Embracing the Fiery Passion: The Indispensable Chillies in Malaysian Cuisine and Gardening

In Malaysia, the love for spiciness runs deep in our culinary culture. Chillies, with their fiery punch, are an essential ingredient that adds a delightful kick to our dishes or serves as a zesty accompaniment. As Malaysians, we simply can't imagine our meals without that familiar spiciness. Whether it's a dash of sliced chillies mixed with lime juice and soy sauce or vinegar-soaked chillies, the craving for that distinct heat on our palates is insatiable. Join me as I share my experiences of seeking chillies abroad, the joys and challenges of gardening them, and the intrinsic connection between chillies and our well-being.

Effortless Indian-Style Kachumber Salad: A Tangy, Spicy, and Crunchy Delight

Are you craving a salad that bursts with tangy, spicy, and crunchy flavors, without the hassle of cooking (Malay Style Okra Salad)? Look no further than the North Indian-style Kachumber Salad - a refreshing, no-cook delight (Turkish Cucumber Salad) that will elevate your dining experience. This zesty salad pairs perfectly with rice (Thai Papaya Salad), complements burgers, and is a mouthwatering topping for hot dogs in soft buns. The best part? It requires minimal effort, making it an excellent choice for entertaining guests (Indonesian Water Spinach Salad) or enjoying a quick, healthy treat. Prepare this salad in advance, refrigerate it, and serve it chilled - a perfect appetizer for any occasion.

The Enchanting World of Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger: A Culinary Treasure for Urban Farmers

Discover the captivating allure of Bunga Kantan, also known as Torch Ginger or Torch Lily - adelightful flower that can transform your urban or home garden (Ylang Ylang) into a culinary wonderland. This exotic plant not only adds a touch of elegance to your space but also infuses local Malaysian, Indonesian, and Thai dishes with its mesmerizing fragrance. Join me as I share my journey of growing and using Bunga Kantan to elevate my culinary adventures.

Growing Journey and Lessons Learned

A decade ago, my first attempt to grow Bunga Kantan ended in disappointment due to improper soil preparation, causing the roots to rot. Not one to be discouraged, I gave it another shot four years back, this time in a spacious pot. However, the plant seemed constrained, longing for more space to thrive. Deciding to transfer it to the open ground outside my zen space proved to be the turning point, as it began to flourish, rewarding me with its exquisite flowers.

Turmeric Black Cumin Rice - A Health is Wealth Dish

There's a common misconception that rice should be avoided if you're trying to lose weight. However, that couldn't be further from the truth! With the right approach, you can still enjoy a small portion of rice and maintain a balanced diet (Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice). Today, I bring you a delicious and wholesome rice dish that combines the goodness of turmeric and black cumin. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds (Malay Style Turmeric Rice) but also contributes to your overall well-being (Blue Pea Rice). Let's dive into the delightful world of Turmeric Black Cumin Rice!

Delicious Homemade Pakistani Biryani: A Vegetarian Twist

Making biryani at home (Burmese Biryani) is not something that happens every day. It involves a bit of time and effort to gather all the ingredients, but thankfully, the cooking process is simplified with the use of a rice cooker (Vegetable Biryani). Occasionally, however, biryani becomes a special treat, especially when I have guests coming over. Entertaining is a rare occasion for me, considering the amount of work involved - from cooking to serving, and not to forget the cleaning up afterward. But this time, I was in the mood for something extraordinary (Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani).

Rendang Minangkabau/Chicken Rendang

When it comes to rendang, the world of flavors opens up with various types to explore (Chicken Rendang). While the common rendang is widely known, let's embark on a flavorful adventure with Rendang Minangkabau, a true gem originating from Indonesia. During recent trip to Indonesia, I had the pleasure of savoring this exquisite dish that is often found alongside other delectable offerings in the Nasi Padang spread. While the cooking technique may resemble the traditional rendang, the ingredients used in Rendang Minangkabau (Mutton Rendang) possess their own unique twist. In the attached video, I shared my firsthand experience and knowledge of Rendang Minangkabau (Vegetarian Mutton Rendang), but now let's delve into the tantalizing recipe. Gather these ingredients to recreate the magic in your own kitchen.

Effortless Spinach and Lentil Delights: Nourishing Recipes Made Easy

Spinach, a leafy green vegetable packed with essential nutrients, has become a favorite for many due to its affordability and ease of cultivation in urban settings. Not only are spinach leaves a healthy addition to your diet, but their seeds also offer an opportunity for urban farming enthusiasts to grow their own fresh produce. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of spinach, its effortless cultivation, and a simple yet delicious recipe that is budget-friendly.

Thai Green Egg Curry

When it comes to cooking Thai dishes, I consider myself quite the enthusiast (Tomyam Fish & Thai Green Papaya Salad). With a passion for culinary exploration, I embarked on a remarkable journey across the vibrant landscapes of Thailand, immersing myself in the rich tapestry of their cuisine. From bustling markets to humble home kitchens, I eagerly absorbed the essence of Thai food (Vegan Thai Fried Rice & Thai Red Prawn Curry) through firsthand experiences and encounters with generous individuals who graciously shared their treasured recipes. Today, I'm thrilled to add another gem to my collection of Thai culinary delights - the exquisite Thai Green Egg Curry.

Exquisite Delights: The Aromatic Fusion of Curry Leaf Coconut Oil Rice

If you've been following my culinary adventures, it's no secret that I have a deep love for rice (Butterfly Blue Pea Flower Rice). Today, I want to share with you a rice dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fits perfectly into a weight loss journey. Yes, you heard that right - you can still enjoy rice while shedding those extra pounds. Now, let's talk about dinner. I personally tend to avoid rice in the evening because it takes longer to digest, and we tend to be less active after our last meal of the day. Those unburned calories can easily lead to unwanted weight gain. However, I have a solution for you: a moderate portion of rice, primarily for lunch, and for dinner, a healthy and aromatic rice dish (Turmeric Rice & Lemongrass Rice) that will leave you satisfied without worrying about the calories.

Nava's Masala Crab: A Spicy Delight for Seafood Lovers

Having crab (Thai Green Crab Curry) at home is truly a feast for us. It's not something we indulge in regularly, but every few months, the craving for a delectable crab (Malaysian Chilli Crab) dish arises. In our Indian family, we particularly relish crab prepared in a thick masala or curry gravy - a tantalizing blend of spices (Crab Curry) that ignites our taste buds. When it comes to cooking crab, I reserve the legs or claws for a flavorful Indian crab soup or crab rasam (Crab Soup & Crab Rasam), while the bodies take center stage in a fiery and aromatic dish. Pairing these two preparations together with a simple stir fry completes our seafood extravaganza.

Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers

The Butterfly Blue Pea flower, also known as Bunga Telang, offers numerous benefits. You can easily grow them with the seeds, whether in a pot or on the ground, and they will sprout easily, even without fertilizer. This makes them a convenient choice for gardening enthusiasts (Cultivating Convenient Gardening). The plant is well-suited for the Asian climate, thriving in warm and tropical environments. In Nava's Zen garden, I cultivate these flowers on the fence, enjoying their vibrant blooms and reaping the benefits they offer. I harness their extract as a natural and preservative-free ingredient for cooking. One delightful dish I create is Butterfly Blue Flower Rice, or Nasi Bunga Telang. 

Revitalize Your Senses with Lemongrass Honey Tea: A Refreshing Wellness Brew

Lemongrass holds many healing properties and can be grown in pots or on the ground, thriving in Asian climates. When combined with the renowned health benefits of green tea and the natural sweetness of honey (though it should be used sparingly if controlling sugar levels), Lemongrass Honey Tea becomes a readily available homemade beverage. Start your day on a refreshing note with this invigorating and calming drink.

Malay Okra Salad/Kerabu Bendi (Vegetarian)

As the trend of vegetarianism gains momentum (Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh & Plant Based Tofu Rendang) more and more people are embracing this lifestyle for reasons they hold dear. It's a commendable choice that aligns with the principles of sustainable development. Ideally, individuals who choose vegetarianism also adopt other eco-friendly (The Eco-Friendly Delight of Banana Leaves) practices such as cultivating their own vegetables, conserving energy, and nurturing nature in various ways, however small. While I'm not a strict vegetarian myself (Plant Based Masala Tofu & Vegetarian Long Beans) I take a minimalist approach to consuming meat. As part of our corporate mission at Nava's Zen, I prioritize growing vegetables and herbs, practicing rainwater harvesting, and fostering a harmonious relationship with the natural world.

Embracing Nature's Bounty: The Eco-Friendly Delight of Banana Leaves in Nava's Zen

At Nava's Zen, our commitment to sustainable development and environmental preservation runs deep. We understand the intrinsic connection between fitness and nature, and as both a fitness enthusiast and a gardener (Culivating Convenient Gardening), I am proud to cultivate this synergy. One aspect of our eco-friendliness is our profound appreciation for the produce we grow, incorporating it into our culinary practices. Among our cherished treasures is the versatile banana leaf. While modern alternatives like banana leaf plates exist, we remain loyal to our natural commitments, recognizing the multitude of benefits that banana leaves offer. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also keep food warm and contribute to pollution reduction. Moreover, banana leaves enhance the visual appeal of food styling and presentation. Growing banana trees is an accessible endeavor, even in substantial-sized pots or smaller-sized varieties (Blossoming Passion: Gardening). At Nava's Zen, we wholeheartedly embrace eco-friendliness as our way of honoring and cherishing nature.