Sardine Varuval (Dry Style)

Tuna or Sardine? Sardine mostly. Fresh sardine or canned sardines? Both goes strongly and tremendously (Mathi Achar & Nadan Sardine Curry). But stocking up canned sardines has become a habit I can't let go. Basically like if I don't stock up, seemingly my grocery doing is not complete. How about you? You are like me? You must have sardines in cans in your pantry? Actually, its a good thing because canned sardines will never ever let us down (Sardin Masak Lemak & Sardine Rolls). Unlike our husbands who sometimes can drive us up the wall? Even canned tuna as well (Tuna Thoran, Tuna Burgers & Tuna Cutlets). I mean, canned tuna being our cooking saviour. What's the story to me making this Sardine Varuval (Sardine Sambal & Sardine Potato)? The same food story in fact. Always a favourite (Jeera Aloo/Potato & Meen Puttu) and imagine sardine varuval alongside rice soaking or fully flooded by rasam or sambar. Heaven called easily fab meal right? I know (Udupi Sambar & Pepper Garlic Rasam). We Indians and our fingers to eating for happy tummy sardine varuval meal? What more should I possibly say? Nothing. Dive into Sardine Varuval at your pleasure (Chicken Varuval & Mutton Varuval). 

Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu! As far as I know, Mapo Tofu is Sichuan coming and calling dish. Most probably. Me and Sichuan dishes (Sichuan Chilli Prawns & Sichuan Noodle Soup)? In fact, Chinese food on the whole for the matter (Fried Prawn Wanton) and do I have speak about tofu? A favourite in my house. Always and forever. Any which way will do for tofu which comes in different made these days (Tofu Manchurian, Tofu Green Beans Stir Fry & Tofu Scambled Eggs). For Mapo Tofu, I actually opted for Japanese Tofu instead of the white ones. Why, are you asking me? No particular reason. I just thought I want to show you that you can make Mapo Tofu from Japanese egg tofu (Tofu Katsu) and this my version is a totality on it own. Basically different and outstanding due to me wanting to use my at home ingredients instead of? Why buy ingredients when you can make do with what you already have stocked up? Potentially. Mapo Tofu? Tad bit of spiciness, tad bit of saltiness, spring onion garnished and soft tofu (Chinese Tofu Soup, Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Indian Tofu Curry).

Fried Prawn Wanton

Fried Prawn Wanton. My-My! Such a fab kinda crunch and munch right? I know. Fried stuffs especially on the whole? You tell me. In fact, when these wanton skin parcel filled with prawns came out from my wok, a few actually went missing immediately. Not anywhere far, but our tummy tucking actually. By themselves, or when dipped into chilli sauce prior to having a ball of a time and as many as we want till all the fried prawn wanton are over and done, perhaps within a short while, what a delight. How do we make these prawn wantons? I think I have already alerted you. In fact in my previous recipes as well (Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup & Chicken Wanton Soup) and this latest variety is sort of the cousin of the previous Fried Shrimp Wanton. Only that, the tedious thing for me when prawns are a concern (Mee Goreng Udang, Hokkien Hae Mee, Mongolian Prawns, Goan Prawn Curry, Butter Prawns & Prawn Coconut Milk)? The peeling and cleaning, especially the time taken pulling out the veins. Otherwise, all is fine with prawns though I must say we are not the biggest fans of prawns (Sichuan Prawns & Chinese Prawn Fritters). Of course, there is always the once a while and these Fried Prawn Wanton, trust me, are super yummy, super crunchy and super beautifully plated up. 

Sate Kambing

Sate Kambing or Lamb Satay with a Mediterranean and Indian twist. Why Mediterranean and Indian twist? Because I opted for spices instead of Indonesian or Malaysian herbs. But still, I vouch its still Indonesian due to lamb meat atop lemongrass sticks (Easy Chicken Kebab) instead of skewers or sticks. Interesting right? I know. And why lamb for the matter in fact? Well, chicken and beef are a no show as the food show for my other half-half. Thus, logically, it had to be lamb which of course is my love as well (Lamb Massaman Curry, Lamb Spaghetti, Lamb Kofta Curry, Lamb Burgers & Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles). Making Sate Kambing I think is pretty much not a brain cracker and if you opt for store bought spices, all the better easier. Mix minced lamb alongside the spices and stick on lemongrass sticks prior to grilling on portable grill or bbq pit, or can go into the oven as well. After grilling, tucked into these juicy succulent sate kambing, by right should be with kuah kacang/peanut satay sauce which I didn't make. Instead, thrown in again with an Indian twist, we had Sate Kambing alongside salad (Vegetable Raita). Sounds weird? Of course not. After all, there is no right or wrong formula for your food likings (Watermelon Salad). 

Gobi Manchurian

The dry style Gobi Manchurian (Tofu Manchurian) instead of in a sticky and gooey sauce. Personally, to tell you the truth, I don't like the sauce. Sauce which will absorb into batter fried gobi/cauli (Shahi Gobi, Cauliflower Curry & Aloo Gobi) and for making them soggy even before you tuck in. I in fact actually prefer Gobi Manchurian for their crunchy crispiness and when eaten hot-hot once out of the frying pan, oh-my-mamma-mia (Cauliflower Pakora & Cauliflower Fritters). Furthermore, I must mention that we sort of to a certain extent have a sincere love towards gobi/cauliflower which these days are really affordable. How do we make Gobi Manchurian? My style Gobi Manchurian? Almost like making Gobi 65, but this is the kid friendly non spicy, maybe optimal level of spiciness and curry leaves and cumin seeds scented Gobi Manchurian (Bengali Begun Bhaja). 

Mathi Achar

Mathi Achar. Kerala Sardine Fish Achar or Kerala Sardine Fish Pickle. Says it all. Me and my love for fish achar (Nyonya Acar Fish) or even salted fish pickle (Pada Salt Fish Pickle & Salted Fish Pickle). And so, you think I would have had major kitchen struggle in making Mathi Achar? I don't think so because I have to some extent, mastered my cooking skills towards Kerala cuisine (Nadan Meen Curry, Fish Puttu, Tuna Thoran & Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry). Of course, I must admit I did refer to a couple of recipes, but at the end of it all, I decided I will stay true to my own Mathi Achar cooking invention and fish by themselves, do I have to repeat myself again and again (Fish Ball Noodle Soup, Malu Kirata/Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Stew, Indonesian Fish Balado, Mauritian Fish Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap)? Moreover, sardines are not only a popularity in Kerala, but here in Malaysia too. So, sardines they were. Masala enhanced fried sardines tipped into a spicy and full of utmost power packed vinaigrette. Oh-My! What a fish pleasure. Made ahead and having Mathi Achar as you wish whenever you yearn for, for your rice meals (Sardine Masak Lemak).

FIsh Ball Noodle Soup

Fish Ball Noodle Soup. No, no. Not market bought fish balls, but made from a scratch, home made fish balls. Yes. Indeed. I made fish balls for a change. Can you believe it? For someone like me who is, if not always, sometimes taking the door to ready made ingredients (Hong Kong Wonton Noodle Soup, Sichuan Noodle Soup &  Bee Hoon Soup), I actually did it for these fish balls in noodles and soup. Why, are you asking me? Well, what should I tell you? Maybe because I wanted fish broth (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup & Vietnamese Fish Soup) from the bones after carefully stripping away fish flesh (Yong Tau Foo) for fish balls. Not bad right? I know. In fact, we had a ball of a time over this Fish Ball Noodle Soup. Really bouncy and no smell soft fish balls, and as I have already told you, fish bones and skin simmered for extracting the broth (Nyonya Spicy Fish Noodle Soup, Salted Fish Bone Soup, Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Assam Laksa). Next? Hand crafted and hand rolled fish balls cooked in the broth till they floated atop and together with the broth, generously poured over noodles, garnished with fried shallots and fried basil leaves atop just my invention at the spur of the moment from the basil leaves grown in my garden. Of course, you can use spring onion or even coriander leaves. Conclusively, Fish Ball Noodle Soup, wouldn't you agree is making your hungry right now and imagine, what a feeling when tucked in during and after rain has fallen down from the sky (Hokkien Hae Mee, Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup)?

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

Look at this earthen pot and in it thick, salty, spicy and vibrantly exciting to our palates and eyes  Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry). Like immediately can trigger our hunger throne right? I know. I am definitely a big fan of this Indian style salted fish curry and salted fish on the whole by itself (Spicy Ikan Bilis Potato, Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis & Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin), can drive me crazy because I so love saltiness. In fact, every day can be a salted fish meal day for me (Salted Fish Pickle, Bean Sprouts Salted Fish & Steamed Pork Salted Fish). But, I think we all know it? Too much of saltiness and salt can ruin our health? Of course. Then again, there is such a thing as every now and then saltiness as our best friend? How do make this salted fish curry? Nothing much, no major confusing cooking matter (Salted Fish Bone Curry). My recipes as always will never cause you to struggle in the kitchen. Ingredients listed below and of course coming with it cooking technic for the outcome of this mouth punching and jubilant (Salted Fish Bone Soup & Pineapple Salted Fish Curry) Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry).

Ingredients

For the beans

1 cup mochakottai/field beans

1 tsp turmeric powder

A pinch of salt

Water - as needed

Other ingredients

400g threadfin/kurau salted fish with bones - soaked for 10 mins and rinsed. 

2 potatoes - cut into medium size pieces (yes please with the skin on)

1/2 tbsp chilli powder

1 tbsp fish curry powder

** mix both with water for a thick curry paste

1 tsp fenugreek/halba seeds

1/2 tsp ginger paste

1 tsp garlic paste

1 tbsp red onion paste

2 tbsp thick tamarind juice

Sprigs of curry leaves

5 tbsp oil

Salt for taste

Method

For the beans

Simmer beans with turmeric and water till soft.

Drain off water and keep aside.

For the curry

Heat oil and fry ginger, garlic and onion paste for 1-2 mins.

Add curry paste.

Stir and cook till aromatic and oil splits.

Add potatoes, pour about 1 liter of water and simmer till potatoes are 3/4 tender. 

Put in salted fish, pour tamarind juice and season with salt (if needed).

Simmer to cook salted fish (about 3-4 mins)

Add boiled beans and curry leaves.

Stir, simmer for another 2-3 mins and remove from heat. 

Nyonya Acar Fish

Nyonya (Nyonya Mee Siam & Ayam Pongteh) and Acar (Aam ka Achaar & Penang Acar) and Fish (Indonesian Grilled Fish & Malaysian Fish Head Curry). Like a rhyme and rhythm especially for me and I just so somewhat love sour notes. Whichever and however, sourness is something I can't give up no matter what (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup) and this Nyonya Acar Fish? A splatter on our taste buds. In fact, can rekindle your appetite and of course you need a plate of rice. Nyonya Acar Fish made from the quintessential and like must have ingredients for Nyonya cooking or even for our other savory dishes, made ahead and stored in the fridge and the next course of action of course is tucking in during your daily meals.

Steamed Pork With Salted Fish

Steamed Pork With Salted Fish! Trust me, a rapid explosion and burst of my or maybe even your forever appreciated and loved saltiness and spiciness in tender pork belly. Of course, pork belly and fats as well? Not really healthy, but I guess once a while would massively shake our health (Siew Yoke & Char Siu). Steamed Pork With Salted Fish is really so and very easy to make. Add all the ingredients in a steaming tray and steam, and you are done. My version I believe is somewhat unique and outstanding because I decided to go with my instinct and gut feeling on how I can further spiral and heighten Steamed Pork With Salted Fish to up and away, higher for a major revelation of tastes (Salted Fish Bone Soup, Salted Fish Bone Curry, Salted Egg Chicken, Dried Shrimp Sambal & Bean Sprouts Salted Fish).  Pork belly steamed alongside salted fish, chillies, soy sauce, ginger, and tamarind, garnished with coriander leaves. 

Nadan Meen Curry

Back and forth, to and fro, bouncing here and there, finally, after like thinking again and again, I decided it will be a fish curry from the land of Kerala and known as Nadan Meen/Fish Curry (Meen Puttu, Malabar Fish Curry, Tuna Thoran & Kerala Fish Fry). Thank god I decided. Otherwise, I would have most probably taken the easy way out by making a similar fish curry like before. Which by far would have been still be accepted in my house (Fish Head Curry, Salted Fish Bone Curry, Meen Muringgaka Kulambu & Assam Fish Curry). Then again, don't we long for a change, even when its our food tucking in? Of course, if you are asking me. Moreover, I too like the cooking challenge in inventing new dishes for like automatically upgrading my food knowledge (Burmese Fish Biryani, Mauritian Fish Curry & Bengali Fish Curry) and pretty much Kerala cuisine is quite a familiarly to me (Tapioca Stir Fry, Cabbage Thoran & Beans Thoran).  Nadan Meen Curry. Canned sardine, brinjal, coconut milk, tamarind juice and the power house of made from a scratch masala paste.

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). 

Tapioca Poriyal (Stir fry)

What is poriyal? Anyone like to help me out here? Okay, alright, I don't think I can clearly hear you, so let me tell you how would I describe Poriyal. Basically, its a stir fry. That's it. Case close. Lets not talk about poriyal anymore, rather, lets get to the recipe of the day. Tapioca Poriyal (Stir fry). Remember my previous recipe which also showcased tapioca (Stir Fried Tapioca With Anchovies Turmeric). Period. Almost two and more years up the road, I actually bought tapioca/cassava/maravallikkilanku again. I know. Been some time right? I know. Actually, I hardly buy, I myself can't really tell you why, but I still remember how popular eating boiled tapioca alongside fresh grated coconut and palm/white sugar was such a thing during my growing up year. The other mum does, of course, is any kind of spicy tapioca dish.  

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).

Char Siu (Chinese Barbecue Pork)

Confession time before I move to the recipe. Honestly guys, this is the first time I am cooking pork at home. Why are asking me? Well, being married to a typical Hindu who doesn't eat pork, I didn't want to pull out our marriage roots or shake up our marriage tree which has already grounded strongly. But lemme tell you that I am a hard-core lover of Chinese food (Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup, Cantonese Fried Rice, Hakka Noodles, Teochew Steamed Fish & Sichuan Chilli Prawns). Actually even my other half-half does not mind Chinese food maybe not often, but every now and then, yet it can't be pork. As long as all those dishes I make are a produce of seafood, he will in fact tuck in and of course, Chinese vegetarian dishes, well, do I have to say anything? Indians seemingly have no issue adapting to vegetarian dishes (Yam Basket Vegetarian, Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Old Cucumber Soup & Vegetarian Chow Mein).

Malaysian Fish Sambal

Malaysia My again? Of course. Remember, can you recall my Malaysian story (Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon)? Henceforth, tell me then. Can a Malaysian like me possibly ditch sambal aside? No way man! Impossible. My love for sambal clinging through thick and thin even when I travel until after a few days being away, I can't like wait to rush back for diving into a spicy chilli based dish (Nyonya Steamed Fish, Asam Pedas, Sambal Udang Petai & Stingray Spicy Sauce) which also must scream atop of its voice on some saltiness from belacan, some tanginess from lime juice/tamarind juice and a tiny tinge of sweetness from Gula Melaka/palm sugar (Salted Fish Bone Soup, Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas, Dried Shrimp Sambal & Sambal Sotong). All you typical Malaysians out there, I bet you must be nodding your head now? You know the feeling? The feeling on missing our Malaysian sambal no matter wherever we travel to? Of course. I know. Ask this do or die Malaysian and like she has already said, no sambal, Nava K most probably cannot function (Chilli Lime Fish, Sambal Kentang, Sambal Ikan Pari & Ikan Masak Kicap). This Malaysian Fish Sambal? A power rocker and roller. Absolutely exciting, trilling and boldly sensation on our palates. Bang! Major revelation of tastes (Malaysian Crab Curry). How do we go about making Malaysian Fish Sambal? Lather/mix fish alongside turmeric powder, rice flour and salt, followed by frying and once you have made the rocker sambal, tip fish inside, stir and dish out (Sambal Bilis Petai & Chilli Soy Fish).  

Baingan Bharta

Baingan Bharta! What is Baingan Bharta? Baingan Bharta is a brinjal dish from the land of Punjab. Interesting right? I know (Kashmiri Vegetable Soup, Aam ka Achaar, Andra Sambar, Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani & Tamatar ki Chutney). In fact, to tell you the truth, though I am aware where exactly Punjab is seated in the world map, honestly, I never knew Baingan Bharta existed until I had to crack my coconut on what should I do with brinjal. Basically which style to cooking. I could have, if I wanted to, opt for the dishes I have cooked before or add brinjal in curry, then again, don't you think it will be nice to scout for recipes for a new kinda dish? Sure. Why not? After all, shouldn't we keep our cooking and food eating interesting too instead of similarities dependable? You are right and I was right in searching for recipes. Popped up a whole list, more than enough actually and among those, me opting for Baingan Bharta (Japanese Eggplant Saute, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry). But no, not copied exactly. I looked through the recipes and instead roasting or blistering brinjals and cooking till a mushy texture, I invented my own Baingan Bharta. Tadaa!! Why is my Baingan Bharta unique and outstanding? I added saffron strands for exclusive and exotic tastes (Navaratan Korma, Vegetable Kadhi & Tofu Manchurian). Saffron strands, believe me, they can be expensive but worth paying once a while to heighten dishes to another level.

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).

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).

Tandoori Chicken

Honestly guys, if you thinking that you can't make tandoori chicken at home because you don't own a tandoor oven, you are definitely outrightly wrong (Grilled Chicken Wings). Who told you so or you yourself have concluded? Ask me and I will tell you that you can bake tandoori chicken in your oven, (Baked Lemon Chicken) or grill over a BBQ pit, and for those of you can't possibly do both, you can use the portable over the stove grill. Yes you can. I know what I am saying. In fact, I initially thought I will use the grill, then again, unless you cut chicken to small pieces, most probably you will be spending much time in being concern if tandoori chicken is cooked inside, of course, the outside char won't be an issue. Alright, so much for the cooking technic (Moroccan Chicken Stew & Chilli Chicken), can we get down to the recipe. Sure.