Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad/Yogurtlu Havuc Salatasi

 Hi Darlings, 

Today, I bring you with lotsa love, happiness, peace, joy and laughter, another Turkish dish. Furthermore, its another salad dish. Turkish cuisine for me personally? Ah! Such a profound food joy and salad, of course, my food love as well. The question you are probably asking now, I'm assuming actually, must be, how does this Indian lady in Malaysia know about Turkish food? Is she pulling my legs, hands or any other part of my body, or she knows it? Darlings, the utter truth is, I have had my moment in time in Turkey and during this trip, I of course, being a foodie and home chef, I made sure I put my heart and soul in finding out about Turkish food (Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad, Turkish Saffron Rice & Chili Hummus). Literally, from wherever. From classy restaurants, and tasting street food too.  Alright, to the recipe now. Nothing complicated, nothing messy, neither a mind-wrecking matter. 

Plant Based Masala Scrambled Tofu

Goodness gracious! I've been "MIA" from this precious space of mine, like a month already? Sort of. The story is none, but the same story (Indonesian Vegetarian Green Sambal Brinjal). The challenge of building my business, which involves, mainly and primarily, marketing. Not bad. Been quite favorable, step by step forward. Slowly and surely, my client base is growing. Alright, so much from my business perspective, clock is ticking, time is rushing, gushing and pushing, let me take you straight up, down, under, above and around the recipe of the day. Masala Scrambled Tofu. Tofu. One of the "besta" source of plant based protein, and simply loved by Ms. Nava K. However, tofu by itself, oh-well, can be rather subtle, bland and flavorless. Henceforth, lets amplify its taste alongside spices for kicking-in and out, the ohlalala-ness (Vegan Tofu Sambal, Tofu Manchurian & Spinach Cumin Tofu). Apart from, you don't have to curb tofu for Malay (Malay Style Vegetarian Coconut Milk Stew) and Chinese dishes (Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh) as well. Whatever said, trust me, my recipes are always user-friendly and your pantry-friendly ingredients will lead the way. 

Indonesian Vegetarian Green Sambal Brinjal/Terung Sambal Hijau

 

Hi Darlings,

Its been a while right, since we greeted each other? I know. So, let me begin by extending to all of you darlings, my utmost best and ultimate beautiful greetings. What have I been up to? Ah! How challenging! Trust me, it is really challenging starting a new business, from a scratch. Endless! Some days, I feel like collapsing, other days I am like a shining star. Regardless, its a meaningful profound learning curve. Indeed, so much to learn, so much of growing up, so little time for paying attention to what others, especially those who brand you, judge you, label you, and put your down, without realizing how much I have on my business plate, for keeping my business going. Hah! The society we are living in today? People who try their level best in breaking your self-confidence. Nevermind, let them be. We move on positively and don't forget, promisingly.

Married Couples, Solo Sleeping

Is it a taboo, or a topic you don’t want to solo-sleep about, or did I stir up your feelings, inside out, upside down? Aha! Nope, neither we should sleep about it.  I admit, I am a solo sleeper, not slipper! Hahaha! Why, are like beating your chest now, or you are already in the same solo-sleepers gang of mine? Honestly, no one have to the right to Brew-Ha-Ha if we are married solo sleepers and don’t even waste your time explaining why. Having said that, I can’t help but wonder if solo sleeping is only amongst the older generation, who have been married for donkey years, or even younger couples, married for the years you can easily count with your toes?

Plant Based Spinach Turmeric Stir Fry (Vegetarian)

Where did I disappear to? Nowhere. Why then no pitching in this space of mine? Well, not everyday is a day the mind is activated for writing, furthermore, some days its pure laziness to writing, and I have been preoccupied with other things as well. One of those things, if not all, some of you know that I founded my home based, fitness Zen. That's right. Nava's Zen. Henceforth, time taken up for marketing and managing my business. Having said that, cooking is still on my list, albeit there are days its food from outside. These days, the cooking style of mine, as and when time permits, let's say, least to least, twice a week? Pretty much clean eating, healthy eating, and of course, simplicity to cooking too. Today,  its another one of my simple cooking, specifically, plant based cooking, Plant based spinach turmeric stir fry! Spinach? Oh-yes, (Chloe Palak/Spinach Chickpea, Saag Aloo/Spinach Potato, Vegetarian Spinach Coconut Milk Stew & Palak Paneer/Spinach Indian Cottage Cheese)  one of the favorites and turmeric, part and parcel of healthy cooking (Malaysian Sodhi/Coconut Milk Stew). Right now, its best we just zoom and vroom into the recipe to - plant based spinach turmeric stir fry. 

Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Cacik)

Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad, known as "Cacik" in Turkish language and supposedly its a dip. I on the other hand, named Cacik as a salad. Obviously, as you would have already noticed? Yeh, no harm done I suppose? To each our own? We can modify recipe names, after adapting, realigning and modifying  the recipe? Honestly, I have no qualms,. If you do, well, nothing much I can do about your cooking thinking. Anyway, lets move on. You still remember my previous Turkish recipe? Sincerely I hope you do, in case you don't, here's the recipe - Turkish Saffron Rice, which is a wonder food pairing for Turkish (Chilli Hummus) Cucumber Yogurt Salad. Sure, why not as well? You want it as a salad, no one can stop you, including Nava K. Otherwise, if you like it as a dip, as your food wish for your food pleasure. To the recipe now please. 

Turkish Saffron Rice (Safranli Pilav)

Did this recipe, Turkish Saffron Rice, fly from high up, from the sky? No, of course not. I actually picked up it during my trip to Turkey (Istanbul, Turkey), 8 years ago, during one of my solo trips. This solo trip, for your information was one of those whereby I hopped in a fully-paid, all paid for tour, alongside unknown people. Plus, what a blessings, on our way out of Turkey (Topkapi Palace, Istanbul),  flight was delayed, and when we arrived in Dubai, our connecting flight to Kuala Lumpur has left. Henceforth, a free all paid for Dubai stay by the airline (Dubai). Tadaa! It was also during this trip, I sort of got a hold of Turkish Saffron Rice recipe. Somehow, I managed. Wasn't easy getting the recipe from the restaurant owner, where we dined in, still, yippie, I got it. Turkish Saffron Rice, nope, non-mind boggling, neither cooking complicated matter. Simple, easy-to-go-to, and taste-wise, ah, a wonder as a scented rice dish (Malaysian Cumin Rice, Vegetable Biryani & Rice Pilaf). Saffron? Yes, quite on a pricey side, but these days, you can get your hands to different types of saffron of different quality. See which you prefer and which you can afford, and let's get to the recipe now. 

Creating Social Service/Volunteerism Awareness

How aptly the timing is for me to pitch on creating social service/volunteerism awareness, considering we in Malaysia have recently experienced severe flooding, submerging a number of towns and villages. Due to this unfortunate event, we can see A LOT of good people instantly sprung-out to give back to society. Kudos to these amazing people who are no less than national heroes! As for me personally, this is not the first time. Been there and done it. Prior to this current volunteerism, I've contributed a fair share in washing, cleaning, picking rubbish from the streets, cooking, at the bottom of the hierarchy tasks. It has been a good experience, and recently I cut vegetables, packed food and sorted out donated clothes in a temple within my vicinity. What did all these teach me? Every character is different, each comes with a different intention and motivation. 

Malaysian Cumin Rice

Yep. I have been slacking in my recipe sharing compartment. I know. Well, it is nothing more than wanting to pitch other lifestyle stories. Whatever said, no excuses, I believe I shouldn't let down those who have been faithfully following this precious space of mine, from the initial years, and till now, for my recipes. Henceforth, obviously, a recipe sharing today! Malaysian Cumin Rice. Another version to the previous Jeera Rice/Cumin Rice. You choose whichever you prefer. Of course, this version, Malaysian Cumin Rice is an updated version. Yea, even recipes need updating. In other words, I mean, to keep our food, recipes and eating colorful, alive and kicking, we can play around with the ingredients, for a latest version. Malaysian Cumin Rice. The minimalist, in the vegetarian food category, the uncomplicated rice cooker cooking technic (Mint Rice, Curry Leaves Rice, Dhal Rice & Coriander Rice). and all good to go (Rice Pilaf & Vegetarian Briyani), for pairing alongside, literally, any of our Malaysian dishes. Take care everyone. See you all again in the next pitching of mine. Take care. 

Captain Shrimp - Delectable Tex-Mex fare, Mini Buffet Catering & Christmas Menu 2021

Captain Shrimp Jaya One Food Delivery & Mini Catering was started in mid of 2018, with only 16 menu items, envisioned delivering American-style dishes at affordable prices. The name was a nod towards seafood-centric menu such as seafood boil, American and Mexican fare. Following popular demand, we shifted our main focus to Tex-Mex cuisine with fun twist instead of typical Mexican fare. The difference between Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine, was in the additional use of different ingredients such as yellow cheese (Colby, Mozzarella, Red Cheddar, cream cheese and Jack cheese), taco seasoning and the use of flour tortillas, while maintaining usage of imported spices such as Cajun, Paprika, Cayenne, Old El Paso Taco Seasoning and Lemon Pepper, while maintaining American dishes. We are now offering more menus with 62 offerings and finest ingredients at an affordable price. Featuring compact menu ranging from regular size to Medium (2 to 3pax) & Large (10 to 12pax) plus Extra-Large size (14 to 16pax).

Ageing Gracefully - Ms. Nava K

It took me many many years to understand what ageing gracefully is. Like any other modern society, many are trying their hardest to upturn the conventions and say that age is just a number, not a big deal. But, looking back now, actually, I don't really know nor understand what it really meant. It felt somewhat meaningless. Now, as I crossed the border beyond fifty-seven (57) years, I can't stop visualizing myself with an endless whirl of chores, things to complete and people to take care of. I wonder if I'll end up like my mum and aunts. Typically, Indian women's chores boom after marriage. Spending most of their time doing domestic work like cooking, cleaning, washing and the list goes on and on and on. And the endpoint to this is usually either health gets in the way or when they leave for the after-world. 

South African Fish Curry

South Africa! Hah! Won my heart, captivated every bit of my mind and soul. South Africa (Pretoria South Africa). One of the pricey travelling grams of mine. Still, worthy every bit. No regrets whatsoever. Amongst all in South Africa, Cape Town became the winner (Cape Town). Cape Town and coming with it, hills, valleys, slopes, beaches, sea, you name it, all of these as Cape Town’s nature pride. What about South African food? For those of you who know me, you know me not only as a liberal traveler, also, as a liberal foodie right? Of course, wherever I am, no matter where I go, apart from eating at the streets is not a big deal for me. Well, when your tummy is a well-trained Malaysian tummy, have no fear to food liberalization. Worst come to worst, let me give you a clue. In case of food mishaps, swallow the charcoal tablets and all will be good to go, or no go to toilet.   

Omam/Jemuju/Ajwain Water - The “magic concoction” That Keeps Your Tummy & Day Happy!

Aiyooooo! Why did I even bother eating so much of these yummy crab biryani! I’m feeling so stuffed and uneasy now la!”

Well, does this sound familiar to you? That’s right! All of us go through this almost on a weekly basis after indulging in some kinda lip-smacking food and think to yourself that you’re not going to eat anything for the next 24 hours at least! No! Don’t do that to yourself. Let me tell you about this “magic concoction” known as omam water (in Tamil), ajwain water (in Hindi) and air jemuju (in Malay). It is basically carom seed water.

Yoga. Beauty For Breathe, Body, Mind & Soul

(Venue - Foliage Cafe, Taman Desa Utama, Kuala Lumpur)

Hi Darlings,

I believe, I sincerely do, by now, if not the whole world, at least some of you are aware of my background, and where I am heading to? Yes. The buzz and buzzing of Ms. Nava K - Nava’s Zen. Holistic Wellness. In case, for whatever case best known to you, if you have missed it, said as well, as my all colours splashed all over me, please do me a favour please. Please click at - Nava’s Zen, Plant Based Breakfast Platters, Nava Krishnan and for my credentials and qualifications, LinkedIn. Alright, right on, let me get you to the yoga topic matter of the day. Yoga - Beauty For Breathe, Body, Mind & Soul. A matter so extremely close, closest to my “Yoga Heart”, also known as my Heart Chakra/Anahata Chakra. Furthermore, I’m assuming you may want to find out if I am obsessive, compulsive, or am I an avid lover of yoga? Oh-well, to sum up, oh-yes, I am all about yoga love. Precisely why I have walked countless miles in terms of learning, teaching, and embracing yoga. More importantly, obtaining my yoga credentials and qualifications. 

Plant Based Breakfast Platters

Hi Darlings, Seems like I am activated all over. All over, hah. After abandoning this precious space of mine, I am up, and about today. I told myself, what the hack, I shall find some time for pitching my cooking terminology today. Tadaa! Actually, the truth is, because I have rebranded, its pitching our “Nava’s Zen. Holistic Wellness” food and recipe stories, and also for informing all you darlings that, we will still willingly share our recipes. Apart from, letting you know again that, only if the founder, me alright, Nava K, have the time for splashing unlimited and undivided bundles of cooking love soul, you can most probably expect a breakfast platter. For our private, exclusive and only through referrals, “Home Dining” and “Homestay”. Featuring our zen grown plants, herbs and we are growing our own fruits as well. Of course, in certain instances, as and when required, we do scout for the best quality, organically grown “Plant Based” ingredients.

Nava's Zen. Holistic Wellness

Hi Darlings, I know. I've been missing in action in this space of mine. This space, obviously, for those of you who have following me faithfully for almost 10 years now, I'm sure you have already noticed? The rebranding, the refurnishing, the realignment, the remodification and whatever, whatever; for being known as Nava's Zen. Holistic Wellness. Yippie-yeh! Finally, after all these years. The years to my life and at this age of mine, #myfiffysevenlife (57), I am heading towards a new direction. In fact, the direction is indeed crystal clear and I have already taken the steps. Henceforth, due to putting things together towards the direction, pretty much, why I have not pitched anything for almost 3 weeks or so. The busyness to setting up my business, #navaszen has put me like, on the roller blades, skating all directions. 

Needless to say, there are still things to do before my #holisticwellnenss is up and about, flying high up in the sky and if not all, somethings have been pending due to Covid lockdown. But now, considering that it’s much more relaxation in movements, businesses and humans, I need to work on all those pending things. First thing first, I would like to share with all you amazing darlings, right now about Nava’s Zen. Our zen profile, and of course, how can I not include, aha, "The Crazy Lover". The crazy lover, who? Me alright and the crazy lover is my pen-name or me the keyboard warrior, for my ever first ever book. Whilst you await my e-book patiently or impatiently, hopefully, keeping my fingers crossed, before the end of 2021, and for making the book’s presence known in the virtual world, here’s to our profile and of course, yours truly, Nava K, like I have already said earlier, must, must and must be included. Alright, sit back, stand up, or you can even roll on the floor, hit it hard, really hard, in full force, to #navaszen. 

Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh (Chinese Vegetarian Tea Soup)

Hi darlings, Hope all is well and good with all you wonder peeps. On my side? I hit the mark to 57. That's right. I am fifty seven now. Therefore my tagline has changed from "my fifty six life" to #myfiftysevenlife. How do I feel? I feel wonder world. I feel I have so much to look forward to. In fact, life just started for me after I reach 55, and from there on, I have been brainstorming my own brain on my own and now, I am heading towards my passion. My zen. Nava's Zen. Holistic Wellness. Apart from I am into health products as well. Aulora products for health benefits. Without much ado, if you don't mind, watch this video of mine for the depths.  

Kambing Masak Kicap/ Mutton Soy Sauce

Hi darlings. I know. I have been missing in action (MIA) in this precious space of mine. Been, like, almost two weeks or so, right? Sort of. Actually, I didn’t even keep tap how long it has been. Anyway, what’s been going on with me, if you would like to find out? Even if you are not interested in finding out, I will still tell you. Aha! Life has been bustling with all sorts of things. As usual. What else is new. But now, it’s even more bustling. I’m now like the queen bee building my honey nest. Meaning. I have been working on a couple of things, including educating myself. Educating in the sense, not so much for flaunting my credentials, actually, come to think of it, why not. But more to that, educating myself so that my customers and clients are confident in the services or products I am offering them. Apart from, of course, credentials and qualifications, for knowledge gaining, for knowledge thirsting and for the learning curve to go up in the industry I am in. There’s still more groundwork to be worked on and hopefully, all will fall in place. Not hopefully actually, they must and they should.   

Garnier Skin Naturals Black Serum Mask Pure Charcoal Purifying & Hydrating Pore-Smoothening Tissue Mask

Am I? Am I really and truly an avid fan of Garnier brand (Garnier Sakura White Radiance Foam)? To tell you the truth, the truth is, I am not. It can’t be as well. Because not all of it, all of their products I tested and tried for my dehydrated sensitive “FiftySixLife” skin, worked as promisingly as I expected, or as rooted and mooted by the brand itself. The rest? Accepted and a few were a standout amongst the rest (Garnier Serum Mask).Though, I won't classify and certify them as Garnier's beauty gift of god. Having said that, the thing about Garnier brand personally for me (Garnier Brightening Eye Roll On)? Its a luring brand due the pricing. Indeed, can be regarded as affordable according to my cost of beauty living. Furthermore, each time I am in Econsave, Kota Kemuning Shah Alam Selangor, Garnier occupying a spot I have to pass by, is like the magnet for drawing my beauty attention. Somehow or rather, I must stop by at the counter and as a beauty adventurous person, its simply irresistible until I must buy. This time, Garnier Skin Naturals Black Serum Mask Pure Charcoal Purifying & Hydrating Pore-Smoothening Tissue Mask returned home with me. Black masks! Black sheet masks on the whole in comparison to white sheet masks? They seemingly to a certain extent, are the beauty burst and beauty nutrition pleasure for my skin. 

Indonesian Vegetarian Red Chilli Brinjal/Terung Kampung Masak Cabe Merah (Vegetarian)

Ahhh! Direct translation of recipes? The names primarily. Quite a thing in instances like for this dish - Terung Kampung Masak Cabe Merah. A vegetarian version (Indonesian Potato Tauchu, Water Spinach Salad, Spicy Fermented Soy Beans & Spicy Sweet Brinjal) obviously as I have mentioned. The thing as well? Even though my formal education till my secondary level has been in our local language, Bahasa Malaysia, which by far, as far as I know, can be regarded as a cousin of Indonesian language? I still struggled in translation the name of this recipe. Furthermore, due to, this dish is my invention based on all my previous Indonesian recipes. Still, the best thing is not to give up. Therefore, I have named it as Indonesian Vegetarian Red Chilli Brinjal.