Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup

Roots, barks, herbs and chicken. Pretty much the centrality for Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup. Of course, we do have a choice to the high rank and grade Korean ginseng (Korean Radish Soup), but for me personally, its a big no due to its bitterness and strong content. I in fact have tasted Korean ginseng tea and soups which I really couldn't digest and trust me, I almost not only throw up, I actually felt as though my body is on fire. Chinese ginseng (Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup) on the other hand is mild even in soups and I also fancy those home made healthy and nutritious Chinese soups, including the vegetarian variants (Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Old Cucumber Soup, Chinese Tofu Soup & Burdock Root Soup). 

Meen Puttu

Meen Puttu, aka Fish Puttu. What is Meen Puttu? Meen Puttu is basically fish simmered alongside turmeric powder and salt, thereafter shredded/flaked and stir fry with the customary or must have Indian ingredients. Of course when we refer to Indian cooking (Indian Spiced Salmon & Indian Fish Curry), chillies, spices and curry leaves are part and parcel of our cooking, and for meen puttu, we add fresh grated coconut. Pretty much that is the food cooking lingo for Meen Puttu and if you are asking me, I must admit there are other varieties to this fish dish which, do I have repeat myself is a popularity amongst us Indians? Furthermore, sura or shark (Sura Meen Kuzhambu/Shark Curry) is usually the choice, but nothing should stop you from using any other firm fish and even for the Kerala (Tuna Thoran, Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry) or Sri Lankan style (Sri Lankan Coconut Gravy) Meen Puttu, the ingredients are more or less similar. For my version, I opted for tenggiri/Indian mackerel which by far you shouldn't discount against for the outcome of a crumbled and a role play of the favourite Indian tastes Meen Puttu (Tandoori Salmon, Fish Head Curry, Bengali Fish Curry & Meen Kulambu).  

Classic Genoise

Me and baking again? Honestly, I really don't know what got into me. But seemingly, I was still gamed for baking (Mandarin Orange Cake & Oatmeal Raisin Cookies). I guess sometimes we don't have answers to what we do or badly want to do? Supposely! Nevertheless, the dilemma or deciding fact couldn't be none more except which kinda cake and out of somewhere, in fact after referring to my own recipes and one shared by my friend, my baking enthusiasm spiralled towards Classic Genoise. Which requires further whisking of eggs and sugar once they have been whisked till slightly warm and foamy over double boiler (water boiling in the bottom pan, eggs and sugar in a bowl atop). A prerequisite crucial technic before gently folding cake flour and corn flour, and alternating between warm melted better for the outcome of such a really soft, crumbly and heaven taking you Classic Genoise (Traditional Butter Cake, Milo Cake & Sujee Cake).

Singaporean Mee Siam

When you have already achieved your mile stone to an ordinary simply fried Mee Siam, the next course of action must be crossing beyond the Malaysian boundary for heading to the neighbouring country. Singapore or Singapura where there is no limits to noodle dishes (Char Kway Teow, Prawn Curry Laksa & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup) and of course, Singaporean Mee Siam inclusive. Honestly, will you believe me if I say I have not stepped into Singapore ever? I have not pretty much and don't ask me why or why not. I myself can't conclude despite planning and making a couple of attempts, but nothing took place. Regardless, I quite know about their noodles dishes. Of course, from tv programs and listening to friends who have worked or visited Singapore. Henceforth, I didn't have much trouble in coining this Singporean Mee Siam or Mee Siam Singapura (Singapore Laksa) and tell me please, how far different can the ingredients be (Sarawak Laksa, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon, Laksam Kelantan & Thai Fish Noodle Soup)? We still need the quintessential ingredients which by far, as far as I know, for this Thai origin and originality soupy noodle dish (Thai Mee Hoon Salad & Spicy Thai Noodles). Singapore Mee Siam. Perhaps not so close to other types of Mee Siam, yet its still rice noodles soaking in a spicy, aromatic, wondrous and tasty red hue gravy (Shrimp Pad Thai, Penang Curry Mee & Lamb Pho). 

Mandarin Orange Cake

The heat is one and the heat ignited for baking (Oatmeal Raisin Cookies & Chinese Peanut Cookies). Not something I planned actually, but when you receive loads of mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year from your Chinese friends despite telling them enough is enough, yet they won't stop. Honestly, I am not sure if the giving is out of goodwill or as a clearing stock by dumping on us, or for them receiving bounds and bounds of prosperity. Beats me and we on the other hand, just can't refuse because this oranges giving is supposedly like we are receiving gold in return. Oh-god! Wish the oranges will churn into real gold, but dream on and if you continue to gobble down as many oranges, cold and cough will end up being your best friend. Thus, tell me when. What should we possibly do? Of course, we can't offend our Chinese friends by refusing, but potentially we can use some for the oranges for this Mandarin Orange Cake. Sounds logical, isn't it? Easy-preasy and without having to use the cake mixer (Traditional Butter Cake & Sujee Cake), all you got to do is mixing and gently incorporating all the ingredients. Eggles  Mandarin Orange Cake? Sincerely a soft appreciated bliss in our mouth (Eggless Orange Cheesecake & Lemon Buttermilk Cake).

Moroccan Pea Soup

I wouldn't and couldn't stop. In fact, I don't want to. I want to put my hands to as many cuisines from throughout the globe. Most probably because of this burning desire within me for learning to cook and these days, you can sit in front of your laptop and learn. So simple and so easy to learning and also picking up the vital tips to cooking. Of course, you can't do it in a jiffy. Instead, you have to put your heart and soul in firstly searching for recipes and then whether you are apt for copying exactly or allowing your thinking to wonder for coining your own dishes. So far I have achieved quite a good bit. The types of dishes I have made (Mongolian Prawns & Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal) from my own initiative and I must also thank the virtual world because admittedly, the food research in the virtual world did help. Moreover, when soups are a concern, should I, must I blow my own trumpet (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup, Chinese Vegetable Soup, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup, Korean Radish Soup & Japanese Lotus Root Soup)? No right right? Your reading action and reaction I think will unveil all of it?

Milo Cake With Milo Glaze (Eggless)

Cake time ladies and gentlemen. Looked like I was in the mood? I was in fact. Most probably because my cake making utensils were lying around instead of me putting them back in the cupboard. Great valid reason I told myself before moving on to thinking and deciding which kinda of cake it should be this time (Traditional Butter Cake & Eggless Orange Cheesecake). Thanks to instructables for the recipe which caught my attention the moment I started searching online. Thank you once again, but me being someone who don't fancy a totality in replicating a recipe, I made the change. The change to using Milo instead of cocoa and despite doing so, cake turned out as a fantasy coming true. Recipe definitely can't be disputed compared to those other cake recipes I have taken from the virtual and which turned out witches from hell. This one must be utterly praised. Soft melting moment and beautiful to look at and once I did the glazing with Milo too, and after some of the store bought pink sugar flowers going atop, oh-my, what a beauty to the eyes and fantastically fabulous in the mouth. 

Traditional Butter Cake

So I baked after a lapse of few months and I baked traditionally. In other words, I baked a Traditionally Butter Cake. Why traditional? Well, because traditional will always be in demand and traditional also means the recipe has been existing for many, many years and still cherished till this day (Sujee Cake, Eggless Orange Cheesecake, Lemon Buttermilk Cake, Lemon Cream Pie & Marble Cake). Where did by the way the  recipe for this traditional butter cake derived from? From my friend. My friend who bakes like nobody's business and she sharing her recipe on the phone. To tell you the truth, initially I hesitated. I doubted myself if I can do a real-deal baking job for ensuring that I will not be a failure in making this traditional butter cake, though generally I never doubt myself when other types of sweet delights are a concern (Malaysian Sago Pudding, Kuih Buah Melaka, Rava Laddu & Payasam). In the end, as much as I wasn't really sure what will be the outcome, Traditional Butter Cake that came out of my oven I must say was a winner in my own category (Baked Rice Pudding). Soft, crumbly, not overly sweet and honestly, awesomeness.

Malaysian Fish Head Curry

Malaysian Fish Head Curry, aka Kari Kepala Ikan. Believe me, not the ordinary nor you should compare with those from the restaurants. Why are you asking me? Because this is a typical, authentic and most dangerously delicious, finger licking homemade Malaysian Fish Head Curry (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Nyonya Fish Noodle Soup, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fish Curry) Yes, stop questioning me. Fish head curry cooked alongside belimbing buluh from our Malaysian grown trees, and belimbin buluh somewhat I think can be regarded as the other side to the coin to starfruit though these are oblong in shape and greenish and yellowish in color. Trust me please, due to this really mostly sour fruit, you don't have to think twice on tamarind juice and when fish head is cooked alongside the customary ingredients (Chilli Soy Fish, Spicy Stingray & Fish Noodle Soup) we need for any curry and also coconut milk, pow-wow (Asam Pedas Bawal, Salted Fish Bone Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap). Malaysian Fish Head Curry by Nava K? Unbeatable for rushing your mouth towards its spiciness and coconut milk creaminess.

Mongolian Prawns

Not bad. I deserve a pat on my shoulders. I should because I am actually taking the height and depth to learning and knowledge thirsting on the various types of cuisines from throughout the globe and mostly from Asian region which of course stretches from this end till that end. Where and which part of Asia is Mongolia located? Somewhere within Asia and neighboring China and Russia on the across side. Why I am going into a such fact on Mongolia, are you now asking me? Well, to let you know that China has an influence, to a certain extent on the types of ingredients Mongolians tend to use for their cooking. Ah! I think I got it right. Otherwise, I don't think you could have digested the fact to me coining this Mongolian Prawns (Grilled Prawns, Chinese Prawn Fritters, Shrimp Wanton, Prawn Cocktail, Butter Prawns & Devilled Prawns). Actually, to tell you the truth, mutton and beef seemingly are the popular take in Mongolia, but considering that beef is taboo for us and since we have already hit our limit to mutton or lamb (Nepalese Mutton Curry), I decided on prawns (Goan Prawn Curry).

Sri Lankan Carrot Salad

The raw deal to a raw salad must be recognised and hailed as healthiness and for keeping it really easy and simple in our kitchen. Of course. I in fact love the concept to raw salads, but can't be a regularity because my half-half does not really fancy. Maybe every now and then is acceptable to him, whereas I am every willing to tuck into a raw salad even if its daily and sometimes raw salads are not necessarily an accompaniment for my rice meals (Penang Acar). They can be my snack as well when I feel like munching instead of grabbing junk food (Apple Cucumber Salad, Watermelon Salad & Malaysian Mango Salad) and anything for the matter made with vegetables is most probably low in calorie counting (Shahi Gobi, Cabbage Upkari, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup & Vegetable Raita). Moreover, when we speak about this Sri Lankan Carrot Salad (Carrot Poriyal)? An ultimate fresh raw burst to natural sweetness (Cucumber Yogurt Salad) of carrot and cucumber, refreshing tropical grated coconut (Sri Lankan Coconut Gravy), tadbit of heat from red chilli and green chilli, and tangy lime juice.

Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon (Rice Vermicelli)

Malaysia My! Malaysia Mine! Malaysian Me! Me the typical Malaysian and I won't in any way or no way compromise our Malaysian food. The best food in the world I vouch and trust me, no food in this world can come close to our Malaysian food. Of course because we Malaysians are not short of the various types of dishes and instead of segregating ourselves by mentioning the three main races in Malaysia (Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Chilli Clams, Sayur Lodeh & Malaysian Indian Fish Curry), I must include all of us together when Malaysian food is a concern. Anything for the matter, including our forever and always loved fried rice (Malaysian Fried Rice) and I might as well include this Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon because we Malaysian love adding some anchovies (Anchovies Fried Mee Hoon) or dried shrimps for our variety of a simply fried together noodle dish. Moreover, there is limit to Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon (Malaysian Egg Benedict, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles & Malaysian Chicken Chop). In other words, its a meal for anytime of the day. For breakfast, for bunch, for lunch, for tea time, for dinner and we Malaysians (Malaysian Lamb Stew, Malaysian Pumpkin Soup & Malaysian Fried Mee) sure can extend our eating time till supper. Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon! A joyous meal once you fry mee hoon alongside our Malaysian ground found ingredients. Of course, like I have already told you, do not forget for celebrating dried shrimps (Malaysian Chilli Crab & Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles).

Cambodian Sour Fish Soup

Just in case you are wondering how do I know to make Cambodian Sour Fish Soup, there's nothing for me to say right (Angkor Wat & Siem Reap)? No point repeating over and over like a parrot right (Phnom Penh Noodle Soup)? Furthermore, I shouldn't also mention their neighboring country Vietnam (Vietnamese Steamed Fish & Vietnamese Fish Soup)?  Pretty much logically, I don't need a long intro for substantiating this Cambodian Sour Fish Soup. Thank god! Nevertheless, it will be good if I relate some of the fish recipes I have already shared with all you beautiful people (Indian Fish Curry, Asam Pedas, Thai Crispy Fish, Steamed White Pompret & Ikan Masak Kicap) and what is the cooking story to Cambodian Sour Fish Soup? Oh, so easy, so uncomplicated, so straightforward, so food slurping and you add local veggies. Notably, mine had to okra/bendi/ladies fingers and I added some turmeric powder for bright hue and extra flavor (Nyonya Fish Soup, Thai Fish Soup & Mutton Soup).

Nyonya Hot and Sour Noodles in Fish Soup

Cooking can be interpreted in different ways to all of us. For the most of us, cooking basically is about ensuring a healthy home cooked meal in a clean environment compared to exposing ourselves to what not when we eat out. Of course definitely if you are asking me and I will totally vouch nothing like a home meal even if its just basic and simple dishes. You can include me in this category of women who make it a point in cooking, but every now and then, cooking for me personally is about setting my own bar against how better I can cook. Basically, I like the thing of allowing my mind to wonder for my own invention. Rather challenging for oiling my thinking cap and which does land me in the zone of happiness whenever I come up with my invented dishes. Take this Nyonya Hot and Sour Noodles in Fish Soup which is actually the other door to Assam Laksa, and I have already previously opened two doors (Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles & Penang Assam Laksa). 

Tom Yam Steamed Fish

Tom Yam, can you believe it? Ready made tom yam paste or made from a stretch tom yam paste which by far is a food show stealer for Thai savory dishes. Of course if you are asking me and if you are asking me again about Thai food boldness and explosion of different role play of tastes, I sure can tell you (Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Thai Vegetable Curry). So much so, when tom yam paste is a concern, I sure have it at the back of my hands as well (Tom Yum Goong). Moreover, I think by now, you must be already tired listening to all those of my fish stories I have repeated over and over again (Tandoori Salmon, Bengali Fish Croquettes, Ikan Masak Kicap, Ikan Balado, Malabar Fish Curry & Unagi Kabayaki). So, what do we have to do for Tom Tam Steamed Fish? Steaming of course is most probably an easy cooking chore, but you still need to make the tom yam paste. Make the paste, and saute it alongside kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce, lime juice, birds eyes chillies (Thai Crispy Fish & Thai Green Fish Curry) and the rest of the ingredients as listed below, followed by tipping tom yam paste over fish which has already been steamed (Nyonya Steamed Fish, Vietnamese Steamed Fish, Thai Steamed Fish, Teochew Steamed Fish & Hong Kong Steamed Fish) with ginger. The outcome and food result? Absolutely tempting, inviting and color vibrant Tom Yam Steamed Fish (Chilli Soy Fish & Chilli Lime Fish).

Peshawari Mutton Karahi

Peshawari Mutton Karahi!! From the land of Pakistan and specifically from the city of Peshawar. Already sounding mouth watering right and I bet the pictures are additionally making your tummy hunger topsy-turvy right? In fact, to tell you the truth, I myself can't contain my hunger and I think without me realizing, my saliva is gonna drip down soon. Regardless, any mutton dish for the matter most probably can trigger hunger for the both of us and I must go ahead by mentioning that I quite know it about the different kinds of mutton curries from this part and that part of the world. Furthermore, should I blow my own trumpet to how far I have come in making all sort of dishes from around the globe (Tandoori Chicken, Aam ka Achaar, Bengali Fish Croquettes, Chicken Vindaloo, Cari Poisson & Goan Prawn Curry)? Enough of me and marketing myself, let's not waste anymore time in getting down to making Peshawari Mutton Karahi. Thick, spices infused, yogurt creaminess, ghee and coriander leaves scented, plus honestly guys, blame it on my habit of adding potatoes for most of my mutton curries. Can you like possibly blame me for adding potatoes? We Malaysian Indians and we just must somehow find a reason for merging potatoes and mutton as one (Nepalese Mutton Curry, Aloo Gosht, Shahi Mutton Curry, Rogan Josh, Mutton Keema, Masala Mutton Curry & Mutton Parathal).   

Sarawak Laksa

Guys, I thought maybe for the time being, we will just stick to within our Malaysian recipes instead of humping and jumping to other countries around the globe and most probably, my last few recipes have indicated that I am staying put and standing on my Malaysian ground (Ayam Pongteh & Chicken Vindaloo). Of course, I am not denying that a gastronomical tour to other countries is definitely a food show for exposing us to the various types of cuisines (Singapore Laksa & Vietnamese Noodle Soup). Yet, to a certain extent, I think we must do our local food hunting as well. Trust me, I myself personally have not completed making noodles from our different states (Cantonese Yee Mee, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Mee Yoke), though Curry Laksa, or Laksa Lemak or Curry Mee been trended in this space of mine (Nyonya Curry Laksa, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Penang Curry Mee) and back then, don't know how moons ago, I did make a trip to Sarawak whereby I tuck into their well known Sarawak Laksa.

Ayam Pongteh

Me and my Nyonya cooking. Guess there is no end and if you are asking me, I don't think I will put a bracket to Malacca or Penang calling and coming Nyonya dishes. We did speak about Nyonya cuisine in quite a length previously (Chicken Vindaloo, Kuih Buah Melaka & Penang Assam Laksa) and in other recipes as well? Henceforth, lets just put a stop to speaking further on the same thing over and over again (Devil's Curry, Dried Shrimp Sambal, Masak Lemak Ikan Asin Nenas & Nyonya Lam Mee) instead of getting to the gist of this Ayam Pongteh. What is Ayam Pongteh or Pongteh Chicken? Basically, chicken cooked alongside potatoes, taucheo/fermented soy paste, chilies, vinegar and other kitchen friendly user ingredients, and for the end result of broad and wide burst of spiciness, saltiness and and nuttiness (Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa, Chilli Chicken, Ayam Goreng Berempah, Ayam Masak Merah & Chicken Devil Curry).

Tandoori Salmon

For a change, its an imported fish. Indeed. One of the favourites for us is definitely salmon. Honestly, we just so love salmon, but considering how much I have to pay, I try to limit and as I have already told you before, I try to stay true to our local catch (Ikan Masak Kicap, Bengali Fish Croquettes, & Mauritian Fish Curry) even if the fish dish is from another any part of the globe). Of course, every now and then, I somehow wobble and give in to salmon. The healthy, no smell and easy to cook fish. In fact, just some salt and pepper will do (Grilled Salmon), but of course, we shouldn't limit salmon to just one standard style of cooking which shouldn't be the fish case  for other types of fish wherever they are swimming (Fish Sandwich, Spicy Grilled Fish, Batter Fried Fish, & Thai Crispy Fish). Alright. Let's get down to making Tandoori Salmon. You can, if you want to, use store bought Tandoori spice or for simplify, just follow this recipe of mine (Lemon Butter Salmon) Curry powder, ginger paste, garlic paste and spices (Indian-Spiced Salmon) marinated salmon, grilled in a non-stick over the stove grilling pan and for an appealing, vibrant (Teppanyaki Salmon) char on the outside and soft melting moment inside, paired alongside raw, refreshing, tangy mint yogurt chutney.

Aam ka Achaar

Aam Ka Achaar. What are we talking about, are you asking me right now? Guys, I thinks pictures have already spoken and connected you to this Mango Pickle, a Punjabi style achaar or pickle. Mouthwatering and you are salivating right now right? My favourite. Any kinda of pickle or chutney, or even sambal dip for the matter (Tamatar ki Chutney, Penang Acar & Sambal Terasi). Aam ka Achaar obviously showcases mango as the core ingredient and mango by far, I think a favourite among many of us (Prawn Mango Curry, Thai Mango Sticky Rice & Mango Mocktail)? This Punjabi style achaar is just plain and simple, but trust me, a perfect fab fit as a condiment for our rice meals (Vegetable Achar & Salted Fish Pickle), and you basically need a couple of ingredients listed below, unless you want to take it to the sky level by adding whatever other ingredients. Aam ka Achaar nava-k's style by the way is different (Indian Mango Chutney), or better for me to say as unique because I did it my way instead of the conventional method of following others. Aam ka Achaar? The burst of sour spicy notes in one.