Showing posts with label Curry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Curry. Show all posts

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Penang - Thaipusam (Nava-K's Spiritual And Religious Journey)

Some friends I believe are really peculiar. Perhaps I should also label them as weirdos. Wanna know why? No, no, I am in no way referring to the fake social media friends, but my most to most 5 to 10 closest friends whom I thought knew me at the back of their hands. How wrong. When I told a few of them that I will be fulfilling my spiritual and religious vows at Waterfall Temple/Balathandayuthapani Temple for Thaipusam, they burst out in laughter. Why? Seriously, I didn't know what were they tickled about? Do I look like a misfit? Not as far as I know. Despite asking over and over again, none actually could spill a concrete reason. I of course was agitated. Then again, it can't be my fault if friends judge me wrongly. Maybe because I am modern and outgoing, I can’t be religious, is it? Whatever, I've come to a point  I care too hoots how people perceive me. My life, my choices, my happiness and my relationship with god.  

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

Look at this earthen pot and in it thick, salty, spicy and vibrantly exciting to our palates and eyes  Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry). Like immediately can trigger our hunger throne right? I know. I am definitely a big fan of this Indian style salted fish curry and salted fish on the whole by itself (Spicy Ikan Bilis Potato, Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis & Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin), can drive me crazy because I so love saltiness. In fact, every day can be a salted fish meal day for me (Salted Fish Pickle, Bean Sprouts Salted Fish & Steamed Pork Salted Fish). But, I think we all know it? Too much of saltiness and salt can ruin our health? Of course. Then again, there is such a thing as every now and then saltiness as our best friend? How do make this salted fish curry? Nothing much, no major confusing cooking matter (Salted Fish Bone Curry). My recipes as always will never cause you to struggle in the kitchen. Ingredients listed below and of course coming with it cooking technic for the outcome of this mouth punching and jubilant (Salted Fish Bone Soup & Pineapple Salted Fish Curry) Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry).
Ingredients
For the beans
1 cup mochakottai/field beans
1 tsp turmeric powder
A pinch of salt
Water - as needed

Other ingredients
400g threadfin/kurau salted fish with bones - soaked for 10 mins and rinsed. 
2 potatoes - cut into medium size pieces (yes please with the skin on)
1/2 tbsp chilli powder
1 tbsp fish curry powder
** mix both with water for a thick curry paste
1 tsp fenugreek/halba seeds
1/2 tsp ginger paste
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tbsp red onion paste
2 tbsp thick tamarind juice
Sprigs of curry leaves
5 tbsp oil
Salt for taste
Method
For the beans
Simmer beans with turmeric and water till soft.
Drain off water and keep aside.

For the curry
Heat oil and fry ginger, garlic and onion paste for 1-2 mins.
Add curry paste.
Stir and cook till aromatic and oil splits.
Add potatoes, pour about 1 liter of water and simmer till potatoes are 3/4 tender. 
Put in salted fish, pour tamarind juice and season with salt (if needed).
Simmer to cook salted fish (about 3-4 mins)
Add boiled beans and curry leaves.
Stir, simmer for another 2-3 mins and remove from heat. 

Monday, March 31, 2014

Nadan Meen Curry

Back and forth, to and fro, bouncing here and there, finally, after like thinking again and again, I decided it will be a fish curry from the land of Kerala and known as Nadan Meen/Fish Curry (Meen PuttuMalabar Fish Curry, Tuna Thoran & Kerala Fish Fry). Thank god I decided. Otherwise, I would have most probably taken the easy way out by making a similar fish curry like before. Which by far would have been still be accepted in my house (Fish Head Curry, Salted Fish Bone CurryMeen Muringgaka Kulambu & Assam Fish Curry). Then again, don't we long for a change, even when its our food tucking in? Of course, if you are asking me. Moreover, I too like the cooking challenge in inventing new dishes for like automatically upgrading my food knowledge (Burmese Fish BiryaniMauritian Fish Curry & Bengali Fish Curry) and pretty much Kerala cuisine is quite a familiarly to me (Tapioca Stir FryCabbage Thoran & Beans Thoran).  Nadan Meen Curry. Canned sardine, brinjal, coconut milk, tamarind juice and the power house of made from a scratch masala paste.

Friday, January 24, 2014

Lamb Massaman Curry

Thai cooking and Thai cuisine for this lady? I quite know it all actually due to me and my cooking expertise and me having travelled around Thailand in a good bit. But I must confess I have never ever made Massaman Curry before. Of course there is always a first time and it all began by me peeping into a couple of recipe books and then, deciding on which ingredients will raise alongside each other in tandem for the big bold Thai profound tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Thai Crispy Fish, Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Yellow Curry, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Thai Green Curry & Tom Yum Fried Rice). But considering that beef is generally the meat choice for Massaman Curry, I had to look for an alternative and lamb couldn't be by far the better or best. After all it's not mutton (Nepalese Mutton Curry), it has to be lamb for us (Lamb Spaghetti, Lamb Rogan Josh, Lamb Kofta Curry, Lamb Fried Rice, Malaysian Lamb Stew & Lamb Pho). Lamb Massaman Curry? A must try aromatic, peppery, spicy and delicious till its last drop, another from the Thai curry family tree.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Malaysian Fish Head Curry

Malaysian Fish Head Curry, aka Kari Kepala Ikan. Believe me, not the ordinary nor you should compare with those from the restaurants. Why are you asking me? Because this is a typical, authentic and most dangerously delicious, finger licking homemade Malaysian Fish Head Curry (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Nyonya Fish Noodle SoupMalaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fish Curry) Yes, stop questioning me. Fish head curry cooked alongside belimbing buluh from our Malaysian grown trees, and belimbin buluh somewhat I think can be regarded as the other side to the coin to starfruit though these are oblong in shape and greenish and yellowish in color. Trust me please, due to this really mostly sour fruit, you don't have to think twice on tamarind juice and when fish head is cooked alongside the customary ingredients (Chilli Soy Fish, Spicy Stingray & Fish Noodle Soup) we need for any curry and also coconut milk, pow-wow (Asam Pedas Bawal, Salted Fish Bone Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap). Malaysian Fish Head Curry by Nava K? Unbeatable for rushing your mouth towards its spiciness and coconut milk creaminess.

Monday, December 30, 2013

Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal

Basically when you have exhausted the avenue for a dal curry, you then have to think further. In other words, should you get down to the same kinda legume based curry or you should be on the lookout for a different kinda dal curry (Shahi Gobi). In fact, I won't say Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal is unfamiliar to me (Aam Ka Achaar & Tamatar ki Chutney) because those days mum used to roll out hot ghee loaded chappati from the tawa and chappati by far must be paired alongside a dal curry. What could have been more fantastic fab, but a Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal. Pretty much, like I have already told you, a dal curry but made with moong dal or you can even address it as green bean or pea (Sweet Green Bean Porridge & Bean Sprout Omelette) and dal by far as you know, must be part of our Indian household staple. How can we Indians not make a dal or lentil curry at least once a week until I have gone through quite a number of different dal tunnels (Fish Sambar, Drumstick Sambar, Tanni Saar & Mysore Sambar) and for the outcome of other dishes as well (Cabbage Upkari, Chloe Masala, Dhal Rice & Mulligatawny Soup). Henceforth, what else became new for me when I had to make another dal dish? Obviously, Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal. Packing a waking up punch (Bengali Fish Croquettes) on our palates for its spicy, tangy and creamy absolute tastes (Baingan Bharta, Bengali Fish Curry & Eggplant Tikka). 

Friday, December 20, 2013

Shahi Gobi

Oh-My-My! What a royalty right? I bet at the first look of Shahi Gobi (Shahi Mutton, Aloo Gosht, Rogan Josh & Murgh Makhani) you must have salivated? If you are asking me, you should because this gobi curry or cauliflower curry is one I put together after really giving my thinking a true and sincere thought prior to getting down to making. Furthermore, picking up cauliflower has become like a habit. In fact I seriously can't resist cauliflower which by the way is a favourite veggie amongst Indians. Why not when cauli is affordable and you can actually make a whole list of dishes (Cauliflower Pakora, Cauliflower Fritters & Cauliflower Curry)? This dish, that dish, cauli by itself in a curry or alongside a combo of other veggies or as a stir fry (Aloo Gobi & Chilli Aloo) for a simple dish, but for Shahi Gobi which definitely must be ranked really high due to its richness, creaminess and like I have already told you, a royalty (Baingan Bharta, Navratan Korma & Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani), you need to work around the quintessential ingredients for Mughlai cuisine. Nevertheless, its all worthiness because Shahi Gobi is sincerely topnotch to our tastebuds (Cabbage UpkariEggplant Tikka, Tamatar ki Chutney & Palakura Pappu). 

Monday, November 18, 2013

Tuna Thoran

Tuna and Thoran? Synonymous in Kerala (Parippu PradhamanMalabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry), whether you use fresh catch tuna or canned tuna. For me personally, Tuna Thoran (Cabbage Thoran & Beans Thoran) basically is a stir fry (Chicken Varuval) and can be stir fried with or without grated coconut (Kiri Hodi) or we might as well take the convenience of coconut oil in case we can't run or rush to buy coconut for thoran. My style to Tuna Thoran (Tuna Burgers & Tuna Cutlets)? Aha! I think I told you before, this habit of adding potatoes and looked like I automatically added without even thinking twice its a Kerala Thoran. Then again, there is no right and wrong to ingredients we prefer, especially when you are rushing for time in making Tuna Thoran? Of course. Tuna Thoran is actually a simplified dish though some people love to blow it up as though its a mind blogging dish to make. Basically, all you got to do is get the ingredients listed below ready, mostly our pantry user friendly ingredients right and stir fry to a dry style, worthy tastiness.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Peshawari Mutton Karahi

Peshawari Mutton Karahi!! From the land of Pakistan and specifically from the city of Peshawar. Already sounding mouth watering right and I bet the pictures are additionally making your tummy hunger topsy-turvy right? In fact, to tell you the truth, I myself can't contain my hunger and I think without me realizing, my saliva is gonna drip down soon. Regardless, any mutton dish for the matter most probably can trigger hunger for the both of us and I must go ahead by mentioning that I quite know it about the different kinds of mutton curries from this part and that part of the world. Furthermore, should I blow my own trumpet to how far I have come in making all sort of dishes from around the globe (Tandoori Chicken, Aam ka Achaar, Bengali Fish Croquettes, Chicken Vindaloo, Cari Poisson & Goan Prawn Curry)? Enough of me and marketing myself, let's not waste anymore time in getting down to making Peshawari Mutton Karahi. Thick, spices infused, yogurt creaminess, ghee and coriander leaves scented, plus honestly guys, blame it on my habit of adding potatoes for most of my mutton curries. Can you like possibly blame me for adding potatoes? We Malaysian Indians and we just must somehow find a reason for merging potatoes and mutton as one (Nepalese Mutton Curry, Aloo Gosht, Shahi Mutton Curry, Rogan Josh, Mutton Keema, Masala Mutton Curry & Mutton Parathal).   

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Sarawak Laksa

Guys, I thought maybe for the time being, we will just stick to within our Malaysian recipes instead of humping and jumping to other countries around the globe and most probably, my last few recipes have indicated that I am staying put and standing on my Malaysian ground (Ayam Pongteh & Chicken Vindaloo). Of course, I am not denying that a gastronomical tour to other countries is definitely a food show for exposing us to the various types of cuisines (Singapore Laksa & Vietnamese Noodle Soup). Yet, to a certain extent, I think we must do our local food hunting as well. Trust me, I myself personally have not completed making noodles from our different states (Cantonese Yee Mee, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Mee Yoke), though Curry Laksa, or Laksa Lemak or Curry Mee been trended in this space of mine (Nyonya Curry LaksaMalaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Penang Curry Mee) and back then, don't know how moons ago, I did make a trip to Sarawak whereby I tuck into their well known Sarawak Laksa.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Andhra Sambar

Sambar. Indian dal curry. Do I have to like say anything? Indians and sambar, or dal curry and us Indians? I am actually lost for words. But one thing is certain. I have been making, and making and making, and I have not stopped because if sambar is not one of the dishes in my house at least once a week, my other half-half's food life is not complete. Says it all and pretty much the logic to my sambar story, and I don't think my sambar story will ever stop. Of course, me being like a small time home chef, I try to vary sambar each time I make (Palakura Pappu, Mulligatawny Soup, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Drumstick Sambar & Simple Sambar). More or less, or less or more, for celebrating lentils/dal (Dhal Rice & Mysore Sambar) and thank god for the various types. This Andhra Sambar is the outcome of moong dal/green gram and tempering cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves in ghee I must say infused an amazing and wonderful aroma (Fish Sambar, Palak Sambar & Tanni Saar).

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Cari Poisson

Cari Poisson! Are you going like, where is this fish curry from? Well, from the shores of Mauritius. Cari Poisson/Mauritian Fish Curry, as I have already told you, is the fish curry made in Mauritius. Of course when we speak about fish curry of Indian descent, obviously spices will lead the way, wouldn't you agree (Bengali Fish Curry, Malaysian Indian Fish Curry & Malabar Fish Curry). In fact, spices are generally the needed ingredients for most Indian curry dishes throughout the world (Goan Prawn Curry, Devil's Curry, Sura Meem Kulambu & Indian Okra Curry) and shouldn't we include chillies as well? Chillies alongside spices in the curry paste or mixture, or chillies as in other Asian dishes (Ikan Balado, Thai Green Fish Curry, Fish Sambar & Kerala Fish Fry). We in Malaysian are also not short of spices and our spice roots originating from Straits of Malacca? My this version of Cari Poisson? I opted for ikan kembung, our affordable local catch and instead of aubergine, brinjals are also spectacular for the outcome of this thick,scrumptious and waking up your palates immediately Mauritian Fish Curry (Indian Spiced Salmon, Unagi Kabayaki & Vietnamese Fish).

Friday, August 9, 2013

Goan Prawn Curry

Goan Prawn Curry, aka Prawn Ambok Tik. Do I still have to go ahead and mention where Goan Prawn Curry originated from? Do I have to? Unless you still don't get it, I think I have to mention Goa, the state in western India and with coastline stretching along the Arabian Sea. Maybe that's why when we speak about Goan cuisine, naturally and most probably, their fresh sea catch will pop up on our mind and can you imagine how fresh prawns in Goa will be? Of course, our fresh prawns from our Malaysian waters must be saluted as well. Pretty much, more or less various sizes and types. Of course, prawns for this Goan Prawn Curry is from the wet market I headed to and for making this thick, creamy, spicy and aroma of spices heavenly lingering fish curry.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Palakura Pappu

Palakura Pappu, aka Spinach Dal (Spinach Dal Curry), wouldn't you agree is forever the comfort dish? Especially for us Indians? Though, I must mention that sometimes I am so tired of palakura pappu because whenever you visit your relatives or Indian friends, you can pretty much expect this spinach dal dish as one of the dishes you will be tucking into whenever its a full course vegetarian meal (Vegetable KadhiNavratan Korma, Bitter Gourd Chips, Cauliflower PakoraIndian Style Mustard Greens, Tari Wale Aloo & Mor Rasam) during religious occasions? I know. Moreover, legumes are overall a favourite ingredient for Indian dishes (Chickpea Masala, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Dal Rice, Mulligatawny Soup & Mysore Sambar)? That's why, I don't cook palakura pappu as often as expected. In fact, I can off hand count the number of times I have made this dish and of course, each time I make, I try to vary the ingredients for another style instead of the same type over and over again. Thus, if you are expecting the mushy and mashed up kinda palakura pappu, I bet you will be disappointed. Instead, my version is, wouldn't you agree is rather stylish? Beautiful contrast between spinach (Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Tomato Spinach Soup) and slightly still grainy dal in coconut milk and spices enhanced gravy and, the rest of the ingredients tempered in ghee.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Vegetable Kadhi

Vegetable Kadhi. What is vegetable kadhi? Vegetable Kadhi is basically a yogurt vegetable curry or stew. Of course, we need the rest of the must use spices (Drumstick Sambar & Pavakkai Puli Kulambu) for an Indian stew, wouldn't you agree? Right. After all, without spices, how can our Indian stews or curries be taste perfected? Vegetable Kadhi (Navaratan Korma) for your information can also be regarded as Mor Kuzhambu/Curry (Mor Kuzhambu) or even buttermilk curry. Yogurt (Creamy Avocado Yogurt DipMor Rasam, Bengali Yogurt Fish Curry & Cucumber Yogurt Salad) definitely is the central ingredient. Other than that, you can go ahead and use other suitable vegetables (Vegetable Biryani, Mulligatawny Soup, Tari Wale Aloo & Mushroom Soup) or maybe you like to opt for a plain kadhi and if you are asking me, you can adjust the amount of yogurt as per your wish or taste for the burst of natural sourness. Some people may even prefer to add some coconut milk, but that is something subjective to where Vegetable Kadhi originated from (Sodhi). Vegetable Kadhi? Thick, creamy, fab and simply splattering on your tastebuds yogurt vegetable stew.

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Malabar Fish Curry

Recipes can be tweeted, remember I have already told you? I told you that we can tweet the originality to recipes according to how we prefer them to be and of course, making do with ingredients from own country ground (Moroccan Chicken Stew, Thai Tomato Soup, Aloo Gosht, Tofu Katsu & Vietnamese Fish Soup)? Instead of buying or buying for the sake of buying or just because we badly want to trend in front or at the back of other people's recipes? Guys, stop doubting yourself and you must believe me(Chilli Soy Fish, Fish Sandwich, Fish Noodle Soup, Teppanyaki Salmon & Salted Fish Bone Curry). That's how it has been for me and my cooking, and I have not regretted, neither will I regret if I continue to do so. Thus, for this Malabar Fish Curry, of course, the must use ingredients are part of it and let's not forget about coconut milk (Thai Green Fish Curry).

Monday, April 29, 2013

Shahi Mutton Curry

Shahi Mutton Curry, or Mughlai Mutton Curry. Rich, creamy, thick and call it a royal mutton curry (Navratan Korma & Lamb Rogan Josh), Shahi Mutton Curry simply packs bags and bags of  flavours (Mutton Devil's Curry, Masala Mutton Curry & Mutton Parathal) which will wake up your taste buds almost instantly until you most probably will long for more or you just can't stop eating. Believe me. And in my house, can you imagine how it would have been after I made this really attractive and eye popping Shahi Mutton Curry? Eaten alongside Cumin Coriander Rice and Stir Fried Turmeric Cabbage. Oh my goodness! Truly a royal meal and after eating by taking our own time, we could hardly move. Then again, each time I cook mutton (Mutton SoupMutton DalcaIndian Mutton Meatball Soup & Mutton Kurma), mostly of course as a dry or thick masala based curry (Mutton Bone Marrow Curry, Easy Mutton Curry, Mutton Varuval & Mutton Keema) its the same story as well and we love it as well when we actually bite and ripe the meat out of mutton bones and then we will still continue with nibbling the bones and also helping ourselves to rice and stir fried veggie. Sounds familiar? The same thing in your house too?  Shahi Mutton Curry as I have already told you is full of spices and ghee richness, fabulous deliciousness.

Thursday, April 4, 2013

Prawn Curry Laksa

Various ways, various styles and various types of Curry Laksa availability. Of course. In fact, I myself I think have already shared a fair bit (Home Made Curry Mee, Curry Chicken Noodles, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Nyonya Curry Laksa). Curries by far too, what should we say? There's a huge collection and I bet you will not be short of those different kindas between in-country and out of Malaysia countries. Wouldn't you agree? If you are asking me, in my Indian house, curries are a food stealer, maybe not so much for me, but for my other half-half especially (Assam Fish Curry, Indian Chicken Curry, Lamb Kofta Curry, Devil's Curry & Vegan Potato Curry). I can go on and on about curries, then again, my point is that curry is the main highlight for this Prawn Curry Laksa. Basically, curry broth made from prawn shells and heads, and we also need some fresh prawns for assembling alongside the rest of the ingredients. I think I have told you before? Why I save prawn heads and shells (Prawn Cocktail, Fried Prawn WantonsGrilled Spicy Prawns, Chinese Prawn Fritters & Prawn Petai Sambal)? Obviously, each time I wanna make prawn curry broth (Tamarind Prawn Curry & Prawn Mango Curry), or even for other dishes, these will be handy (Prawn Noodle Soup) and Curry Laksa can't be perfected without coconut milk (Coconut Salted Fish & Shrimp Coconut). Prawn Curry Laksa? Amazingly vibrant and will be exciting to our palates right?

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Indian Masala Chicken Curry

Guys, especially those of you who cook regularly, tell me. What can potentially be different for any kinda Indian Masala Curry? If you are asking me, masala is basically a composite of various types of spices. You can of course opt for ready made spice mixtures (Butter Chicken) or even you can mix the types of spice powders (Mutton Bone Marrow Curry & Cashew Masala Chicken) and definitely nothing like a home made masala (Navratan Korma) or curry paste (Thai Chicken Green Curry). Certainly. For me personally, it all depends. Depends on my mood, depends on time I have in hand and depends too on what's already stocked up at home. It all basically depends and depends on country or area specific as well. Some spices are more in popularity in certain countries or region or each individual state.What about this Indian Masala Chicken Curry of Malaysia (Malaysian Chicken Chop) by this Malaysian (Chicken Curry With Potatoes, Curry Chicken Noodles & Indian Chicken Curry)? Alright. I was definitely in the mood for some extra work and I made the curry paste. The aromatic and full bodied curry paste in which chicken (Sweet Chilli Chicken, Ayam Masak Merah & Grilled Chicken Wings) was cooked to the right texture. Indian Masala Chicken Curry (Indian Mango Chutney)? Believe me. Oh-my-my. Just so appetizing and kicking in the customary, beautiful and lovable tastes (Baked Cornflakes Chicken, Braised Chicken Feet, Easy Chicken Kebab & Baked Lemon Chicken). 

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Salted Fish Bone Curry

Salted Fish. Remember, I told you before? I did, let me remain you (Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas & Pineapple Salted Fish Curry). Saltiness and Nava K? What should I possibly say. Definitely my weakness because I so love saltiness. In fact, anything salty goes for me and of course, all those like dried anchovies/ikan bilis and dried shrimp (Anchovies Fried Mee HoonSambal Tumis Ikan Bilis & Dried Shrimp Sambal). However, seems like I am more fond of salted fish. Only god knows why or maybe I should say, old eating habits die hard, or its just me, like I have already told you, saltiness has become and will still continue to be one of the ingredients best friend of mine. Today, ladies and gentlemen, I am really eager to share with all of you this Salted Fish Bone Curry. Trust me, nothing like the bones compared to flesh of salted fish which is the choice for my other half-half (Bean Sprouts Salted Fish & Salted Fish Pickle), whereas for me, I'll stick to my guns and I am a die hard fan of the bones (Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin). Coming back to this salted fish bone curry, I also added some drumsticks/ muringakkai which were there already in my kitchen. So, I might as well use them right (Meen Muringakkai Kulambu & Drumstick Sambar). Is it a weird combination? No. Not at all. Stop doubting me and stop doubting if you should add drumstick into salted fish curry. Trust me, its just so sensational. Imagine spicy and salty Salted Fish Bone Curry drenched over rice and eating away while nibbling the salted fish bone and drumsticks as well? Mouthwatering right? Indeed.

KKSV Restaurant: Malaysian Coffeeshop Eating Culture

Formerly recognized as Restoran Poh Yap, this establishment underwent refurbishment a few months ago and now goes by the name KKSV Restauran...