Showing posts with label Food and Cooking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Food and Cooking. Show all posts

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Effortless Indian-Style Kachumber Salad: A Tangy, Spicy, and Crunchy Delight

Are you craving a salad that bursts with tangy, spicy, and crunchy flavors, without the hassle of cooking (Malay Style Okra Salad)? Look no further than the North Indian-style Kachumber Salad - a refreshing, no-cook delight (Turkish Cucumber Salad) that will elevate your dining experience. This zesty salad pairs perfectly with rice (Thai Papaya Salad), complements burgers, and is a mouthwatering topping for hot dogs in soft buns. The best part? It requires minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests (Indonesian Water Spinach Salad) or enjoying a quick, healthy treat. Prepare this salad in advance, refrigerate it, and serve it chilled - a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Turmeric Black Cumin Rice - A Health is Wealth Dish

There's a common misconception that rice should be avoided if you're trying to lose weight. However, that couldn't be further from the truth! With the right approach, you can still enjoy a small portion of rice and maintain a balanced diet (Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice). Today, I bring you a delicious and wholesome rice dish that combines the goodness of turmeric and black cumin. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds (Malay Style Turmeric Rice) but also contributes to your overall well-being (Blue Pea Rice). Let's dive into the delightful world of Turmeric Black Cumin Rice!

Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Delicious Homemade Pakistani Biryani: A Vegetarian Twist

Making biryani at home (Burmese Biryani) is not something that happens every day. It involves a bit of time and effort to gather all the ingredients, but thankfully, the cooking process is simplified with the use of a rice cooker (Vegetable Biryani). Occasionally, however, biryani becomes a special treat, especially when I have guests coming over. Entertaining is a rare occasion for me, considering the amount of work involved - from cooking to serving, and not to forget the cleaning up afterward. But this time, I was in the mood for something extraordinary (Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani).

Monday, July 24, 2023

Rendang Minangkabau/Chicken Rendang

When it comes to rendang, the world of flavors opens up with various types to explore (Chicken Rendang). While the common rendang is widely known, let's embark on a flavorful adventure with Rendang Minangkabau, a true gem originating from Indonesia. During recent trip to Indonesia, I had the pleasure of savoring this exquisite dish that is often found alongside other delectable offerings in the Nasi Padang spread. While the cooking technique may resemble the traditional rendang, the ingredients used in Rendang Minangkabau (Mutton Rendang) possess their own unique twist. In the attached video, I shared my firsthand experience and knowledge of Rendang Minangkabau (Vegetarian Mutton Rendang), but now let's delve into the tantalizing recipe. Gather these ingredients to recreate the magic in your own kitchen.

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Effortless Spinach and Lentil Delights: Nourishing Recipes Made Easy

Spinach, a leafy green vegetable packed with essential nutrients, has become a favorite for many due to its affordability and ease of cultivation in urban settings. Not only are spinach leaves a healthy addition to your diet, but their seeds also offer an opportunity for urban farming enthusiasts to grow their own fresh produce. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of spinach, its effortless cultivation, and a simple yet delicious recipe that is budget-friendly.

Friday, July 7, 2023

Thai Green Egg Curry

When it comes to cooking Thai dishes, I consider myself quite the enthusiast (Tomyam Fish & Thai Green Papaya Salad). With a passion for culinary exploration, I embarked on a remarkable journey across the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of their cuisine. From bustling markets to humble home kitchens, I eagerly absorbed the essence of Thai food (Vegan Thai Fried Rice & Thai Red Prawn Curry) through firsthand experiences and encounters with generous individuals who graciously shared their treasured recipes. Today, I'm thrilled to add another gem to my collection of Thai culinary delights - the exquisite Thai Green Egg Curry.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Exquisite Delights: The Aromatic Fusion of Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice

If you've been following my culinary adventures, it's no secret that I have a deep love for rice (Butterfly Blue Pea Flower Rice). Today, I want to share with you a rice dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fits perfectly into a weight loss journey. Yes, you heard that right - you can still enjoy rice while shedding those extra pounds. Now, let's talk about dinner. I personally tend to avoid rice in the evening because it takes longer to digest, and we tend to be less active after our last meal of the day. Those unburned calories can easily lead to unwanted weight gain. However, I have a solution for you: a moderate portion of rice, primarily for lunch, and for dinner, a healthy and aromatic rice dish (Turmeric Rice & Lemongrass Rice) that will leave you satisfied without worrying about the calories.

Monday, June 19, 2023

Nava's Masala Crab: A Spicy Delight for Seafood Lovers

Having crab (Thai Green Crab Curry) at home is truly a feast for us. It's not something we indulge in regularly, but every few months, the craving for a delectable crab (Malaysian Chilli Crab) dish arises. In our Indian family, we particularly relish crab prepared in a thick masala or curry gravy - a tantalizing blend of spices (Crab Curry) that ignites our taste buds. When it comes to cooking crab, I reserve the legs or claws for a flavorful Indian crab soup or crab rasam (Crab Soup & Crab Rasam), while the bodies take center stage in a fiery and aromatic dish. Pairing these two preparations together with a simple stir fry completes our seafood extravaganza.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World

Discovering new ingredients is always an exciting journey, and my encounter with Brazilian spinach, about four years ago, was nothing short of a delightful surprise. Prior to that, I had never even heard of this leafy green vegetable. Its origin remained a mystery, intriguing me to delve deeper into its background. Today, I not only grow Brazilian spinach myself (Eco-Friendly Delights) but also relish its diverse culinary applications. Join me as we explore this fascinating ingredient and its simple yet flavorsome Malaysian-style stir-fry recipe.

Monday, June 12, 2023

Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers

The Butterfly Blue Pea flower, also known as Bunga Telang, offers numerous benefits. You can easily grow them with the seeds, whether in a pot or on the ground, and they will sprout easily, even without fertilizer. This makes them a convenient choice for gardening enthusiasts (Cultivating Convenient Gardening). The plant is well-suited for the Asian climate, thriving in warm and tropical environments. In Nava's Zen garden, I cultivate these flowers on the fence, enjoying their vibrant blooms and reaping the benefits they offer. I harness their extract as a natural and preservative-free ingredient for cooking. One delightful dish I create is Butterfly Blue Flower Rice, or Nasi Bunga Telang. 

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Revitalize Your Senses with Lemongrass Honey Tea: A Refreshing Wellness Brew

Lemongrass holds many healing properties and can be grown in pots or on the ground, thriving in Asian climates. When combined with the renowned health benefits of green tea and the natural sweetness of honey (though it should be used sparingly if controlling sugar levels), Lemongrass Honey Tea becomes a readily available homemade beverage. Start your day on a refreshing note with this invigorating and calming drink.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Malay Okra Salad/Kerabu Bendi (Vegetarian)

As the trend of vegetarianism gains momentum (Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh & Plant Based Tofu Rendang) more and more people are embracing this lifestyle for reasons they hold dear. It's a commendable choice that aligns with the principles of sustainable development. Ideally, individuals who choose vegetarianism also adopt other eco-friendly (The Eco-Friendly Delight of Banana Leaves) practices such as cultivating their own vegetables, conserving energy, and nurturing nature in various ways, however small. While I'm not a strict vegetarian myself (Plant Based Masala Tofu & Vegetarian Long Beans) I take a minimalist approach to consuming meat. As part of our corporate mission at Nava's Zen, I prioritize growing vegetables and herbs, practicing rainwater harvesting, and fostering a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Friday, May 26, 2023

Eurasian Pineapple Salted Fish Curry

As an adventurous home cook, I love exploring various cuisines, but my husband's heart belongs to Indian food. However, I occasionally entice him to embark on a culinary journey beyond his cultural roots. One such venture is into the realm of Eurasian cuisine (Chicken Vindaloo, Devil Curry & Pada Salt Fish Pickle) where I have experimented with a variety of dishes. And now, I proudly present to you the latest addition to my Eurasian repertoire: the tantalizing Eurasian Pineapple Salted Fish Curry.

Saturday, May 20, 2023

Vegetarian Szechuan Stir-Fried Long Beans

Vegetarian cuisine (Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon & Stir Fried Oyster Mushroom) has come a long way, with more and more options available for those who prefer to eat plant-based meals. If you're looking for a tasty and healthy vegetarian dish, you'll love this Vegetarian Szechuan Stir-Fried Long Beans recipe. This dish is simple yet packed with flavor, featuring fresh long beans that are stir-fried with ginger, dried chillies and Szechuan peppercorns. The result is a dish that's both spicy and aromatic, with just the right amount of heat. It's the perfect side dish for any meal. 

Saturday, May 13, 2023

Malaysian Wildboar Curry/Kattu Pandi Kulambu

As a Malaysian Indian, my love for wild boar has always been centered around its delicious curry (Drumstick Egg Masala Curry & Sun Dried Mango Curry). That's why I'm excited to share with you my recipe for Malaysian Wildboar Curry. To be honest, I'm not sure what else to do with wild boar in terms of cooking styles, but for now, I'll stick to what I know best (Malaysian Vegetarian Spaghetti)  As you can see in the pictures, this curry is fiery and spicy, a true revelation of spices and curry (Malaysian Sodhi, Malaysian Rasam & Nava's Dhal Curry). It's best served with rice and a side veggie dish, but don't let that stop you from dipping some toast into the curry and enjoying every bite. I mean, the wild boar curry literally soaks up the toast! Yum! If you're feeling adventurous, you can also pair the curry with chapati, tosai, and roti canai. So go ahead and choose how you'd like to enjoy every bit of this wild boar curry. I can't wait for you to try it and experience the deliciousness for yourself.

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Rotkohl (German Braised Red Cabbage)

As the founder of Nava's Zen, I've often been asked about sharing recipes on our blog. While some may question my qualifications to speak about food and nutrients, let me assure you that I've extensively studied eating for the mind and happiness. You can check out my credentials on my Facebook or LinkedIn profile. Now, let's talk about Rotkohl, also known as German Braised Red Cabbage. You might be wondering if this dish is healthy for you, and it certainly can be! Even if you're new to German cuisine, Rotkohl's deliciously complex flavors are sure to win you over. I've even tweeted my version of the recipe, which has become a household favorite. Pair it with pork sausages or grilled pork chops for an authentic German experience. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for taking this culinary trip to Germany right from your own kitchen!

Monday, May 1, 2023

Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Vegetarian)

Looking for a tasty and healthy vegetarian recipe that is easy to make? This Thai (Vegetarian Thai Style Eggplant) Basil Tofu Stir-Fry is the perfect dish for you! This recipe is inspired by the classic Thai dish of Basil Chicken, making it a perfect meal for vegetarians (Vegetarian Thai Tomato Soup) and non-vegetarians alike. The secret to this delicious stir-fry is the combination of fresh ingredients that come together to create a complex and savory flavor. The tofu, a great source of protein, takes on the flavors of the aromatic basil, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Additionally, Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer a spicier or milder flavor.

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Tomyam Fish Dry Style

Tomyam Fish Dry Style is a bold and flavorful Thai-inspired dish (Tom Yum Fried Rice) that seafood lovers (Seafood Tom Yum Soup) will surely enjoy (Tom Yam Mee Hoon). This recipe features a unique blend of ingredients that creates a fragrant and tangy tomyam paste. Unlike the classic Tom Yum soup (Tom Yum Noodle Soup, Tom Yum Goong & Tom Kha Gai), this dish uses fried fish that is cooked until crispy and golden, then coated with the delicious paste. Served with a side of steamed rice, this dish is easy to make and can be prepared using any type of fish you prefer. If you enjoy spicy and flavourful seafood dishes, then Tomyam Fish Dry Style is definitely a must-try recipe.

Sunday, April 2, 2023

Nyonya Vegetarian Pineapple Curry

People I know, those who started blogging at the same time as myself, are no longer blogging. They obviously have withdrawn from the blogging sphere for making their presence known in social media sites. Obviously, it is the trend. No two ways about it, mind you. I'm there as well. For me, social media sites are the jiffy for keeping my followers and fan updated on, basically, my life and style. Blogging on the other hand, is about nurturing my writing skills and also my stress buster. I will, for as long as I can, continue embracing this previous space of mine. The point to note, blogging is the go-getter for improving my writing skills. 

Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Malay Style Turmeric Rice/Nasi Kunyit

Malay Style Turmeric Rice, the comforting to the soul dish, has been available on my YouTube channel for the last two years. But you see, the thing is? Not everybody prefer video recipes. Some, I believe, prefer a written recipe. Pretty much, summing up, why people like Ms.Nava are still blogging. I am and I stand by my opinion that recipe blogging is still relevant. Relevant and relevancy in my opinion. Correct me if I am wrong. Of course, you can correct me. Please go ahead. Meanwhile, while waiting for your reply whether you agree with my opinion or not, please allow me to proceed with the said recipe. Thank you millions.

Embracing the Fiery Passion: The Indispensable Chillies in Malaysian Cuisine and Gardening

In Malaysia, the love for spiciness runs deep in our culinary culture. Chillies, with their fiery punch, are an essential ingredient that ad...