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). 

Tom Yum Noodle Soup

So, its back to Tom Yum again? Obviously. Though we did actually have a break from tom yum for like three months and then out came this latest version. But rather a different food calling actually due to its noodles in tom yum soup and which by far I have not made before. Perhaps the closest is Tom Yam Fried Mee Hoon or maybe I should also include Siamese Laksa Lemak. Nevertheless, what can be outstanding or unique for tom yum (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Tom Yum Goong, Tom Kha Gai & Seafood Tom Yum Soup)? The pride and pleasure must be the various types of herbs, primarily kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, and let's not never forget about chillies, plus I love fish sauce into tom yam or Thai dishes on the whole. Tom Yum Noodle Soup as you have already noted is not far behind in terms of some of the ingredients and it is also a tremendously sumptuous, fulfilling and power lashing noodle dish (Thai Tomato Soup, Shrimp Pad Thai Salad, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Tom Yum Fried Rice & Spicy Thai Noodles). 

Thai Style Eggplant

Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal. All from the same family tree right? Except maybe their shapes and sizes and at times, color code as well. Eggplant in fact is a favourite in my house for all sorts of dishes, including in curries as well (Nadan Meen Curry). In fact, I can go on and on and speak about eggplant, but potentially it will be best I stick to this recipe for the day. Thai Style Eggplant. Thai cuisine and Nava K (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Thai Fried Chicken & Lamb Massaman Curry)? Pretty much says it all and after,  and Thai Style Eggplant basically is fried eggplant in a spicy, tangy and kaffir lime leaves scented attractive gravy/sauce. Oh, a vegetarian variety too (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry).

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). 

Vegan Tom Yum Soup

Thai cuisine or even tom yam/tom yum for the matter. A big Thai matter actually for me. You name it, I have it (Thai Fried Chicken, Thai Steamed Fish, Thai Crispy Fish & Shrimp Pad Thai Salad) and tom yum by itself has been a good and great making exploration on the whole. Basically, because we simply love slurping into tom yum soups or other Thai conclusive soups. Just so satisfying to our palates mind you, especially for their big, profound and utterly magical spicy, tangy and aromatic tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Tom Yam Goong, Tom Kha Gai, Thai Carrot Soup & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). Today, ladies and gentlemen, its Vegan Tom Yum Soup. In fact, can be regarded as a vegetarian version as well. Make the broth and then go ahead by adding the rest of the ingredients as listed for a sincerely appreciated Vegan Tom Yum Soup (Tom Yam Fried Rice, Tom Yam Chicken & Tom Yam Mee Hoon). 

Malaysian Style Sambal Sandwich

Sambal and Malaysians. In fact sambal and even Indonesians? Remember, we did speak about this our sambal love previously (Sambal Goreng Terasi)? Not once I suppose, maybe repeated a couple of times (Dried Shrimp Sambal & Sambal Udang)? We did and the other we spoke about as well was bread (Asian Egg Mayonnaise Sambal)?  Me of course am a number one sambal woman (Malaysian Fish Sambal) and I will proudly progress. How about sambal in bread (Sardine Rolls) and generously lathered atop home made chicken patty? Ohalalala yum! Malaysian Style Sambal Sandwich utterly and sincerely is Malaysian belonging and longing. Of course there have been other variances of sandwiches and even burgers I have shared before and let me quote just one instead flooding overdoing it (Tuna Burgers). Having said that, nothing can close to this Malaysian Style Sambal Sandwich (Malaysian Spicy Sour Fish Soup Noodles, Malaysian Style Fried Mee Hoon, Malaysian Chicken Chop, Malaysian Indian Fish Curry & Malaysian Lamb Stew). Power locking spiciness, soft and tender chicken patty, cheese slices and of course toasted bread. Sounds fabulous and I bet mouthwatering right (Malaysian Eggs Benedicts, Malaysian Chilli Crab, Malaysian Fried Mee & Malaysian Fried Rice)?

Sambal Goreng Teri

What is Sambal Goreng Teri? Sambal Goreng Teri basically is an Indonesian Ikan Bilis/Anchovies Sambal. That's right. Says it all right? The popularity of crunchy and dried in the sun, salty tiny fish in Indonesia (Sambal Terasi & Ikan Balado) and we Malaysians? Oh-my, ask this typical Malaysian and she will unveil all of it (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Asam Pedas Ikan & Sambal Sotong) on ikan teri, or ikan bilis and sambal too (Sambal Petai Ikan Bilis, Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis, Ikan Bilis Mee Hoon & Sambal Udang Petai). Of course, even salted fish/ikan asin/ikan masin is an undisputed love for Malaysians and I think must be the love for Indonesians as well.  However, if you are expecting a typical Sambal Goreng Teri, either you will be disappointed or you will truly fall in love for my version. Different, unique and spicy power packed, some kacang panjang/long beans as well, and scented by serai/lemongrass Sambal Goreng Teri (Salted Fish Soup, Masak Lemak Ikan Masin & Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin). 

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.  

Cabbage Upkari

Cabbage Upkari (Cabbage Thoran). A simple, Konkani style cabbage stir fry. Konkani by the way is the official language in Goa and Goa obviously being seated on India map (Baingan Bharta, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup, Aam ka Achaar, Andra Sambar & Tofu Manchurian). There's definitely various, hell of lot of cooking style to how you can stir fry cabbage in an Indian style. At the end of it all, its up to you.of course. You can refer to recipes or perhaps you can coin your own (Vegetable Kadhi, Vegan Potato Curry, Indian Mango Chutney, Kurkuri Bhindi, Carrot Poriyal & Beans Thoran) because nothing is brain cracking for stir frying cabbage and you can opt for a couple of ingredients or add other much more suitable ingredients for a lavish kinda Cabbage Upkari which definitely is a vegetarian dish. My this style Cabbage Upkari? Sliced cabbage (Spinach Tofu Stir Fry) alongside chana dal (Chloe Masala & Dhal Rice), cumin seeds, onion, green chilli and turmeric powder. That's it. Tempting vibrant yellow hue and satisfying Cabbage Upkari.

Tuna Thoran

Tuna and Thoran? Synonymous in Kerala (Parippu Pradhaman, Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry), whether you use fresh catch tuna or canned tuna. For me personally, Tuna Thoran (Cabbage Thoran & Beans Thoran) basically is a stir fry (Chicken Varuval) and can be stir fried with or without grated coconut (Kiri Hodi) or we might as well take the convenience of coconut oil in case we can't run or rush to buy coconut for thoran. My style to Tuna Thoran (Tuna Burgers & Tuna Cutlets)? Aha! I think I told you before, this habit of adding potatoes and looked like I automatically added without even thinking twice its a Kerala Thoran. Then again, there is no right and wrong to ingredients we prefer, especially when you are rushing for time in making Tuna Thoran? Of course. Tuna Thoran is actually a simplified dish though some people love to blow it up as though its a mind blogging dish to make. Basically, all you got to do is get the ingredients listed below ready, mostly our pantry user friendly ingredients right and stir fry to a dry style, worthy tastiness.

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).

Lemon Butter Salmon

So, a different kinda fish recipe today though fish is still the central ingredient. Yes foodies. Looks like there will be no end to my fish story and fish supposedly will forever be trended in my house (Nyonya Steamed Fish, Malabar Fish Curry & Thai Crispy Fish). Regardless, I broke free from those traditional and typical Asian style fish recipes. Yes I did. We need the change right? Of course. And the change in this form of a Western style dish (Tuna Burgers, Batter Fried Fish, Fish Sandwich & Baked Cornflakes Chicken), I decided to do Lemon Butter Salmon. Lemon Butter Salmon (Butter Prawns) baking basically (Baked Lemon Chicken). Of course when we put together salmon especially (Indian-Spiced Salmon & Grilled Salmon) alongside lemon (Thai Lemonade & Lemon Cashew Rice) and butter, we must include rosemary for the beautiful smell as well right? I know. As if these four ingredients must be in tandem? You bet. What else did I do? Pairing gorgeous and mouthwatering baked lemon butter salmon alongside baked potatoes and coleslaw. What a perfect, complete and simply inviting salmon platter food right? 

Moroccan Chicken Stew

Guys, I think I am trying to achieve international status cooking style. I think so. God! I am actually going all over the world, but not as in being in different countries. What I am trying to say is that I am trying recipes of different kinds from, this and that part of the world. Of course, Malaysian dishes are part and parcel of my cooking style and when we speak about Malaysian food, its not just my own kind dishes (Indian Masala Chicken Curry, Chicken Curry Potatoes & Chicken Varuval), I must also include other races and religion food delight (Chicken Devil Curry, Ayam Masak Merah & Easy Chicken Kebab). Furthermore, didn't you notice my Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese and the rest of the dishes from other parts of the world too (Thai Tomato Soup, Vietnamese Fish, Unagi Kabayaki & Bengali Fish Curry)? Of course, the list goes on and I can go on and on, so on and so forth, and quote other recipes as well (Egg Vindaloo, Hong Kong Style Steamed Fish, Egg Benedict, Prawn Cocktail, Rice Pilaf & Aloo Gosht). Much has already been spoken about, wouldn't you agree? Much has been unveiled on how far I have come and gone, and today, let's do this Moroccan Chicken Stew. As usual, let's work with the ingredients we already have in hand, maybe you need to get if not all, some of the ingredients? That too depends on you or you can look for the substitute in your kitchen as well. Moroccan Chicken Stew? Waking up your palates thick stew and succulent chicken deliciousness!

Cauliflower Pakora

No, no. Not the same as the previous Cauliflower Fritters. Trust me, it is not. But I must admit some similarities in the ingredients and of course for celebrating cauliflower (Aloo Gobi & Cauliflower Curry). Also for the end result as a crispy fried vegetarian (Vegan Potato Curry) side dish or even snack, and Cauliflower Pakora, undeniably I think will be a sell out. Anything fried is always a pick-up, wouldn't you agree? Remember, I have already told you before (Bitter Gourd Chips & Crispy Fried Okra)? That's right. Cauliflower Pakora ingredients requirement? Already listed below and these are of course, caulilower cut into florets and individually dipped into a chickpea, rice flour and spices infused batter and, oh-yes, fried for crunchiness. Outer crunchiness and soft melting moment inside cauliflower.

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?

Indian Masala Chicken Curry

Guys, especially those of you who cook regularly, tell me. What can potentially be different for any kinda Indian Masala Curry? If you are asking me, masala is basically a composite of various types of spices. You can of course opt for ready made spice mixtures (Butter Chicken) or even you can mix the types of spice powders (Mutton Bone Marrow Curry & Cashew Masala Chicken) and definitely nothing like a home made masala (Navratan Korma) or curry paste (Thai Chicken Green Curry). Certainly. For me personally, it all depends. Depends on my mood, depends on time I have in hand and depends too on what's already stocked up at home. It all basically depends and depends on country or area specific as well. Some spices are more in popularity in certain countries or region or each individual state.What about this Indian Masala Chicken Curry of Malaysia (Malaysian Chicken Chop) by this Malaysian (Chicken Curry With Potatoes, Curry Chicken Noodles & Indian Chicken Curry)? Alright. I was definitely in the mood for some extra work and I made the curry paste. The aromatic and full bodied curry paste in which chicken (Sweet Chilli Chicken, Ayam Masak Merah & Grilled Chicken Wings) was cooked to the right texture. Indian Masala Chicken Curry (Indian Mango Chutney)? Believe me. Oh-my-my. Just so appetizing and kicking in the customary, beautiful and lovable tastes (Baked Cornflakes Chicken, Braised Chicken Feet, Easy Chicken Kebab & Baked Lemon Chicken). 

Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas

Ikan Masin. Salted Fish. Oh my goodness! My all time, anytime favourite. In fact, I won't mind every day and for every meal. Then again, too much of saltiness (Dried Shrimp Sambal, Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis Petai & Ikan Bilis Fried Rice) has been said as not good for our health (Kangkung Belacan)? I know. Yet, I can't resist salted fish and if you really give it a good soak and rinse, I think salted fish should be okay right? I think so. Masak Lemak on the other hand is the typical Malay style dish (Ikan Assam Pedas, Ayam Goreng Berempah & Petai Prawn Sambal), or can be said as the non-vegetarian version of our Indian sodhi. Both basically showcasing coconut milk as the core or one of the primary ingredients (Nasi Lemak Prawn Sambal & Coconut Grapefruit Jelly). Alright, let's now get down to the business of cooking Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas (Salted Fish Pickle, Pada Salt Fish Pickle & Salted Fish Mango Sambal). Salted fish/ikan masin, coconut milk, pineapple/nenas and a grounded/blended paste made from chilies, fresh turmeric, onion, garlic, belacan and lemongrass/serai, and garnished with turmeric leaves (Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin, Pumpkin Salt fish Curry, Pineapple Salted Fish Curry & Bean Sprouts Salted Fish).  

Dalcha (Dhal Mutton Curry)

You know what? I made another version of Dalcha. Remember the previous? Dalca - Mutton Dhal Curry? That's right. But before you jump the gun, lemme assure you that its not the same. Not similar basically. Another, the other side of mutton and dhal being celebrated as the two core ingredients. Mutton of course, as you know or don't, I won't deny is one of those we long for every now and then until, the various types of mutton dishes I have already shared with all of you (Mutton Parathal, Indian Mutton Meatball Soup, Mutton Soup, Mutton Kurma, Masala Mutton Curry, Mutton Keema & Devil's Curry) speaks for themselves. In fact, if you are asking me, you can go ahead and use lamb as well (Lamb Kofta Curry & Lamb Spaghetti) for dalcha or maybe beef or you think chicken it can be? Of course, like I have already told you, lentils or dhal for our Indian cooking undeniably? You tell me (Mysore Sambar, Dhal Rice, Drumstick Sambar, Fish Sambar & Bitter Gourd Sambar). So, how do we make Dalcha? Listed below are the ingredients. Dhal, mutton, spices, veggies and for the creamy touch, instead of coconut milk, I added yogurt (Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup).

Lamb Spaghetti

Oh my lamb. Mary had a little lamb! Lamb. We don't mind. We sometimes take a break from mutton which of course is forever our favorite (Devil's Curry & Easy Mutton Curry). Then again, lamb sort can be the substitute as well. Actually, come to think of it, we are not really particular. Lamb usually the call for curries (Lamb Rogan Josh & Lamb Kofta Curry), of course every now and then, me and my thinking cap for a different kinda lamb dish (Malaysian Lamb Stew & Lamb Fried Rice). In fact, I can proudly say that lamb has been the star ingredients for other dishes as well (Lamb Pho & Lamb Burgers). And right now, lemme introduce to you Lamb Spaghetti. Not to say there are not other lamb spaghetti recipes, but this one, is my Malaysian Asian version (Shrimp Pho). My style, my way, my food story and my dish for my convenience. Spaghetti and spinach in a scented by bay leaves and fresh rosemary sauce, a tiny bit of spiciness from paprika and cheese atop. A winner? Would you agree or you don't? Yeh or neh?