Urap Kangkung (Water Spinach Salad) - Vegetarian

It’s always been my absolute, my moment to my pleasure to tweeting recipes. Recipes I pick up via my travelling meaningfulness. In other words, at each part of the world I am, I make sure I somehow or rather, either slyly or demurely ask for the recipes at the places I dine or pack food. Including at the streets. Or worst come to worst, I taste the food and figure out for myself what could possibly be the ingredients for those dishes. Of course, suffice to say, there are kind people in any part of the world who won’t mind sharing their recipes. Whereas, I believe it is a known fact that, there are also people who do or die, will safeguard, protect and defend their recipes like nobody’s business. Nevermind. Does not really matter. Because as a foodie adventurous person and someone who have been cooking various types of dishes from various continents for donkey years, furthermore, thanks to my hard earned money which has enabled me to travel to a number of countries as well, I am quite a hero in figuring out the ingredients for the dishes. My food love will without a doubt forever be Asian dishes, but that does not mean I shun away from Western dishes. Indonesian food (Tempe Orek Vegetarian & Terong Belado Masam Manis) particularly for me. Oh my-my and during my trip to Indonesia a couple of years ago (Surakarta & Yogyakarta), I managed to dive into Urap Kangkung, aka, Water Spinach Salad and here’s to the vegetarian version (Sayur Lodeh). Of course, recipe by yours truly, and recipe, ah, from the mind of Nava K.  

Nava K's Palak Paneer (Spinach Indian Cottage Cheese)

Hi Darlings, 

Recipe of the day? Nava K’s Palak Paneer. Palak? Spinach (Spinach Coconut Milk Stew, Spinach Potato & Spinach Chickpea). Paneer?  Indian cottage cheese, which for a fact, you can make at home and homemade paneer without a doubt, is the best. Still, there is such a thing as store bought paneer. Supposedly, homemade, home style paneer you can pick up at the Indian stores for the matter of “convenience for cooking”. Not to say I have not had my hands-on experience to making paneer in my kitchen, yet, these days, since I prefer least time to cooking, I usually settle for the store bought ones. The store ones too, by far, are a great choice. Furthermore, these days, considering that such ingredients have travelled and are still travelling around the globe due to global trading, you get ample choices to various types of paneer at the Indian stores. Including in Malaysia, those made, sealed, embossed and transported from India. For this, my version to palak paneer, yea, store bought, a couple of dollars paneer. To the recipe now darlings. Indian cottage cheese, spinach (Spinach Tofu & Spinach Dal), yogurt and spices for this delightful Nava K’s Palak Paneer.

Chilli Cashew Stir Fried Veggies

I'm still like a yo-yo. Up-down, down-up, back and forth, and to and fro. My colorful life as usual. The things I juggle, remember I told and in case you have not read, click on this link Nurish Organiq Face Essence please. Alright. So much only I want to speak about "MyFiftySixLife" today and without wasting anymore time, let's zoom into the recipe for the day now. Chilli Cashew Stir Fried Veggies. The Chinese cooking style (Chinese Style Eggplant, Stir Fried Oyster Mushroom, Jiu Hu Char, Bitter Gourd Omelette & Mapo Tofu) to a vegetarian Chinese vegetable dish and cashew nuts by far? As far as I know and as far as my cooking skills are a concern, Indians use cashew nuts as a thickening agent for curries or gravy dishes, whichever and whatever dish it may be. Whereas, for the Chinese, cashews are one of the ingredients for their stir fries. Okay. I'm done with the intro pitching for this recipe, because I got to get back to some the pending things I have to complete and one of those things I actually indulge in is, gardening. Not only gardening, but also, what I do with the supply of my gardening supply. Aha! pandan leaves/screwpine leaves for my interior. Watch this video of mine and you will know what I mean. Of course, recipe to Chilli Cashew Stir Fried Veggies will be laid out next. Take care lovings. We will catch up sooner or later. Bye!

Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal (Sessile Joyweed/Dwarf Copperleaf Stir-Fry)

Ponnanganni Keerai? Mmmm! Honest to goodness, if I am to translate this leafy green veggie to English, or to another understandable language? I will fail. Fail massively. On the other hand otherwise, after reading from the visual world, which I did of course prior to pitching this recipe, I will crown myself as a  hero. Aha! Ponnanganni Keerai! Known as Alternanthera Sessilis, also as, Sessile Joyweed and Dwarf Copperleaf. You know what? To make this matter easier, later on, if, if, if, if at all you watch me in the video, you will get a clearer, better and easier picture on which leafy veggie is Ponnanganni Keerai. Ponanganni Keerai! The absolute to packing aplenty nutrients. So as well other vegetable dishes I have shared before (Beans Turmeric, Spinach Potato, Murungai Keerai Poriyal, Vazha Koombu Thoran/Banana Blossom Fry, Bitter Gourd Chips & Spinach Tofu) and this veggie, particularly and specifically, oh-my, the valuable nutrients to our eyes. Furthermore, you don’t big bundles of ingredients for this simply, easy to go, easy style to cooking this delicious Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Ah! Sincerely, faithfully and truly appetizing and just cooked rice will be the best soulmate for Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Of course, you can mix and match with other dishes for a fact (Malaysian Sodhi, Tomato Rasam & Udupi Sambar). Please yourself. Whichever and however you want to devour or demure into Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Anything else I want to say? Nothing really. Clock is ticking, time is most precious because I’ve a whole lot of things lined up to do. Signing off and you guys take care. Lots of love.

Mughlai Style Vegetarian Korma

And so? Every now and then, or every often, we yearn for a different cooking style of the same dish. Of course. The same goes in my house. I mean, it can’t be the same cooking style for the same dishes all the time? No. It can’t be. This time, instead of my regularity to a similar Korma, or Kurma Gravy, or Curry, I did a different kinda Korma. Korma or Kurma (Navratan Korma, Vegetable Kurma & Mutton Kurma), I reckon is a popularity amongst the Indian community and perhaps, throughout the sub-continents of India (Hyderabadi Biryani & Vegetable Kadhi), also, other parts of the world. After all, food likings, food delights and food cooking from various part of the world, has, without a doubt, travelled throughout the globe. Therefore, the food of one country is the availability in other countries, and also, cooked by people like me in Malaysia who like to keep their food life interesting, trilling and aha, sex-citing as well. Sex-citing! Aha! If you are a true and true foodie, you will know what I mean. The rest of you? Go figure and I bet you will agree.

Vegetarian Bayam Masak Lemak (Spinach Coconut Stew)

Hi all you amazing and wonderful people.  

How have you been? Hope all is well and extremely positively good. Me? What about me? I am doing good as well. Oh-well! It’s not all perfection, rosy and sunshiny all the time. But, I keep going positively. Even if things go wrong. Even if, every once a while or every now and then I feel the world has collapsed on my head. My life! Hah! A colourful life. Yea. I like to keep my life colourful.Always. The latest colors pop-yea-yea in my life? “Karthigai Deepam” Hindu religious festival. Also known as the “Festival Of Lights”, specifically the lights of Lord Shiva’s enlightenment and this festival, celebrated over a period of three days is about lighting the earthen lamps. For me, been like, in fact, I can’t even recall when was the last time I ushered this festival of lights. Most probably, I think, most probably, 30 over years ago. That too, during my growing up years in Brickfields when I was single and available. This year! Aha!. I just felt vibes. The vibes to lighting the earthen lamps. On the first day, 31 lights lighted up, second day, 51 lights and on the third day, wow, 101 earthen lamps lighted up in my garden. My garden. My pride and joy, and of course, I am the gardener. Gardening. My stress buster and one of those which is part of my colourful life.

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.