Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak (Tapioca leaf In Coconut Gravy)

The other door to a Malay style coconut stew (Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas & Sardin Masak Lemak Cili Padi). In fact, a close cousin to our Indian Sodhi. The main vegetable key to this version of masak lemak? Pretty much tapioca leaf/pucuk ubi which trust me, can be effortlessly grown. Just plant the roots after cooking and within time, you have it all. The rest of the ingredients? How far further can we get when its a Malay coconut stew? The, more or less within the context of our pantry friendly ingredients and maybe you need to buy them. Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak (Tapioca leaf In Coconut Gravy). Malay style truly a sensational delight. 

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Chrysanthemum Goji Jelly

Have you heard of Chrysanthemum Goji Jelly? You know? Or you don't know what I am talking about? If you are Chinese (Honeydew Sago), I think you should know. Nevermind, if all of us are as blank as each other. But I am not blank. I quite know it. Otherwise, how could I have made? Back then, years ago, Chrysanthemum Goji Jelly was a popularity. Don't know if it is still, but I can still remember and today, my food and cooking mission is to show you how we can make Chrysanthemum Goji Jelly. Actually, come to think of it, I don't think I should dwell too much. Everything you need to know and see? Clearly listed below. Follow me and you can't go or do any wrong. Chrysanthemum Goji Jelly. The yesteryears sweet delight. Outstanding for its uniqueness.

Monday, November 23, 2015

Vazha Koombu Thoran

The last time we meet, we hit it at Sri Lanka cuisine (Miris Malu). Today, we are hitting back to another round of Kerala cuisine. Kerala cuisine (Mathi Achar, Nadan Meen Curry, Meen Puttu, Parippu Pradhaman)? I quite know it right? Well, I must admit I quite have it at the back and in front of my cooking hands (Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Curry). What is Vazha Koombu Thoran? Vazha Koombu is vazhaipoo, or banana flower or banana blossom. How about thoran? Basically, a stir fry (Tuna Thoran, Beans Thoran & Cabbage Thoran). To make Vazha Koombu Thoran? All clearly listed below and quite a simplicity, but cleaning the banana flower? You better get ready with time and some oil for rubbing and removing its stickiness while, maybe at removing the flowers and thereafter for cleaning your hands and fingers. Other than that, Vazha Koombu Thoran is our yesteryears and forever appeciated by my generation side dish delightfulness alongside rice (Carrot Poriyal & Tapioca Stir Fry).  

Sunday, November 8, 2015

Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad

I love all things Malaysian herbs and spices. Must I also mention that I am a typical Malaysian who will never ever compromise our Malaysian food (Mutton Rendang, Nasi Kerabu & Nasi Ulam) for anything else in this world? Our Malaysian cuisine? They are such a tremendous delight and on the whole, when we speak about our Malaysian salad? Generally, in the family of Malay salads. How can we go wrong? We can't in fact. Our Malaysian raw salad (Kerabu Taugeh, Kerabu Kacang Botol & Kerabu Mangga) is so easy to put together. In fact for a fact, most raw salads (Vegetable Raita, Asian Watermelon Salad, Mango Cucumber Salad, Apple Cucumber Salad & Cucumber Yogurt Salad). Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad? The central master key for the scent and aroma is obviously, bunga kantan (ginger torch bud) which I am still struggling in growing. Just can't get right no matter what so far. Nevermind, we can still buy? A dollar most probably for one. Making this salad? Ingredients listed below, but no hard and soft rules to the amount of ingredients. As little or as much as you like. Bunga Kantan/Ginger Torch Bud Pineapple Cucumber Salad? Crunchiness, tadbit of spiciness, tanginess and wondrous aroma of ginger torch bud. 

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Mutton Rendang

Do I? Must I? Should I? About what? Introduce rendang to all you Malaysians? No need right? I bet you know. Unless of course if you are still blur (Rendang Ayam & Vegetarian Mutton Rendang). Aside to rendang, the other that need no introduction is? Mutton by itself. Don't we Indians just so love our mutton (Shahi Mutton Curry, Aloo Gosht, Mutton Parathal & Masala Mutton Curry)? I don't know about you, but definitely in my house, a mutton dish must hit our dining table, let's say every fortnight or at least once a month (Mutton Keema, Devil's Curry, Mutton Bone Marrow Curry, Easy Mutton Curry & Mutton Kurma). And when we dine in Indian restaurants, what shall I say? Somehow, as much as we hold ourselves back, a plate of mutton dish? Mostly for us. Alright. Let's get down to making Mutton Rendang. Not a mind boggling matter like some people make it sound. Quite simplified actually if you are asking me. Follow this recipe of mine and I bet you won't be disappointed. Mutton Rendang? What a delight. The mutton way to our famed Malaysian rendang. 

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Jiu Hu Char (Stir Fried Jicama)

 
The central ingredient for Jiu Hu Char? Jicama, aka, yam beans and in our local Malay language, sengkuang. Thus? Obviously? The birth of Jiu Hu Char which is by far one of the looked forward to dish during or while tucking into a Nyonya meal. Yep. Me and my Nyonya cooking (Ikan Buah Keluak, Nasi Kerabu, Kerabu Taugeh, Nyonya Mee Siam & Nyonya Hot Sour Noodles in Fish Soup)? Usually, as far as I know, the other key ingredient for Jiu Hu Char is cuttlefish. But I decided to do it my way with dried shrimps. Furthermore, I gave Jiu Hu Char a twist by adding button mushrooms. Why can't we? After all, like I always say, its our cooking and its the comfort of the ingredients we want instead of replicating recipes blindly? Sure. Of course (Nyonya Lam Mee & Nyonya Curry Laksa). The pairing for this delightful Nyonya style to Jicama or yam beans? Trust me, you need our power lashing Sambal Belacan or Sambal Terasi. Just so sensational for immediately waking up your palates (Kangkung Belacan). 

Monday, October 12, 2015

Sambal Goreng Udang Pete

Sambal Goreng Udang Pete basically is, Prawn Petai Sambal and petai in Indonesian language is known as pete. Pretty much the pod beans from the flat and bulging in the centre part long beans. The bulge is where the pod beans are in and which you need to remove. Or for easy cooking, just buy the pod beans in packets. My take all the time instead of doing the removing of the pod beans from the long beans. This sambal goreng udang pete is the Indonesian style. Of course, I have previously rolled out a couple of our Malaysian petai recipes (Sambal Petai Ikan Bilis, Sambal Sotong Petai, Sambal Udang Petai)? Remember? Can you recall (Sambal Tumis Bilis Petai, Sambal Petai Udang Kering & Sambal Bilis Petai)?  

Saturday, October 10, 2015

Steamed Fish with Fermented Bean Paste

Fish and steaming. We have spoken about before right (Nyonya Steamed Fish, Vietnamese Steamed Fish, Thai Steamed Fish & Hong Kong Style Steamed Fish)? Of course. If I am not mistaken. In fact, I can clearly remember I spoke about fish and steaming in a couple of my recipes (Teochew Steamed Fish & Steamed White Pompret)? Now, what about fermented bean paste, also known as taucu or taucheo? For this, you should refer to my previous recipe of Mee Siam Kuah. Anyway for the gist of it, lemme tell you that fermented bean paste is? The outcome of soy beans fermented in salt over time. And these days, there's a couple of types. The sweet and salty ones, the spicy and salty ones and what not maybe you will discover if you are buying fermented bean paste.

Monday, October 5, 2015

Kuih Kodok (Mashed Banana Fritters)

Modernised, trendy, healthy and the latest trend Kuih Kodok/Mashed Banana Fritters. Why not? Why shouldn't we modify or tweet our back then been existing for years recipes? I have no qualms actually. After all, there is no limit to cooking invention (Wajik Pulut, Pumpkin Sago Dessert, Malaysian Sago Pudding & Bingka Pisang)? Otherwise, we won't be moving forward and we shouldn't praise those who modify recipes in cooking shows? Pretty much. In fact, for this my Kuih Kodok version, instead of frying the mashed banana (Banana Chocolate Cake & Easy Banana Bread), grated coconut and sugar batter in round balls, which by far can be soaking in oil, I decided I will do the grilling on the, over the stop portable grill. Plus, coconut and sugar not incorporated in the batter. Instead rolled over grilled fritters. Basically, for not overdoing it with sugar loading. That's it guys. The grilled and modernised Kuih Kodok. 

Monday, September 7, 2015

Nasi Kerabu Biru Kelantan

Up next after Nasi Bunga Telang Serai/Blue Pea Lemongrass Rice? Do I have to really say? Its obvious right? Another blue rice. Not any other, but Kelantan calling. Nasi Kerabu Biru Kelantan. The blueish blushing and brimming delightfully rice dish. Moreover, must I blow my own trumpet by mentioning that I quite know it to Kelantanese dishes (Laksam Kelantan) or even our Malay cuisine on the whole (Nasi UlamNasi DagangKerabu Taugeh, Asam Pedas Ikan, Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang & Sayur Lodeh) and my Malay cooking list can go on and on for a matter of fact? But the other fact is that I have never stepped into Kelantan before, though I have much tummy and mouth explored Nasi Kerabu from where I am. Easily available and you should try the ones sold in night markets as well. Oh, plus, do I have repeat myself again and again? Like I have already told you many times, rice being my bestie (Burmese Biryani, Hyderabadi Biryani & Vegetable Biryani)? 

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. 

Monday, August 17, 2015

Pineapple Rasam

Rasam and more and more and more? Yes please. I think I have already told you about our undivided love for rasam? Not once though. In fact, countless times and each time I share a rasam recipe (Pepper Garlic Rasam, Rasam, Mor Rasam, Egg Rasam, Nandu Rasam & Instant Rasam). Enough said right? I think so. I know so. And so, let's just stick to the guns of making this latest rasam. Pineapple Rasam? How? Honestly, nothing out of this world or you must kneel on the ground for saying a prayer. Of course not. Pretty much like every other rasam and  we still the customary ingredients. The only difference is pineapple and me using canned pineapple. Otherwise, its a clean sweep in making and for my version, I blended the ingredients for rasam paste. Oh, I did also tip in some gingerly oil for a change. Pineapple Rasam? Truly yours and mine.

Monday, August 10, 2015

Ikan Goreng Asam

The other side to the previous Ikan Goreng Kunyit/Turmeric Fried Fish. The other side which is my favourite as well. Speak about sourness, me, myself and I? Honestly, I so love sourness to every bit. Any kinda sourness in our Malaysian dishes (Nyonya Acar Fish, Asam Curry Fish & Fried Kembung With Assam Sauce). Sourness from our local fruits (Sambal Belimbing Bilis & Masak Lemak Nenas) and of course, lime or asam jawa/tamarind are the other two for streaming into curries or our sambal dishes (Tamarind Prawn Curry, Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa, Sambal Udang PetaiAsam Pedas Ikan), or maybe I should include vinegar as well. For this Ikan Goreng Asam, its tamarind. Tamarind juice and salt as the marination for fish, followed by fish being fried and of course, we need a dip right? Dip which must be spicy, salty and along a touch of sweetness? Potentially (Fried Fish with Soy Sauce, Ikan Masak Kicap & Crispy Chilli Fish). Ikan Goreng Asam? Sourness is definitely our Malaysian food appreciation.   

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Terong Balado Pedas Manis

Terong Balado Pedas Manis is? Fried Brinjal in Spicy Sweet Sambal/Sauce. Says it all right? I am back to my Indonesian cooking and back again to eggplant, aubergine or brinjal? Admittedly. My previous balado cooking lingo (Ikan Balado) and other Indonesian dishes (Sate Kambing, Indonesian Grilled Fish, Sambal Goreng Teri & Sambal Terasi)? Plus, we did speak to a certain extent about terong? The bright purple sparkled fruit or veggie or said as warna ungu in Indonesian language and even in our Malay language?  A popularity in fact. Terong being a take for any cuisine around the world for the matter (Thai Style Eggplant). We too quite fancy terong (Japanese Eggplant Saute). Perhaps why I have already rolled out a couple of dishes and whatever said, brinjal in sambal must be one of the food prides. I don't know about my other half-half, most probably for him will still be Indian style to brinjal (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry) but me myself can't be separated from sambal (Sambal Belimbing Bilis & Kacang Buncis Belacan). Terong Balado Pedas Manis? The modern twist or a modified version and according to Malaysian ingredients for a satisfying and fabulously exquisite Terong Belado Pedas Manis.   

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Kuih Kosui Gula Melaka

The other jiggly and wobbly kuih-muih. Remember the other? Kuih Sagu Kukus (Steamed Sago Cake)? That's right. Kuih Kosui Gula Melaka on the other hand? Like I have already told you, jiggly and wobbly, but made from flour. The rest of the ingredients? Gula Melaka, white sugar if you wish,  pandan leaves, coconut, salt and water. See, I told you? Our Malaysian ingredients for another type of our Malaysian sweet delicacy (Wajik Pulut, Kuih Buah Melaka, Bingka Pisang & Malaysian Sago Pudding)? What else is new. Nothing much I can think of, except, can we get cooking to Kuih Kosui Gula Melaka? We shall. 

Friday, April 17, 2015

Dubai - One Day Tour


Plan all your want for an uninterrupted holiday, whether on your own or in a tour, sometimes somethings are bound to happen for catching us off guard. Believe me. I honestly know what I am talking about, I hope you are not doubting me. Look, I am in no way trying to brag. Of course not, for someone like me who have already trigger started seeing the world, I do come with my share of the interrupted and unexpected. It all started during my first ever, yes, my first, across the sea Italy holiday (Rome 2 Days) with my other half-half whereby the interrupted caught up with us when our coach broke down. By the time help came and coach was back like a transformer, we had to ditch aside Milan sightseeing (Verona & Milan). Akin gone forever, unless I make another trip to Milan. Then came my Malacca holiday (Philea Resort). Another first time ever, yes, my first out of my house exploring another place compared to all the years of staying put on my familiar ground, the couple I travelled with did open my mind on why it is important to travel with the right people. They of course were not, hell, not only I had to spend my money, the worst of it was putting up with their antic (Malacca Malaysia Part 2). Nevertheless, I must thank them. Otherwise, I wouldn't even have considered travelling on my  own. Solo and Nava K.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Istanbul - Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar (Turkey)

A full circle from this end to the other, akin we went around Turkey's full moon, for returning to  Istanbul where arrived on the first day (I Conquered Istanbul). In all fairness, its been absolutely a joyous trip-travelling throughout the last 7 days. Indeed. But that packing almost every other day for moving from one hotel to the hotel, trust me, in some way or rather did get to us (Canakkale/Kusadasi/Pamukkale, Cappadocia & Ankara & Bolu) . Tiring. I too was caught in the web of winter. My first ever winter experience, I didn't come prepared because I relied on the tour agent's advise. I was told that thick jackets will do, when in factual fact, let me tell you that winter literally killed me. No other choice, I had to buy two winter coats during our visit to the retail outlet, thank god my credit card saved me. Otherwise, I can't imagine how would I have coped. But fortunately though, winter in Istanbul was rather tolerable. I didn't had to three or four times layer my body.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Turkey – Ankara & Bolu (I Conquered Turkey)

Routing out of Cappadocia, the first stop for the day, supposedly another knowledge thirsting visit, when it actual fact the catch was another marketing and sales gimmick (Cappadocia Turkey). No doubt, sincerely, this visit of ours in Hanem Arts Centre, in all fairness, I must say did expose us on semi-precious and precious as Nava K gemstones from beneath Turkey. (Canakkale/Kusadasi/ Pamukkale & Istanbul) Honestly, we did gather some knowledge on how stones are carefully harvested and cut-shined-polished, thereafter either sold as individual pieces or mounted in/on jewelries. The best part of it all was that there’s no hold barred to picturing. Yes, you can put your phone or camera to use compared  to those outlets I have visited in other countries (Krabi ThailandPerth Australia & Bangkok Thailand). Took me by surprise until I made it a point for checking with the staff. He reaffirmed it. Such an unorthodox liberal business think-tank I believe must be looked up at. Respect and thumbs up to these people. Having said that, no matter what, I am not gamed for precious gems. Not at all. Unsure I am if the rest bought, but I can vouch that all of us did marvel over those impressive glittering gems.   

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Sardine Varuval (Dry Style)

Tuna or Sardine? Sardine mostly. Fresh sardine or canned sardines? Both goes strongly and tremendously (Mathi Achar & Nadan Sardine Curry). But stocking up canned sardines has become a habit I can't let go. Basically like if I don't stock up, seemingly my grocery doing is not complete. How about you? You are like me? You must have sardines in cans in your pantry? Actually, its a good thing because canned sardines will never ever let us down (Sardin Masak Lemak & Sardine Rolls). Unlike our husbands who sometimes can drive us up the wall? Even canned tuna as well (Tuna Thoran, Tuna Burgers & Tuna Cutlets). I mean, canned tuna being our cooking saviour. What's the story to me making this Sardine Varuval (Sardine Sambal & Sardine Potato)? The same food story in fact. Always a favourite (Jeera Aloo/Potato & Meen Puttu) and imagine sardine varuval alongside rice soaking or fully flooded by rasam or sambar. Heaven called easily fab meal right? I know (Udupi Sambar & Pepper Garlic Rasam). We Indians and our fingers to eating for happy tummy sardine varuval meal? What more should I possibly say? Nothing. Dive into Sardine Varuval at your pleasure (Chicken Varuval & Mutton Varuval). 

Monday, March 23, 2015

Kuih Sagu Kukus (Steamed Sago Cake)

Kuih-Muih was my all time growing up years memories. Not to say I don't indulge in our local delicacies anymore (Wajik Pulut, Kuih Buah Melaka, Malaysian Sago Pudding & Bingka Pisang) but, sparingly and mostly during occasions instead of making at home, or sometimes I do buy from the Malay shops. Why not making at home? Basically, no takers. My other half-half need to control his sugar intake due to he must keep his diabetes in control, whereas myself. I am without a doubt free from more sugar in my body, but sugar by itself, I am quite cautious. My concern primarily is, what if I become a sugar victim if I don't limit my sugar intake and the other reason, sugar can lift my weight higher. As it is, I easily put on weight and if I don't exercise? Worst and what about what sugar doing further disaster (Honeydew Sago).

Saturday, March 14, 2015

Peach Raisin Bread Pudding (Eggless)

Who ever said writing is easy? Maybe it is for those professional qualified writers, editors or journalists. Then again, who ever said you can't polish or work on your writing skills by practicing on your own? Remember, perseverance, determination and will power? I definitely am not doubting, but the hours of practicing by sitting in front of the laptop has almost broke my backbone and my reading glasses. Glasses power ranger sincerely have gradually gone up, and mind you, some days writing is really a major struggle. Maybe we should call it writer's block or blogger's block? Today is one of those days I am still till this moment constantly staring at my laptop and at the sky, hoping god will shower me with words of wisdom (Pandan/Screwpine Poached PearCream Puffs, Soft RollsAlmond Brownies) . Even so, words just won't roll out of my mind and with too many people calling out to god, I think god is being selective on who he should help first. What about me and god right now, are you asking? 

Friday, March 13, 2015

Turkey - Cappadocia (I Conquered Turkey)

How did this day go by? Pretty much a day taken up by road travelling. Right after breakfast and till we arrived late evening in Cappadocia ( Canakkale/Kusadasi/Pamukkale  & Istanbul Turkey ). Of course loo and meal breaks were not compromised, thanks to our pleasant tour guide who made it a point in enlivening us by sharing his knowledge on Turkey. This adorable guide also gave us a five minutes quickie break at the roadside where by right stopping is not allowed, but he still went ahead since we couldn't contain our excitement of seeing snow for the first time. I made sure a candid shot of me snow playing was captured, and within the next jiffy, we dashed back into the coach. 

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Canakkale/Kusadasi/Pamukkale - I Conquered Turkey

On the same day itself, by 5.00pm (I Conquered Istanbul) we journeyed to Canakkale. Quite a long tiring journey, imagine sitting put in the coach for approximately 5 hours? Basically, patiently journeying and none else. None potentially, neither can you see anything outside because, believe me when I say that winter darkness will set it latest by 6.00pm, In fact even earlier. Wish there are internal flights in Turkey for flying us from one city to the other, hopefully there will be in the near future, but I guess for the time being, you don't have much choice except coach driven or if you self touring, you may consider hiring a car. This coach driven I think is sincerely a whole lot better because it does ease you from tiring yourself for no apparent reason and if you are sleeping beauty, better still. Some people I know can literally shut down anywhere, not me though. I did catnap in between, movie watching was also going on and tour guide did try to keep us entertained by speaking for the first half an hour. 

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Istanbul, Turkey - I Conquered Istanbul (Part 1)

One of the things I learned about this whole composite of globe seeing is that I have so little tolerance for people who just simply must complain about everything and anything under the sun while travelling. In fact, I am yet to bump into someone who actually can be, lets not expect perfection, but even an adaptable travel companion is really hard to come by. Everyone I have traveled with before, somehow or rather, end up showing their ugly colours. Some really must branded as pathetic stingy idiots, whereas others, sorry guys, I have call them hard-core bitches. I guess the more we companionship travel, the more we discover different peculiar characters and behaviours. What else is new? Experiences without a doubt are major lessons to life. Trust me, I have already gathered suitcases of it by my fifties (Hanoi Vietnam). Additionally, I must thank those who post loving friendship travelling pictures on social media, yet in return, they do, wonder why, call me thereafter for massively bitching about travelling friendship disasters. Reality versus fake social media world. Indeed, the truth is out there, maybe some just refuse to accept. Travelling with family, let me warn you can be worse than hammer house of horror. Logically why I will stick to travelling on my own, now and forever (Chonburi & Pattaya - My Solo Trail). 

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Banana Chocolate Cake

Baking is still tremendously progressing. I know. I myself can't believe it. Me and baking! Unbelievable actually. Guess one of those things you yourself can't comprehend or you don't know what got into you? Potentially. Also, remember I told you? The big box of cocoa powder I bought? Right (Nescafe Chocolate Cake Eggless, Eggless Molten Lava Cake & Chocolate Genoise). Seemingly too, I really don't what to say, why I am mostly option for eggless cakes. Maybe due to market trend whereby aplenty people these days prefer being eggless? Possibilities are there or just that I am also beginning to love eggless cakes (Mandarin Orange Cake Eggless & Milo Cake Eggless) and I might as well include the other  types of chocolate pleasures (Cocoa Butter Cake, Chocolate Cheesecake, Chocolate Rum Tart & Marble Cake). But this Banana Chocolate Cake is not in the grouping of eggless. Eggs are a must (Lemon Bars, Traditional Butter Cake & Sujee Cake) for this no-butter cake which I vouch you will fall in love the moment you have the first bite. An absolute lovable not overly sweet, banana and cocoa pride (Easy Banana Bread).

Monday, February 2, 2015

Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy (Vegetarian)

Anything is possible these days. Of course. I'm not in denial by the way that anything can be a matter even for food intake. In fact, considering that many are jumping into the back wagon of being a vegetarian, only god knows why, Indians on the whole we shouldn't speak about, there are many possibilities to a vegetarian meal these days. What about me, are you asking? Neh! Never have I thought of being a full blown vegetarian (Maggi Goreng Mamak & Mee Rebus Vegetarian). Of course every now and then, in fact every once a week, I am in the making. The making of a vegetarian meal (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup & Mee Rojak Vegetarian) for my other half-half, and me, I can basically go with the flow. Out came this Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy Vegetarian on this particular Saturday from my kitchen and to our dining table. Mee Siam? I have already spoken about before (Nyonya Mee Siam, Singapore Mee Siam & Mee Siam)? I did. Mee Siam Vegetarian? Nothing is short coming or going. Still a delightful and really slurpy delicious, complete wholesome meal. Oh, for those of you who are anti-egg vegetarian, ditch egg aside and Mee Siam I think must have originated from Thailand? I don't know. You tell me please (Thapthim Krop, Tom Yum Noodle Soup & Siamese Laksa Lemak).

Friday, January 16, 2015

Thapthim Krop

Thapthim Krop, or Tab Tim Krob. Both the same fact to making this Thai dessert. Making the red rubies, or water chestnut soaked in red coloring, thereafter coated in tapioca flour and prior to cooking in simmering water. Once red rubies float atop, remove and submerge in ice water. That's it. Red rubies definitely are the centrality for Thapthim Krop and for our dessert pleasure, we just need to easily assemble (Khao Niaow Ma Muang/Mango Sticky Rice). Basically assembling red rubies alongside coconut milk and sugar syrup, and you can if you want to, add jackfruit. Done and over and me accomplishing my mission to making a Thai desserts instead of the usual savoury dishes I have been sharing one after the other (Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Vegan Tom Yum Soup & Thai Style Eggplant). Overall, Thapthim Krop is absolutely one of the best sweet delights of Thailand. Must try if you have not. Either make or head to any Thai restaurants where I bet Thapthim Krop will be on their menu.  

Monday, December 15, 2014

Tom Yum Noodle Soup

So, its back to Tom Yum again? Obviously. Though we did actually have a break from tom yum for like three months and then out came this latest version. But rather a different food calling actually due to its noodles in tom yum soup and which by far I have not made before. Perhaps the closest is Tom Yam Fried Mee Hoon or maybe I should also include Siamese Laksa Lemak. Nevertheless, what can be outstanding or unique for tom yum (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Tom Yum Goong, Tom Kha Gai & Seafood Tom Yum Soup)? The pride and pleasure must be the various types of herbs, primarily kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, and let's not never forget about chillies, plus I love fish sauce into tom yam or Thai dishes on the whole. Tom Yum Noodle Soup as you have already noted is not far behind in terms of some of the ingredients and it is also a tremendously sumptuous, fulfilling and power lashing noodle dish (Thai Tomato Soup, Shrimp Pad Thai Salad, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Tom Yum Fried RiceSpicy Thai Noodles). 

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Fried Fish with Soy Sauce

How easy sometimes it can be. Not always though and unless and until you decide you want easiness. Easiness by far can take place in your and my kitchen as well (Mapo Tofu & Fried Prawn Wanton)? Of course. Without a doubt when we don't feel like rolling aplenty pots and pans and we actually yearn for simplicity. Take this Fried Fish with Soy Sauce (Ikan Masak Kicap) as an example. I actually got the fish monger to clean the fish  (Yong Tau Foo) and when I returned home, I gave fish a good rinse in lime water, prior to moving on to cooking (Fish Ball Noodle Soup). Cooking basically meaning dusting fish with corn flour, rice flour and seasoned by pepper and salt, thereafter deep fried and removed from wok. Up next? Frying ginger till crispy (Thai Crispy Fish & Chilli Lime Fish) and kept aside, before making the easy sauce and this sauce, as well as fried ginger going over fried dish and spring onion garnished. Over, over. Our Fried Fish with Soy Sauce is ready (Nyonya Acar Fish & Teochew Steamed Fish).

Saturday, November 29, 2014

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu! As far as I know, Mapo Tofu is Sichuan coming and calling dish. Most probably. Me and Sichuan dishes (Sichuan Chilli Prawns & Sichuan Noodle Soup)? In fact, Chinese food on the whole for the matter (Fried Prawn Wanton) and do I have speak about tofu? A favourite in my house. Always and forever. Any which way will do for tofu which comes in different made these days (Tofu Manchurian, Tofu Green Beans Stir Fry & Tofu Scambled Eggs). For Mapo Tofu, I actually opted for Japanese Tofu instead of the white ones. Why, are you asking me? No particular reason. I just thought I want to show you that you can make Mapo Tofu from Japanese egg tofu (Tofu Katsu) and this my version is a totality on it own. Basically different and outstanding due to me wanting to use my at home ingredients instead of? Why buy ingredients when you can make do with what you already have stocked up? Potentially. Mapo Tofu? Tad bit of spiciness, tad bit of saltiness, spring onion garnished and soft tofu (Chinese Tofu Soup, Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Indian Tofu Curry).

Zen Style Chronicles: The Serene Aura of Home Attire

In today's Zen Style spotlight, let's explore the serene world of home attire. Let's start with a simple question: What's yo...