Sweet Durian Porridge & Steamed Glutinous Rice (Serawa Durian & Pulut Kukus)

The typical, traditional, authentic Malaysian Malay dessert. Sweet Durian Porridge & Steamed Glutinous Rice, aka, Serawa Durian & Pulut Kukus. My-my! Durian lovers! You will love, love this absolutely delicious mouth watering, our Malaysian dessert. Yes. You will. Take it from this “The Crazy Lover”. What about the rest? The rest who are not so fancy frilly over the smell and tastes of durian? Why not? Try. You must. After all. Unless you try, you never know right? Furthermore, don’t discriminate food. Any kinda. Be adventurous. Be a joy and love to food of all walks of life. Including, of course, our Malaysian food is still the best and our desserts, ahhhh, they are such  a major delight (Pulut Inti & Wajik Pulut). Best in the world. Best out of the rest. Precisely. But, in any case, you have tried durian and durian is still a no go to? Replace durian with jackfruit or whatever and whichever fruit you believe can take the place of durian.

Tempe Orek (Indonesian Spicy Fermented Soy Beans)

Indonesian Food (Ikan Cabe Ijo). Indonesian Cuisine (Terong Balado Pedas Manis). Indonesian Cooking (Sayur Lodeh). Yes I am. I am the star. The number one, glittering, shining star. The star as an avid, number one fan of Indonesian food or Indonesian cuisine. I am also the glossy, twinkling and lighted up star as well to Indonesian cooking (Sambal Goreng Teri). Of course. I know. Self praise is a disgrace. Then again? Who cares? I don't because if you don't praise yourself, like what? You are waiting for others to praise you? Oh please. Cut the crab. Anyway, I am without a doubt, the cooking star in my kitchen. In my own ways as the Indonesian chef in my house. But not like kinda, I have cooked a whole, long stretch of Indonesian dishes. The essentials though. The most probably, famed ones though (Ikan Balado) and my trip to Indonesia a couple of years ago? Oh-My-My-Love (Surakarta/Solo). The daily food love affair to Indonesian food happiness, which included the various types of tempe dishes (Yogyakarta Indonesia).

Western Style Pan Grilled Spicy Salmon

Salmon! Of course. Why not? Salmon. I must admit, is a favorite in my house. Furthermore, when its a matter of mind over matter for cooking salmon, oh yes, easy cooking and cooked in a jiffy. Salmon also, on the whole is tastiness by itself and just a couple of ingredients will do the job as well (Grilled Salmon). Of course, if you want to elevate the tastes of salmon further to another higher level for other dishes? You can and you should (Burmese Biryani & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). What about how much will you pay for salmon? Definitely higher compared to our Malaysian local catch, yet, I don't mind spending the extra. Not always, but every now and then will do (Indian Spiced Salmon). Furthermore, even if its fresh salmon, the frozen ones can be a perfect fit for any dish you have on mind. Me and salmon? Certainly. Absolutely. Without a doubt (Tandoori Salmon & Lemon Butter Salmon).  

Burmese Masoor Dal. Burmese Dal Gravy.

Dal, or dhal. However you want to spell. Dal. One of the family members of legumes. Dal. Without a doubt, synonymous for Indian cooking, including for Nava K's Indian household cooking and I know that, dal is an appreciated ingredient for other types of cuisines as well. My dal recipes? Aha! Tadaa! Here we go (Udupi Sambar, Palakura Pappu, Andra Sambar & Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal). What about dal in Burma, now known as Myanmar? Absolutely. Down the memory lane of Indians from India and spreading their dal cultural cooking heritage in Myanmar. The question now is? How do I know about Burmese Masoor Dal? Hah! Been there. Done it. Been to Myanmar, and have tasted their dal dishes. My story. This is my story. My Burmese or Myanmar food story, alongside my dal cooking story (Mulligatawny Soup, Tanni Saar & Dal Rice). By the way, for your information. This Masoor Dal Gravy. Sure. Must be regarded as a close cousin, to the varies types of Indian Dal Curries or Gravies (Fish Sambar, Palak Sambar, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Drumstick Sambar, Simple Sambar & Mysore Sambar). Pretty much? Obviously? Of course. Like I have told you? The influence of Indians from India and spreading their dal cooking skills and knowledge, once and after they step foot in Myanmar back then. Alright. Shall we get to the recipe now please. We shall and, until the next pitching of mine, take care everyone. 

Nyonya Fish Curry.

Nyonya Cuisine. Nyonya Food. Nyonya cooking and Nava K? Yes. Yes. Yes. Shouldn't I or should I proudly profess that I am a Nyonya food hero (Ikan Buah Keluak & Ayam Buah Keluak)? Why not? I know self praise can be a disgrace, then again? Don't we all, can't we all ought to be proud of our achievements? We must for a fact (Nyonya Mee Siam, Nyonya Curry Laksa & Nyonya Lam Mee). We absolutely should. Without doubting our capabilities and abilities. Furthermore. I am proud. Yes I am. My credentials in culinary arts. Though in the specific niche area of Bread Making and Patisserie. Of course, self learning can be regarded as learning as well? Building from the base of knowledge and learning curve we have obtained? Where has this learning curve led me to? Having cooked and still learning by improving my knowledge, skills and abilities by cooking various dishes from various contingents. Recipe of the day? For show casing my "know how" to Nyonya recipes? Nyonya Fish Curry, aka Nyonya Curry Fish. Splendidness and awesomeness. The revelation and role play of the true, authentic, sincere and genuine Nyonya tastes and flavours (Nyonya Fish Sambal, Ayam Pongteh & Nyonya Steamed Fish). By the way, for your information, I've made a different version of Nyonya Fish Curry before. Known as Nyonya Assam Fish Curry. Let's say, this latest Nyonya Fish Curry style of mine is the updated, upgraded and rebooted version. Also, if you click on all the links I've linked, they will be the treasures to other Nyonya recipes too. Happy cooking everyone!

Chinese Herbal Pork Soup

I love this, or the whole idea of making Chinese soups. Yes. I do. I do. I do. Mainly because? Chinese soups. They are such an easy Chinese style uncomplicated cooking. Furthermore. Chinese soups. On the whole. Nutritious, healthy, whether the vegetarian versions (Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup, Old Cucumber Soup, Chinese Tofu Soup & Burdock Root Soup) or non-vegetarian versions as well, and for me personally, Chinese soups, they are such a delightful appetizing food eating world. Basically, I simply adore Chinese soups. Love, love, love and all the loving loved loves in the food world for Chinese soups. Made before. Of course I have. I mean, it has to be when I am also an avid food fan of Chinese food overall. Including the various types of Chinese noodle soups too (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup, Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup, Bee Hoon Soup & Sichuan Noodle Soup).

Vegetarian Asam Pedas (Asam Pedas Sayur)

Masakan sayur-sayuran. Sayur sahaja. Betul tu. Sayur sahaja, dan takda, atau tanpa daging, tanpa ternakan, tanpa buruan dan tanpa ikan. Itulah resep kita hari ini. Boleh dikatakan sebagai, satu hidangan dengan sayur-sayuran and resepnya adalah Vegetarian Asam Pedas, atau Asam Pedas Sayur. Masakan sayur-sayuran, atau disebut sebagai vegetarian dishes, memang sudah ujuk berzaman-zaman dahulu dan sekarang, nampaknya, terdapat golongan yang memilih atau lebih gemar makan sayur sayur sahaja. Bukan setakat kaum India, tetapi kuam Cina, juga orang dinegara Barat dan kaum Melayu pun saya dengar berminat or memilih makanan sayur-sayuran sahaja. Apa sebabnya? Mungkin kerana kesihatan kut? Mungkin. Atau sebab-sebab peribadi mereka sendiri? Biar lah. Saya pun bukan-nya suka jaga tepi kain orang pun. Tapi, sudah jelas peminat peminat masakan berasa and berperisa sayur sayuran sudah popular. Vegetarian Asam Pedas/Asam Pedas Sayur ini? Memang disyurkan kepada sesiapa yang vegetarian or yang juga gemar makanan sayur-sayuran. Walau bagaimana pun, kalau nak juga hidangan ikan asam pedas or asam dengan ikan, inilah - Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa, Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal, Ikan Goreng Asam dan Assam Fish Curry. 

(Note: for those of you who can't read Bahasa Malaysia, please refer to the video attached right at the bottom for the recipe)

Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa (Tamarind Fried Fish)

Hah! Memang kegemaran saya. Saya ini? Saya lah Nava K. Saya adalah salah seorang peminat setia and suci makanan Melayu. Semua pun boleh. Budu, tempoyak, jering, petai, sambal belacan, pucuk rebung dan lain-lain lagi. Termasuk Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa yang saya kongsi hari ini. Pernah masak berbilang-bilang kali. Tapi inilah kali pertama sebagai entri blog dan video youtube pun sudah sedia untuk petikan dan tuntunan anda semua. Video memasak Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa, atau, Tamarind Fried Fish sebenarnya dalam Bahasa Tamil and Bahasa Inggeris. Kira-nya, bilingual video. Kenapa ya? Sebab saya nak memperkenangkan masakan Melayu kepada kaum India, juga orang di negara Barat dan sesiapa saja, dimana saja, yang boleh faham Bahasa Tamil and Bahasa Inggeris. Dah cukup lah tu. Cerita panjang tak payah lah kan? Jom kita masak Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa atau Tamarind Fried Fish. Jumpa lagi ya, lain kali. 

Note: Those of you who don't speak, neither can read Bahasa Malaysia, recipe awaits you at my YouTube channel, and of course video is attached below as well. 

Malaysian Egg Curry/Kari Telur Malaysia

Malaysian Egg Curry. Aka, Kari Telur Malaysia. Or Malaysian Muttai, or Kottai (opphs no!! Slip of the tongue is not the fault of the mind?) Kulambu. Now, is this Malaysian Egg Curry, made in Nava K's kitchen anything outstanding? Or out of this world? Or, anywhere close or closest to a Michelin star cooking? Nope. Not at all. I'm cock certain it is not. But? Aha? If you are looking for the most simplest, easy to put together, easy cooking style egg curry, this is it. This Malaysian Egg Curry by this, "The Crazy Lover". As the best fit for you and trust me. Rest assured. Without compromising on the much loved, quintessential, bolstering, thundering and rekindling your hunger profoundly curry. The best part of it all? Just a couple, yep, the coupling of the basic, pantry friendly ingredients, which most probably, you stock up at home?

Masak Lemak Sayur (Malay Style Vegan Coconut Milk Stew)

Of course. Anything is possible. Including a Malay style vegan coconut stew. Who said you can't?  Who? Who is saying. No. Not me though. In fact, this recipe of mine, evidently? Pretty much, proven. Our Malay or Malaysian vegan or vegetarian coconut milk stew (Sayur Lodeh Vegetarian, Gado Gado Vegetarian & Vegetable Kurma). Coconut Milk (Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa, Vegetarian Nasi Lemak  & Vegetarian Mutton Rendang). Oh yes! Once said as the disaster for our health. But today, the same smart ones are professing that coconut milk or even, because coconut oil has been re-branded as "virgin coconut oil", these are for our healthiness. As if, like, our Malaysian coconut milk (Curry Mee Vegetarian) and coconut oil has never been virgins. Damn! How ingredients theories can be twisted and turned. By the way, for your information, I'm not a virgin or even "like a virgin". Hehehe!! I speak the truth and nothing but the truth. Tadaa!!

Chinese Style Eggplant

Eggplant. Sure. Truly and sincerely. A favourite in my house and eggplant, the edible fruit which, by far, as far as I know, pretty much really affordable as well. Like, you can pick up two or three eggplant, for, let's say, RM3.00 and the other I must say is that, you can convert eggplant to various types of dishes (Eggplant Tikka Masala, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Thai Style Eggplant & Indian Style Fried Eggplant). Of course. I know better because, if you are looking for eggplant recipes, look no further. Whether eggplant by itself, or into curries or gravies (Goan Prawn Curry, Nadal Meen/Fish Curry, Vegetable Kurma & Dhal Mutton Curry). Also, either as a vegetarian or non-vegetarian meal tucking in. Eggplant. Yes. They are, mind you, from same purple or green family. Eggplant, or brinjal (Terong Balado Pedas Manis, Ennai Kathrikai Kuzambu/Brinjal Curry, Baingan Bharta & Brinjal Stir Fry) or aubergine (Thai Green Fish Curry & Thai Vegetable Curry).

Bubur Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge)

Bubur Pulut Hitam. Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge. Ohhh yeess, and yes, and yes. My favourite sugar rushing or non-rushing dessert. In fact, for a fact, this easy to put together sweet porridge (Bubur Kacang Hijau/Green Bean Sweet Porridge) has conquered the number one spot amongst the rest of our Malaysian desserts for me personally. How do we make Bubur Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge)? Very easy. Uncomplicated. Simmer and add the few ingredients as listed below and there you have - soft tender black glutinous rice, scented by pandan/screwpine leaves (Kuih Buah Melaka & Pandan Cheesecake), sweetened by white or brown sugar or Gula Melaka/palm sugar and creaminess from coconut milk. You can if you like, add sago as well (Pumpkin Sago Dessert & Malaysian Sago Pudding) and Bubur Pulut Hitam can be a choice between, either a cold or hot sweet dessert.

Saag Aloo (Spinach And Potatoes)

Saag (Chloe Palak) Aloo or Aloo (Sukhi Aloo Sabzi) Saag. I actually called this dish as aloo saag in my YouTube video. Then again? Due to the majority calling it saag aloo? Let is be saag aloo. Having said that or whatever or however you like to address Saag Aloo or Aloo Saag, it all boils down to the combination of two central ingredients. Spinach (Spinach Lamb Spaghetti) and potatoes. Furthermore, if I am not mistaken, saag aloo (Tari Wale Aloo, Aloo Gobi & Vegetarian Potato Sambal) is definitely a popularity amongst the Indians. Whichever part of the world they are? Even the Westerners? Oh-my! They sure have fast caught up in the count of cooking such an Indian dish. In fact, Westerners showcasing saag aloo recipes? The number of recipes popping up in case you are more inclined to a Westerner's saag aloo? How about this Saag Aloo cooking style of mine? No, no. Not a totality to a different kinda. Pretty much a familiarity. But, a sincere home style, non-spicy kid friendly version (Tomato Spinach Soup) without compromising on the core quintessential, appreciated delightful tastes. And for which you don't need aplenty ingredients. Indeed, healthiness as well (Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Spinach Sambar/Dhal Curry). A side dish for rice or for sandwiching between toast.

Pachai Sundakkai Kulambu (Fresh Turkey Berry Curry)

Not only fish curry (South Indian Style Fish Curry). In fact, any curry for the matter in my house? A must. Yes. Without a doubt. Not for me though. I am okay in exploring various types of dishes, but for my Indian other half-half I have been faithfully married for the last 17 years? Curry, curry and curry (Mushroom/Kaalan Sour Curry) for every other meal (Spinach Chickpea Curry, Brinjal Curry & Vegetable Kadhi). Basically, no curry, no food hunger or food happiness for him. Perhaps, if I am not mistaken, can I take it as, its the same curry cooking story in your house as well if you are married to a typical Indian man (Navratan Korma & Pavakkai/Bitter Gourd Puli Kuzhambu)? Unless, of course, your husband don't mind cooking his own curries (Okra Curry & Drumstick Sambar/Dhal Curry) and he also lovingly cooking meals for you too. Anyhow, whether you are the chef at home or its your spouse, this pot of Nava K invented Pachai Sundakkai Kulambu/ Fresh Turkey Berry Curry. A power house, spicy, tangy vegetarian authentic Indian style curry. Sincerely worth being made in your kitchen too. Trust me, won't let down your and your loved ones tastebuds.

South Indian Style Fish Curry

Fish curry in my house (Thai Green Fish Curry, Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal & Malaysian Fish Head Curry)? What can or should I possibly say? If not once a week, at least every fortnight. Even if it’s not fish curry, there must be some sort of fried fish various types (Fried Fish Soy Sauce, Ikan Goreng Asam & Thai Crispy Fish). Obviously for the matter every few days once due to? Fish being the brain food for my other half-half. Mmmm? Cooking for our loved or loving ones? You tell me please. I am sure you know what I am talking about? Easier said than done I suppose and we women mostly, in fact, all the time making it a point in cooking what our loved ones will pleasure into. Furthermore, over the years, honestly, though I did try, I have given up on trying to coax my other half-half in trying chicken (Karaikudi Chicken Curry) or pork (Pork Bulgogi). Not worth because trust me, food can actually rock the marriage boat. Especially when age has caught up and you realize that you don't have anymore energy in trying to change your husband's food likes or dislikes. Instead, better to leave them alone and just go with the flow by cooking the food they will pleasure into. 

Nyonya Okra Sambal

Nyonya me (Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa). Nyonya you (Stir Fried Jicama). Right. Me the home chef who can share my expertise on Nyonya cuisine (Mee Siam Kuah Vegetarian). Willingly of course. As an add-value for my professional as a life coach. Why can't I not or why  shouldn't I by the way? My Nyonya recipes (Ayam Masak Keluak) speaking for themselves and me having belted quite a good number of years to Nyonya cuisine cooking in my kitchen (Nyonya Acar Fish). Obviously, there are no short. No short? That's right. No short of Nyonya recipes (Nyonya Hot and Sour Fish Noodles) in this precious space of mine which, again said, is like a bonus for my clients and anyone for the matter.

Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine

Traditions don't die. Not even our Malaysian food tradition. Unless and until, you allow it. Not me though. I actually treasure our Malaysian food like how they used to be even as far as few generations behind (Ikan Buah Keluak). Of course obviously, Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine is not my Indian food tradition, but I am definitely a Malay food loving very much person. I just so love Malay food (Sayur Lodeh). Any whichever (Asam Pedas Ikan). My favourite. Especially budu, jering, petai (Sambal Goreng Udang Pete), sambal (Sambal Tumis Telur), specifically sambal belacan (Sambal Terasi) and tempoyak. Oh-My-My-Me! Kick ass me loving. Tempoyak. Each time I see tempoyak at the wet market, I must buy and on this particular day, at the supermarket, when I saw a bottle of tempoyak cili, god! I had to buy immediately. And tempoyak by far, can be eaten raw. As in as a dip for raw salad, the other of course, adding into masak lemak (Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak & Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas). How do cook Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine? Ingredients, step by step and all of it. Clearly listed below. Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine (Sardin Masak Lemak Cili Padi). Big balls of our Malaysian food fire.   

Karaikudi Kozhi Kuzhumbu/Chicken Curry

Kozhi. Chicken. Ayam. My other half-half's, one of his enemies. Enemy as in he does not eat chicken. Why, if you are asking me? As far as I know, like a Tamil movie sentimental and emotional roller coaster story. Back then those days, when he used to follow his mum to central market where he has been seeing how chicken were slaughtered, life chicken of course, from there on, the chicken (Sweet Chilli Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Indian Masala Chicken Curry & Butter Chicken) bulb lighted in him for he himself deciding that no more chicken in his life. What an Indian story right? Beats me. Pretty much says it all why I cook chicken (Cashew Masala Chicken, Chicken Devil Curry & Indian Chicken Curry) when he is away or I cook for my friends. Karaikudi Kozhi Kozhumbu/Chicken Curry. Utterly spectacular. Trust me. And when paired alongside Cabbage Kootu and Saffron Rice, oh my goodness. Mouthwatering right? 

Poondu Thakkali Rasam/Garlic Tomato Rasam

Rasam (Pineapple Rasam & Pepper Garlic Rasam). I can talk and talk about rasam till the cows come home. Believe me because, like I have coughed out many a times, rasam is our favourite (Rasam - Home Made Rasam Powder). In fact, at least twice a week and these days, instead of making twice, I make once a week and store in the fridge. Why not? Who told you, you can't store rasam in the fridge for a few days? After all, rasam is meatless (Nandu Rasam) and its all about spices and the rest of the customary ingredients? Also, how different can a rasam be? Unless of course, you want to take rasam to sky level by coining the various types. Not me though. Enough (Mor Rasam, Egg Rasam & Instant Rasam). Enough of even taking my cooking to a higher level and rasam which is in my fridge, oh, I actually freeze in smaller portions, is then brought out for warming up for our next meal. Thereafter, I just do the topping. Topping like frying fish or making a stir fry veggie, and our meal is ready. Poondu Thakkali Rasam/Garlic Tomato Rasam. I suppose the nearest door to another version. Of course, we don't compromise on its quintessential tastes. Sourness, and tadbit of heat, and rasam definitely is our healthy, nutritious and nourishing to our body Indian soup.

Oats Coated Fried Prawns

Every now and then, its nice to go back to yesteryears. The years you were so enthusiastic about cooking a splashing meal to impress your husband. Of course, during the beginning of your marriage steps or even maybe, 10 years down the road? Thereafter, you are only interested in cooking a basic meal. As long as home cooked, you know you are being the good wife. Regardless, the yesteryears does come into your marriage food picture. Not regularly, but like I have already told you, every now and then. Oats Coated Fried Prawns (Thai Prawn Red Curry, Goan Prawn Curry & Butter Prawns). Nothing new for me. Did it before, and today, somehow I thought let's bring back the prawn memory lane (Tamarind Prawn Curry, Sichuan Chilli Prawns & Prawn Sambal). Oats Coated Fried Prawns obviously is the fried stuff. The fried stuff which is really fab when eaten there and then (Chinese Prawn Fritters). As soon as out of the frying pan (Mee Goreng  Udang). Oats Coated Fried Prawns. Grab it while you can. Crunch!