsp
  • Salt to taste
  • Oi

Crispy Spiced Roast Potatoes

  • 3 large Idaho® Russet Potatoes- washed and sliced into 1/4 inch thick rounds
  • Garlic powder-1 tsp
  • Ground Cumin-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Paprika-1 tsp
  • Salt
  • Oil

Masala sauce:

  • Finely chopped onions-1/2 cup
  • Crushed Ginger-1/2 tsp.
  • Crushed Garlic-1/2 tsp.
  • Garam masala- 1 tsp.
  • Tomato puree-1 cup
  • Sugar-1 tsp.
  • Water-1 cup
  • Cream- 1/4 cup
  • Salt to taste
  • Butter or oil-3 tbsp

Instructions
 

Paneer Tikka

  • Mix all the ingredients and let it marinate for about 3-4 hrs. In a foil lined greased baking sheet arrange the paneer cubes and broil on low for about 10-12 minutes turning them over midway until slightly golden. Cut them into small pieces when cool enough to touch.

Crispy Spiced Potato

  • Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a greased roasting tray mix the potatoes with spices and oil and spread evenly. Bake for 30 mins until slightly golden and crispy.

Masala Sauce

  • In a pan heat butter or oil and add the onions and sauté until golden. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for about a minute.
  • Add the spices and mix well. Add the tomato puree and sugar.
  • Stir and continue to cook on low heat for about 6-7 minutes.
  • Add water, bring to a boil and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for a about 5 minutes.Blend into a smooth paste.Pour the mixture into the same pan.
  • Add the cream. Turn off the heat. Mix well and check the seasonings.

To serve

  • Arrange the potato in a serving tray. Top with the paneer tikka pieces and drizzle the sauce all over.Enjoy!

For more information about Idaho® potatoes visit their:

Website: https://idahopotato.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/famousidahopotatoes
Twitter: https://twitter.com/idahopotato
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idahopotatoes
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/idahopotato/

Idaho-Potato-Logo-2015

More Creative Poutine Recipes from the Sunday Supper Tastemakers!!

Breakfast:

Appetizers:

Main Dish:

Plus: Poutine Variations for National Sunday Supper Day from Sunday Supper Movement

contest (1)

Help us celebrate National Sunday Supper Month by entering the Idaho® Potato Let’s Poutine recipe contest, sponsored by the Idaho Potato Commission, with prizes of $500, $200 and $100, plus a ticket for each winner to Food Wine Conference 2016. All the rules and conditions for entry can be found on our Sunday Supper Movement website.

Sunday Supper Movement

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 Pinterest board..To see some amazing Potato Recipes featuring Idaho® Potatoes check out our Idaho® Potatoes Pinterest Board!

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 the Idaho Potato Commission in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are those of the individual bloggers.

Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells #idahopotato #SundaySupper

28 | 06 | 2015
By Soni Sinha

If there’s one vegetable that’s used extensively in all cuisines it has to be the humble potato. It is the fourth largest grown crop in the world after rice, wheat and maize.Who doesn’t love potatoes!The smell of a fried or roasted potato alone can trigger hunger pangs in anyone.Its America’s favorite vegetable and an average American eats about 110 pounds of potatoes each year!

Did you also know that Potatoes have a higher Potassium and Vitamin C content than bananas!

Surprised?I was too.

Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells

The one name that’s synonymous with potatoes in America is Idaho® potatoes.The reason being they are simply the best and America’s favorite.Idaho’s rich volcanic soil, warm days, cool nights and clean water from the Idaho mountains gives their potatoes a unique texture and taste.Unlike potatoes from other states that are grown seasonally, Idaho® potatoes are available all year round.They come in different varieties like the ever popular Russet,Red,Fingerling and Gold.Idaho® potatoes were kind enough to send me their gorgeous Russet and Fingerling potatoes that were absolutely delicious.The potatoes have a lovely buttery flavor and my family has enjoyed them roasted,mashed,in my curries and stir fry’s!

Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells fillingIndian cuisine has had a long love affair with potatoes.Right from mouth watering appetizers like chaat, samosas, tikkis (cakes) to vegetarian/meat curries and rice dishes like Biryani and Pilaf, the list goes on.As a result I’ve grown up enjoying potatoes in their myriad forms and use them obsessively in my cooking like my Potato and Asparagus or Indian Smashed Potatoes. If you’re a potato lover like me, then you’re going to love my recipe today.

Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells 8

My Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells are the perfect appetizer for your parties.I’ve tried to keep the recipe pretty simple with an Indian twist using ingredients that are easily available at your grocery store.I’ve used the lovely Russet Potatoes and they were perfect for this recipe.The potatoes are flavored with nutty cumin and a mix of earthy spices in the garam masala.I’ve added jalapeños for some heat and roasted peanuts for texture and crunch. The result is a piquant filling that can be quite addictive and you might want to make a big batch of these :).

Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells 9

As you bite into it, you first taste the flaky pastry before being engulfed with the deliciousness of the potato filling quite similar to a samosa.Its phenomenal.The filling can be made ahead and heated just before serving. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make and looks cute too!Just drop a few spoonfuls into each shell and you’re good to go.Serve these along with some Thai Sweet Chili sauce or tamarind chutney (if you’re lucky to have an Indian grocery near you) and watch these disappear in no time.Enjoy!

Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells

Indian Spiced Potato Pastry Shells #idahopotato #SundaySupper

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Ingredients
  

  • Frozen Puff Pastry Shells/Cups-1 pack
  • 3 large Idaho® potatoes
  • Cumin seeds- 1 tsp
  • ½ inch Ginger crushed
  • Jalapeño-1 seeded and diced
  • Ground Coriander-1 tsp
  • Garam Masala-1 tsp
  • Roasted peanuts-2 tbsp
  • Salt- to taste
  • Oil-2 tbsp

Instructions
 

  • Bake the Puff Pastry Cups according to the instructions.
  • Fill a pot with enough water to cover the potatoes.Bring to a boil.
  • Cover the pot,lower the heat and let it cook for about 15-20 mins or until the potatoes are cooked.
  • Once cooled, peel the potatoes and mash it slightly with a fork or a potato masher.
  • Heat oil in a pan.
  • Add the cumin seeds and once they start to splutter lower the heat and add the ginger and jalapeño.
  • Add the garam masala, ground coriander and the peanuts. Saute for a minute.
  • Add the mashed potatoes, salt and mix well.Check the seasonings.
  • When ready to serve add about a 2 tbsp of the filling in each shell and serve with your favorite sweet condiment.

Check out some other great recipe ideas from our Sunday Supper bloggers and get inspired!

For more information about Idaho® potatoes visit their website : http://idahopotato.com

Follow them on social media via:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/idahopotato
Facebook: http://facebook.com/famousidahopotatoes
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/idahopotato
Instagram: http://instagram.com/idahopotatoes

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Please check out our Potato Pinterest board https://www.pinterest.com/thesundaysupper/potato-recipes-featuring-famous-idaho-potatoes/for more scrumptious recipe ideas using Idaho® potatoes!

Sunday Supper Movement

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 Pinterest board.

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 the Idaho Potato Commission in conjunction with a social media campaign through Sunday Supper LLC. All opinions are my own.