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).

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).

Kiri Hodi

We spoke about coconut milk, didn't we. Of course we did, if you can recall (Masak Lemak Cili Padi) and I also mention that coconut milk is one of the favourites for Asian cooking? Me too. I can be said as a fan of cooking milk, though I don't go overboard mind you.(Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani, Goan Prawn Curry & Palakura Pappu) and do I have to actually mention the popularity of cooking milk for Sri Lankan dishes? Especially for this Kiri Hodi, aka Sri Lankan Coconut Milk Gravy/Stew which can be eaten alongside string hoppers and even rice. For us rice is the best food deal and when we drench Kiri Hodi on our rice, oh-so-food-diviners while also adding a scoop of Tomato Chutney (Tamatar ki Chutney) prior to tucking in. As usual, I must say that there's various types of Kiri Hodi? Then again, how different can each be? Either a, actually mostly vegetarian version, but some do add some dried fish. Not for this my version though. Instead I added boiled egg. Acceptable right? Sure, stop disputing. Why should we not by the way into this creamy, tangy, attractive and mouth watering Kiri Hodi/ Sri Lankan Coconut Milk Stew? Coconut milk, like I have already told you is the central ingredients and the rest are pretty much I can say as our pantry friendly ingredients (Sodhi, Prawn Spinach Sodhi & Tanni Saar).

Nyonya Steamed Fish

Back to fish and steaming. Yes foodies. However its not another same style to steaming and fish. Nope. Not at all. Today, I am sharing with all of you how to make this Nyonya Steamed Fish. Nyonya cuisine? Much has already been spoken about before (Nyonya Lam Mee, Nyonya Curry Laksa, Nyonya Assam Fish Curry)? Furthermore, I also mentioned the concept to steaming and also fish by itself is a food familiarity in my house due to my other half-half and fish is the food for him mostly (Ikan Balado, Malabar Fish Curry, Unagi Kabayaki, Thai Crispy Fish, Kerala Fish Fry & Chilli Lime Fish). Alright foodies, let's now get down to making this Nyonya Steamed Fish. A sambal style whereby you need to ground or blend the needed ingredients as listed below before frying sambal and then tipping it over fish which has already been steamed with ginger. Nyonya Steamed Fish? A revelation of the customary and much needed Nyonya loud and bold tastes (Vietnamese Steamed Fish, Thai Steamed Fish, Teochew Steamed Fish & Hong Kong Style Steamed Fish). 

Tamatar ki Chutney

To tell you the truth, I can count the number of chutneys I have already shared. In fact, there's only the other, the Indian Mango Chutney, though tomatoes are a must for most of my savory dishes produced in my kitchen. Tomatoes (Thai Tomato Soup)? They just so complete our dishes for the burst of tanginess and sweetness (Tomato Rice), don't they? Of course (Turmeric Tomato Soup & Tomato Spinach Soup) and if you are asking me. I sometimes even do away with lime juice or even tamarind juice if the tomatoes I use can produce the same result. Having said that, there's no assurance all those tomatoes we buy can pack up tanginess? Henceforth, tasting is crucial for balancing the tastes to tanginess and sourness (Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu & Navaratan Korma) and you got to do the same as well  for this North Indian Tomato Chutney, known as Tamatar ki Chutney, which by far can be an accompaniment for anything for the matter (Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip). Of course, for us, tangy and absolutely inviting and vibrantly attractive Tamatar ki Chutney was our side dish for our rice meal. Wow!

Unagi Kabayaki

You know what foodies? If the front door is not the exit out of our house, there is always the back door in case. Similarly, when cooking is a concern, tell me, do we have to get it perfectly right and be as perfect as others or must our dish be alike, like theirs (Tofu Katsu, Kenchin Jiru  &  Simmered Daikon)? Not necessarily if you are asking me. Look, I wanted to make Unagi Kabayaki, but I don't think I will ever be able to hold the slippery eel, neither, can I bring myself to cleaning it. Thus, I took the other entrance. Call it the back door to (Japanese Eggplant Saute, Teppanyaki Salmon & Egg Fish Roll) Unagi Kabayaki. I actually bought frozen grilled unagi and basically, I gave it my twist for elevating it as my style to Unagi Kabayaki and instead of the sticky sauce atop, I paired it alongside my style Japanese style spicy, tangy and sweet sauce, also some thin strips of cucumber and spring onion. Invention? Wouldn't you agree and food proud moment according to how we prefer? Unless, you feel you should outrightly discount my, my style Unagi Kabayaki? Oh, of course, before I forget, we need a plate or bowl of rice for Unagi Kabayaki.

Prawn Curry Laksa

Various ways, various styles and various types of Curry Laksa availability. Of course. In fact, I myself I think have already shared a fair bit (Home Made Curry Mee, Curry Chicken Noodles, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Nyonya Curry Laksa). Curries by far too, what should we say? There's a huge collection and I bet you will not be short of those different kindas between in-country and out of Malaysia countries. Wouldn't you agree? If you are asking me, in my Indian house, curries are a food stealer, maybe not so much for me, but for my other half-half especially (Assam Fish Curry, Indian Chicken Curry, Lamb Kofta Curry, Devil's Curry & Vegan Potato Curry). I can go on and on about curries, then again, my point is that curry is the main highlight for this Prawn Curry Laksa. Basically, curry broth made from prawn shells and heads, and we also need some fresh prawns for assembling alongside the rest of the ingredients. I think I have told you before? Why I save prawn heads and shells (Prawn Cocktail, Fried Prawn Wantons, Grilled Spicy Prawns, Chinese Prawn Fritters & Prawn Petai Sambal)? Obviously, each time I wanna make prawn curry broth (Tamarind Prawn Curry & Prawn Mango Curry), or even for other dishes, these will be handy (Prawn Noodle Soup) and Curry Laksa can't be perfected without coconut milk (Coconut Salted Fish & Shrimp Coconut). Prawn Curry Laksa? Amazingly vibrant and will be exciting to our palates right?

Chocolate Cheesecake

What an emptiness to desserts in this precious space of mine. In fact, when was the last time I shared a dessert recipe? Oh my godness! Been quite a while (Watermelon Sorbet). Well, you can't blame me. Basically, there are no takers for desserts in my house. Between the two of us, we don't desire sweetness and also, shall I say the focus is mostly our daily meals instead of sweet rush or sweet crush (Saffron Poached Pears, Citrus Poached Pears, Fried Apple Fritters & Bake Rice Pudding). When I bake, whatever I bake is given away to friends, colleagues or neighbours (Lemon Buttermilk Cake, Lemon Cream Pie & Coconut Panna Cotta). Anyway, time was in hand and I decided I should bake. Not those major rocker kinda desserts, but the familiarity I have done before (Pandan Cheesecake & Mango Cheesecake). I mean what can be different for a cheesecake if you are considering simplicity? Biscuit bottom layer and for this latest version cheesecake, I did the cocoa powder chocolate and of course, the top must be the creamy and sweet cheesy layer? Of course.

Shrimp Pad Thai Salad

Honestly guys, I don't know what else should I say when Thai cuisine is our food card. I think much we have already spoken about before? In my previous recipes (Thai Vegetable Curry)? I sincerely believe so because I have been taking you back and forth, to and fro, from Thailand and back to our mother land (Thai Carrot Soup & Seafood Tom Yum Soup). Today, lemme share with you this Shrimp Pad Thai Salad (Shrimp Pho). Obviously a noodle dish and one which I made due to I still had some spaghetti in hand after making Lamb Spaghetti. Of course, you can use, please go ahead and use other type of noodles. As you wish, as for your pleasure or as what's already available at home (Tom Yam Fried Mee Hoon, Spicy Thai Noodles & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). In fact, when we speak about home cooked meals, there is no right and wrong. Its you basically and you don't even have to replicate recipes as they are. That's how it is for me personally. Shrimp Pad Thai Salad? So easy. In fact, just a tiny fraction of cooking. Simmering the prawns in water just for a minute or two, and then, toss all the ingredients together. In a jiffy meal and trust me, Shrimp Pad Thai Salad  (Thai Mee Hoon Salad) will not let you down. I sincerely reckon each and everyone of you will joyously tuck in. Succulent prawns, spiciness from green chillies, aroma of kaffir lime leaves, fresh burst from ginger and tat tinge of saltiness and tanginess from fish sauce and lime juice.

Sambal Ayam Serai (Chicken In Lemongrass Sauce)

I love my serai, aka, lemongrass. In fact, I must proudly profess that serai one of my favourite local herbs. I think I told you before? Unless and until, I want to spend on imported ingredients which by far is only seldom or every now and then (Baked Lemon Chicken). Otherwise, its all about our easily grown, even in our small plot of land or in pots local herbs. The easiest, shall I say is lemongrass?  Most probably. So, for this sambal dish, yep, me and my sambal, do I have to say, its serai again (Sambal Udang Petai, Curry Chicken Noodles, Laksam Kelantan & Easy Chicken Kebab). Crushed or smashed serai cooked alongside a chilli based gravy and in which you will find juicy and succulent chicken pieces (Ayam Goreng Berempah, Rendang Ayam & Asam Pedas Ikan). Mouthwatering and such a pride to our eyes right? You tell me.

Vegetable Biryani

Rice? Yes rice (Baked Rice Pudding). What's with rice (Anchovies Long Beans Fried Rice) Remember, I have already told you (Turmeric Rice)? This Vegetable Biryani, I won't say will be a struggle, but as you would have noted and you will later, you need quite a list of ingredients. Nothing not within your reach or you will have a hard time buying, except maybe for the saffron strands. Otherwise, I think it will be sweep through for you. Getting the ingredients and the cooking aspect of it (Jeera/Cumin Rice, Coriander Rice, Lemon Cashew Rice & Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang). The vegetarian version. Why vegetarian or only vegetables? Personally, we don't fancy those meaty biryani. Unless maybe when we dine out. Nothing really personal as well if you are asking me. Just that, our preference. By itself a wholesome and filling meal (Tomato Rice & Dhal Rice), of course the pairing for Vegetable Biryani, can I say is endless or alongside certain types of sides? Its really up to you (Spicy Fried Wings, Lamb Rogan Josh, Vegetarian Mutton Stir Fry & Vegetable Raita). But you must believe me when I say that my style to cooking this Vegetable Biryani can be regardless as simplicity or even effortless. Rice cooker simplifying it and the aroma of Vegetable Biryani waffling in the air (Ghee Rice) when rice cooker is dong the cooking. My-my! May be a vegetarian version, but I can assure you that its rice exciting and trilling to our palates. Dang!

Vegetarian Mutton Stir Fry

The same vegetarian mutton. The same as the previous (Vegetarian Mutton Rendang, Vegetarian Mutton Curry, Vegetarian Mutton Peratal & Vegetarian Mutton Varuval). Yep. The mushroom stalks (Mushroom Veggie Burger) made mutton pieces. The pretty much safest compared to mock chicken, mock mutton and those all about coloring and taste enhanced artificial vegetarian mocks. Actually, to tell you the truth, my husband is still not in flavour of even these vegetarian mutton, but I am okay. He actually prefers the real vegetarian food deal (Bitter Gourd Sambar, Eggplant Tikka Masala, Vegetarian Sandwich & Cucumber Yogurt Salad). What should I say? I guess to each its own. But potentially, there's no point I cook vegetarian mutton if he is not keen? Unless, every now and then I cook for myself. Right. Lets get to the recipe now (Baked Bread Rolls & Vegetarian Winter Melon Soup). Spices and all things nice, vegetarian mutton mixed with turmeric powder (Turmeric Tomato Soup) and corn flour and fried, followed by quickly stir frying (Spinach Tofu Stir Fry) together.

Mee Rebus (Vegetarian)

Vegetarianism? Should we, must we go over it, over and over, again and again (Cucumber Yogurt Salad)? I doubt we should. We shouldn't talk about matters which are not close to our heart? Unless you are a hard-core, do or die, vegetarian? I definitely am not. So, why bother? Let's just ditch vegetarianism (Vegetable Kurma, Mor Rasam & Creamy Coconut Lentil Soup) aside & also, supposedly if you kick your bucket whilst you are vegetarian, you will be floating in cloud nine in heaven alongside god. Whereas the rest of us of who are carnivores, oppps, actually we who are meat eaters, we will be burning in hell alongside satan. Duh! Honestly, I have nothing further to say except that we do hail in vegetarian dishes (Lemon Cashew Rice & Chloe Masala) at our whims and fancy whenever we long for. Mee Rebus Vegetarian? Sure? Who said Mee Rebus Vegetarian is impossible or out of our reach? Not me (Mee Rebus). I am the living example. I made. For further contributing towards the rest of the vegetarian noodle dishes I have already shared with all of you (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup, Mee Rojak Vegetarian, Curry Mee Vegetarian, Mee Rojak Vegetarian & Vegetarian Mee Hoon)? Thick, smooth, packing a punch gravy, ladled over yellow noodles, assembled alongside boiled eggs, green chillies, fried shallots, other bitsy ingredients and yeessss, the must have crispy fritters.  

Egg Vindaloo

If you think only potatoes are far out the popularity in, if not all, in some households (Potato Gratin), how about eggs being the other favourite? In my house, goodness me, speak about eggs? We love eggs crazily. Eggs are never forgotten and they, mind you, will somehow head into dishes (Char Kway Teow). Either as one of the supporting ingredients or as the core ingredient (Egg Rasam & Egg Curry Masala).Today, obviously, I am featuring eggs again. The main highlight in fact for this Portuguese cuisine (Chicken Devil Curry, Devilled Prawns & Pada Salt Fish Pickle) Egg Vindaloo. Boiled eggs in a spicy,  thick and curry leaves scented gravy.