Showing posts with label Salt. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Salt. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Nasi Bunga Telang Serai /Blue Pea Lemongrass Rice

I threw some bunga telang, or blue pea flower seeds in my garden and they grew. They literally grew without even me realising and without even any tender, loving care. Just like that. By the time I knew, bunga telang which can be addressed in other names greeted me. Beautiful. They are such bluish beauties and me after a few days, getting down to making this Nasi Bunga Telang Serai /Blue Pea Lemongrass Rice. I did. And rice by far, do I have say anything furthermore? Me and my love for nasi or rice. For this typical Malaysian who must have rice at least once a day though usually its plain rice, of course, every now and then, the easy varieties, cooked in the rice cooker are such a delight for breaking free from the monotony and boredomness of our daily meals (Tomato Rice PilafRice Pilaf, Coriander Rice, Turmeric Rice, Dhal Rice & Lemon Cashew Rice). What's the cooking story to Nasi Bunga Telang Serai? Such an easy uncomplicated story. Just a couple of ingredients. In fact, just five. Basmati rice, bunga telang/blue pea flowers, serai/lemongrass, salt and water. The best part of all is, I will and must vouch that you will simply love the floral scent of bunga telang and lemony scent of lemongrass in, and around cooked to the right texture rice. 

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Fried Prawn Wanton

Fried Prawn Wanton. My-My! Such a fab kinda crunch and munch right? I know. Fried stuffs especially on the whole? You tell me. In fact, when these wanton skin parcel filled with prawns came out from my wok, a few actually went missing immediately. Not anywhere far, but our tummy tucking actually. By themselves, or when dipped into chilli sauce prior to having a ball of a time and as many as we want till all the fried prawn wanton are over and done, perhaps within a short while, what a delight. How do we make these prawn wantons? I think I have already alerted you. In fact in my previous recipes as well (Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup & Chicken Wanton Soup) and this latest variety is sort of the cousin of the previous Fried Shrimp Wanton. Only that, the tedious thing for me when prawns are a concern (Mee Goreng Udang, Hokkien Hae MeeMongolian Prawns, Goan Prawn Curry, Butter Prawns & Prawn Coconut Milk)? The peeling and cleaning, especially the time taken pulling out the veins. Otherwise, all is fine with prawns though I must say we are not the biggest fans of prawns (Sichuan Prawns & Chinese Prawn Fritters). Of course, there is always the once a while and these Fried Prawn Wanton, trust me, are super yummy, super crunchy and super beautifully plated up. 

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thai Style Eggplant

Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal. All from the same family tree right? Except maybe their shapes and sizes and at times, color code as well. Eggplant in fact is a favourite in my house for all sorts of dishes, including in curries as well (Nadan Meen Curry). In fact, I can go on and on and speak about eggplant, but potentially it will be best I stick to this recipe for the day. Thai Style Eggplant. Thai cuisine and Nava K (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Thai Fried Chicken & Lamb Massaman Curry)? Pretty much says it all and after,  and Thai Style Eggplant basically is fried eggplant in a spicy, tangy and kaffir lime leaves scented attractive gravy/sauce. Oh, a vegetarian variety too (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry).

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Nasi Pudina (Mint Rice)

Nasi Pudina, aka Mint Rice. What should I possibly say please? You tell me? Perhaps best for me say that its a rice dish which has already been categorized as another of Nava K's cooked in the rice cooker rice dish and of course, rice is a crucial and most probably one of it we Malaysian can't survived without with. For me personally, I need my daily doze of rice. Otherwise, my food life may crumble and fall apart. Rice is in fact a must no matter what, but it can't be plain white rice daily and must be cooked in our Malaysian style (Malaysian Fish Head Curry & Malaysian Fried Rice). Furthermore, if you allow your cooking invention to fly high up, you can coin so many, various types of rice dishes. The known ones or in your own way for making a name as a rice dish inventor (Coriander Rice, Tomato Rice, Ghee Rice, Nasi Dagang & Curry Leaves Rice). Above all, even a few of our kitchen staples can make a huge and vast difference to the outcome of a satisfying rice dish. Alright, enough said and this minty and creamy outcome of coconut milk and me adding some peanuts for crunch Nasi Pudina/Mint Rice I sincerely believe will enliven your food senses (Cumin Rice, Nasi Lemak, Turmeric Rice, Rice Pilaf & Dhal Rice).

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Bitter Gourd Chips

Bitter Gourd Chips or Pavakkai Chips. Trust me, even those who can't stand bitter gourd I bet will truly love these crispy fried bitter gourd chips. Maybe I shouldn't speak on behalf of others, in my house, oh-my-god, the moment these chips are out of my frying pan, they just disappear even before anything else (Lotus Root Chips, Crispy Fried Okra & Mushroom Rolls). Hands will just crawl just like that. Even myself, I myself can't help putting some in my mouth (Cauliflower Fritters). To make bitter gourd chips, lemme tell you that its  really simplified. Yes. But make sure you slice bitter gourd to utmost thinly which by far is crucial (Valakkai Chips). Otherwise, I'm afraid chips will not be as crispy as you expect and believe me, somehow its like magical that once bitter gourd is fried, its bitterness just vanishes in thin air (Bitter Gourd Puli Curry, Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry & Bitter Gourd Sambar). Bitter Gourd Chips? Ahhhhh! Just so good. Oh, what is unique and out of this world for this my version Bitter Gourd Chips? Curry leaves fried together. You should try and trust me, you won't regret.

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Tom Kha Gai

Tom Kha Gai? The other side to another Thai Soup (Seafood Tom Yum Soup), or can be said as another style to Tom Yum Soup basically (Tom Yum Chicken). Whatever you like to add into Tom Kha Gai, in other words, ranging from seafood, poultry and meat, though I can't say if beef is suitable, the rest I have already mentioned should be food fine (Thai Green Fish Curry, Shrimp Pad Thai Salad & Thai Steamed Fish). Of course, when we speak about Thai cuisine overall, what should we expect? Obviously, the big, bold and power packing tastes (Spicy Thai Noodles & Thai Carrot Soup)? Sure. We shouldn't dispute, should we? Of course not. Herbs, fish sauce and chillies naturally are some of the key ingredients, for this Thai Soup, Tom Kha Gai, we crucially need a good run of coconut milk (Thai Vegetable Curry, Shrimp Coconut & Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry) and I opted for fish as well (Thai Fish Noodle Soup). Tom Kha Gai. The burst of Thai tremendous deliciousness.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Kenchin Jiru

Quite an achievement I have to say. So far so good with Japanese dishes. After three dishes (Japanesse Eggplant SauteSimmered DaikonTeppanyaki Salmon)? Look, I am not saying I know it all nor I am pro. But I have picked up the vital Japanese cooking tips by myself and I must credit those tv cooking programs as well. Then again, what can different for a Japanese soup but those customary Japanese ingredients? You tell me. Don't you think the ingredients potentially can be either miso paste, mirin, dashi stock/powder and sake? Or even Japanese soy sauce, garlic and ginger which took a back step for this Kenchin Jiru Soup. Kenchin Jiru Soup by the way is a vegetable soup (Onion Soup & Lentil Vegetable Soup) and obviously the Japanese way to a vegetarian soup (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup & Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup). 

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Coriander Rice

Nope. Not the blended and looking really green Coriander Rice. Somehow, I don't know why, I don't or shall I say we in our house don't fancy that particular traditional Indian style coriander rice dish. No offence to anyone, just that we don't like it. We have tried, but its still a no. I actually prefer something more of a relaxed and easy, going with the flow coriander rice (Dhal Rice). A simplified manner of course (Jeera/Cumin Rice), and as always, yes, rice cooker is my saviour for a rice dish (Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang & Lemon Cashew Rice). For plain rice and even for this my version of Coriander Rice (Ghee Rice & Nasi Dagang). Of course, let me repeat myself again. Rice is always an all time favorite. Any which way (Malaysian Fried Rice) and for my Coriander Rice, as you may have already noted, its Basmati rice, coriander leaves, garlic, oil and salt. That's it. Cooked in a jiffy and for the lovely fresh scent of coriander leaves. 

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Egg Foo Young


Scrambled eggs Chinese style (Fried Eggs With Oyster Sauce). Pretty much that is my understanding what Egg Foo Young should be or is. Correct me if I am wrong, but as far as I know, I think it is acceptable when we regard Egg Foo Young as scrambled eggs? I believe so. Of course, scrambled eggs elevated in a different cooking techinque or for a different kind egg dish. In Chinese restaurants (Chinese Prawn Fritters, Egg Fish Roll & Tea Eggs), this kinda dish is usually cooked very quickly over high heat and in black cast iron wok. Which maybe is impossible for us in our kitchen. Regardless, we can still make egg foo young. What goes into egg foo young? If you are asking me, I think you can consider ingredients you are comfortable with and ingredients you think will work together. Eggs obviously do I have say? The central ingredient (Egg Benedict, Egg Rasam, Egg Curry Masala & Egg Potato Curry). For this my version, its cabbage, garlic and spring onion, of course we need oil, pepper and salt.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Ayam Goreng Berempah ( Spicy Fried Chicken)

Ayam Goreng Berempah. Wow! Walla! Bang! My all time favorite. I just so love ayam goreng berempah. One of those I can't resist at Malay Nasi Campur/Mix Rice Stalls or Nasi Kukus stalls (Ayam Masak Merah). Ayam goreng berempah lemme tell you is one of the best food regards of us. Our Malaysian Malay style spicy fried chicken (Spicy Fried WingsBaked Cornflakes Chicken & Grilled Chicken Wing) and trust me, for years I have been debating within myself on how can I make ayam goreng berempah. A couple of attempts which definitely didn't get me for getting it right until I was so glad when my Malay colleague spilled it out. She spilling the secret to ayam goreng berempah.  The recipe she in fact picked up from her neighbor. Oh boy! So glad I was until I wouldn't stop thanking her over and over again. So, how can we make this ayam goreng berempah? Of course for celebration chicken (Curry Chicken Noodles, Chicken Vegetable Soup, Sweet Chilli Chicken & Thai Green Chicken Curry).  How? Chicken simmered and half cooked in our Malaysian herbs and later, crispy crunchy fried. Crispiness on the outside and soft meat inside (Chicken Varuval, Easy Chicken Kebab & Thai Yellow Chicken Curry). 

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup

Boring right? If its daily Indian food? Tell me about it. I however don't have a choice. My love the love of my life, my other half-half need his daily fix of Indian food (Tomato Spinach Soup). The escape for me from Indian food of course is when he is away (Rice Congee With Condiments). I think that is a fair marriage deal? I think so. Now, lets get down to making this soup and whoever said we can't make vegetarian Chinese dishes (Yam Basket Vegetarian, Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon & Vegetarian Chow Mein). Am I a vegetarian? Nope. Maybe, every now and then, as and when, I do prefer vegetarianism (Mushroom Veggie Burger) and soups by itself, by far is simplicity. I like it. Back from work, look into the fridge, remember I told you, my fridge is always stocked up, and then those ingredients quickly prepared for going into a pot for simmering. Slow simmering of course for the flavours to rise up (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup). But you need a good stock. Keep some stocked up as well. Without a good stock, soups may not be all that exciting to our palates.Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup? Winter melon, woflberries, dried black fungus, vegetable stock and parsley leaves garnished.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Sambal Udang Petai

Another marriage matched in heaven our Malaysian Petai (Sambal Sotong Petai), aka Stink Beans dish. Its perfection to our palates when we forcefully or without forcing each other to be together in a sambal spiciness (Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin). Petai and Udang/Prawns (Sambal Petai Udang Kering)? Even Petai and Bilis/Anchovies (Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis Petai & Sambal Bilis Petai)? Where are you petai lovers? Are you not agreeing with me? I bet you love any of these combination of petai and of course, how can we cook petai, as I have already told you without chillies (Sambal Udang/Prawn)? Henceforth, to make this Sambal Udang Petai, essentially, in fact you must buy the freshest prawns (Prawn Noodle Soup, Devilled Prawns & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry). Otherwise, you are wasting your time and your money. Make sure you checklist the prawns first (Chinese Prawn FrittersPrawn Mango Curry & Sichuan Chilli Prawns) whilst picking up the petai. When petai is a concern for me, I usually buy those already peeled and sealed in the plastic for time saving and instead of adding the pieces just like that, I slice. Why do I slice the petai? Because of the probability of wriggly worms playing sparks inside. Thereafter? Go ahead. Replicate or tweet this recipe of mine.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon

Walla! Don't you seriously think this version, my version of Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon is a revelation of red hue and a huge package to how a Chinese style fried bee hoon should potentially be? I don't know about you, I personally think this Vegetarian Fried Mee Hoon is an impact. Impact to my cooking invention and impact to utilising the quintessential and customary Chinese ingredients. Shouldn't I then be proud? Invention from nava-k's kitchen, of course we have already tried, tested and devoured into, furthermore, Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon is now listed amongst the rest of the vegetarian noodle dishes I have already showcased to you (Mee Rebus Vegetarian, Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup, Mee Rojak Vegetarian & Curry Mee Vegetarian). Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon - black bean paste, mushroom, cabbage, dried chilli paste, garlic and spring onion. In case you feel its a bit too much to handle, your other option can be the other Vegetarian Mee Hoon. Bye foodies, see you next time!

Monday, June 11, 2012

Malaysian Chili Crab

Malaysian my and mine again? I can't help it guys (Pandan/Screwpine Cheesecake). Seriously, what else can you expect from me. Its always been, my background, I have been cooking Malaysian dishes and each time I cook again, I can't seemingly break free from Malaysia. Basically, because our local produce is the reason. Cheaper pretty much for keeping my cost to cooking low (Malaysian Lamb Curry NoodlesMalaysian Fried Mee & Malaysian Spicy Sour Fish Soup Noodles) and we, no matter what, we generally fancy our style of food. We basically love our big, bold flavours and must I include chillies for all Malaysians? I reckon I should. No chillies, I guess, we feel we have not had a complete mouth packing meal (Chilli Aloo, Grilled Spicy Prawns, Stingray Sambal SauceSweet Chilli Chicken & Chilli Soy Fish). Chillies. Whether over-loaded or a tiny bit, but it must be chillies in some way or rather (Chilli Lime Fish, Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis, Spicy Fried Wings & Sichuan Chilli Prawns). What about, how of much chillies are you now asking me? How much you should add for this Malaysian Chilli Crab? Up to you. As you wish for these spicy tangy Malaysian Chilli Crab (Indian Crab Soup & Crab Curry) which I bet is already tickling your taste-buds. 

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis (Anchovies Fried Rice)

Don't we Malaysians love our rice? Anytime, any hour, practically for any meal and whenever we wish? Of course. Undeniably. Me too being the number one rice lover. I basically love rice to every bit. Rice is my sincerity. Cooked white rice, paired alongside side dishes, and sometimes elevated or heightened to another level spiraling level in regards to a few ingredients or generously (Nasi LemakGhee Rice & Nasi Dagang) or how about leftover cooked white rice? Effortlessly converted to fried rice (Malaysian Fried Rice, Tom Yum Fried Rice, Lamb Fried Rice, Chinese Fried Rice & Kampung Fried Rice). No. No. Not the exact previous Anchovies Long Beans Fried Rice though. Never. Never will I repeat showcase the same recipes over and over again. This Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis notably is the other, another version to nava-k's making fried rice. Perhaps a couple of similar ingredients, has to be right? We can't do away with the customary ingredients right? I doubt. I don't think-tank we can. This Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis (Anchovies Fried Rice)? Anchovies, mushroom, eggs, peas and spring onion. Keep this recipe on stand-by, you should, just in case it will be your turn to a lazy Sunday or any day cooking.    

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Turmeric Tomato Soup

Turmeric. Conclusively. Turmeric and us Indians. Turmeric and our Indian cooking. Turmeric is a must in our kitchen. Turmeric doing a whole lot of wonders for our health (Bitter Gourd Sambar,  Mor Rasam, Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry, Sodhi & Mor Kuzambu). Of course. Undeniably. In fact, turmeric is our magical wand ingredient. You name it, it can ditch aside your health concern. The closest and nearest will be its anti-inflammatory benefits, goodness and nourishes. Careful though. A tiny bit goes a long way. Otherwise, bitterness may be the outcome of your dish (Aloo Gobi, Vazhakkai Podimas, Carrot Poriyal, Chloe Masala, Tapioca Stir Fry & Kurkuri Bhindi). Literally into any dish and today, lemme share with all of you how to make this simplified, healing our health and our well being Turmeric Tomato Soup (Corn Soup, Pumpkin Soup & Mixed Vegetable Soup). A couple of our pantry friendly ingredients, as usual (Cucumber Yogurt Salad), for this scented by cumin seeds and coriander leaves, tangy and non-boring Indian style Turmeric Tomato Soup. 

Monday, May 7, 2012

Rice Congee With Condiments

Such is life.Nothing is assured and nothing is guaranteed as well. Why go so far? What about marriage, are you asking me? Oh-boy! Tell me about it. Falling is love, maybe is not super easy, but quite possible. Thereafter once we tie the knot or slip the ring on each other? Reality sets in and the discoveries we actually find out? The discoveries to compatibility which can throw us off-guard, specifically food compatibility His and ours. My other half-half? Well, I sort of knew about his profound love for Indian food. But I didn't really find out if he will be okay to other kinda food. Take for example, rice congee/rice porridge which by far is the food in Chinese households compared to us Indians. I on the other hand, I simply adore Chinese food and porridge is the love of my food love too. But my man? Mmmmm! He won't get close. He just won't. What more pretty much can I say? Force him, literally? I tried, not forcing though. A small time talk every now and then, yet, it didn't work and I gave up. No point. I suppose sometimes this thing to forcing or sweet talking does not really work? I know. So, the alternative for me is making rice congee for my own eating pleasure when he is away. Settled. Rice congee can be made in rice cooker, slow cooker or over the stove. Of course, some salt goes in and plain rice congee lemme tell you is quite bland. So, we should think of side dishes to go with it. As many side dishes as you wish, depending on if time is on your side, otherwise, like for this rice congee, jiffy stir Fried Beans Garlic, Fried Salted Fish and Chilli Tauchu/Fermented Black Beans Bilis/Anchovies. Our go to Malaysian Style Rice Congee With Condiments. 

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Vegetable Kurma

Remember, can you recall my Mutton Kurma? I hope you can. Otherwise, just flip flop over to the recipe. Otherwise, give me a break please. I don't want to get down to the nooks and cronies on explaining what is kurma, aka, Indian vegetable curry (Indian Vegetable Curry, Cauliflower Curry & Indian Tofu Curry). So, no need for me to explain what is kurma right? This kurma curry, an absolute fab, don't you think so, yes, you have to make the kurma from a stretch. Kurma paste by far, unless you prefer store bought kurma powder? Up to you actually. But we shouldn't discount home made kurma paste right? Nothing like making right? Of course for this Vegetable Kurma. Kurma paste, potatoes, long beans, brinjal, spices and aroma of coriander leaves (Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Mor KuzhambuTanni Saar, Sambar, Sodhi & Spinach Dhal Curry). Sounds fab? I reckon.  

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Chicken Varuval

So, another chicken dish today by far? Previously, can you still recall my Curried Roast Chicken?  I hope you can still remember? Otherwise, perhaps you would like to flip over to the recipe and then, get up, close and personal to this Chicken Varuval, also known as dry style masala chicken (Jacket Potatoes Chicken Mince). One which I think is not the standard like the many Chicken Varuval. My version of course, as usual, must have the touch of me. A touch of natural sweet burst from dried raisins. Just a touch, nothing over-powering, a touch for the role play between spiciness, sweetness and awesome aroma of garam masala and coriander leaves (Honey Chilli Chicken & Sweet Chilli Chicken). Anything else is there for me to say (Butter Chicken, Ayam Masak Merah & Cashew Nut Masala Chicken)? I sincerely doubt. 

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Curried Roast Chicken

I like this whole idea to inventing my own recipes. Of course, when time is on my side, not always though, whenever I can squeeze in pretty much. Inventing recipes by far is my proud moment to food happiness (Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles). Call me the recipe inventor or recipe influencer (Grilled Chicken Wings & Baked Cornflakes Chicken) if you feel you should. Thus, henceforth, therefore, my this time invention is Curried Roast Chicken (Chicken Curry Potatoes & Indian Chicken Curry). Chicken of course is the main highlight, but instead of one whole chicken, I opted for two pieces (Honey Chilli Chicken, Chicken Wanton Soup & Chicken Feet Salad) due to me dining alone. Nothing worrying, nothing nor intimidating, neither you should be over concern, over the word curried. Not for my recipes though. Basically, you make this Curried Roast Chicken (Cashew Masala Chicken, Butter Chicken, Sesame Chicken & Sweet Chilli Chicken) with your pantry friendly ingredients I reckon. Obviously curry leaves scented. Yes, curry leaves for roast chicken. Remember, I already told you, my invention? What shouldn't we use curry leaves for a roast, you tell me please? Curry leaves coupled alongside curry powder, ginger juice, garlic juice, onion juice, oil and salt. Crispy utterly on the outside, tender bite inside, and amazing curry leaf scented Curried Roast Chicken.

Vegetarian Delight: Indulge in Coconut Creamed Spinach

There's a common saying that inner beauty outweighs outer beauty. Yet, when faced with hole-ridden spinach, doubts arise ( Spinach Lenti...