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.
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recipes. Show all posts
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Sunday, September 10, 2023
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.
Sunday, August 20, 2023
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.
Wednesday, August 16, 2023
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!
Tuesday, August 8, 2023
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).
Monday, July 24, 2023
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.
Thursday, July 13, 2023
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.
Friday, July 7, 2023
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.
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
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.
Monday, June 19, 2023
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.
Monday, June 12, 2023
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.
Thursday, June 8, 2023
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.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
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.
Saturday, June 3, 2023
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
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 ad...

-
Sodhi. Coconut milk infused and laced ( Shrimp Coconut Milk ) Indian coconut stew. In fact, sodhi is the branching of Masak Lemak ( Vegetar...
-
Look at this earthen pot and in it thick, salty, spicy and vibrantly exciting to our palates and eyes Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumb...
-
By the third day, Iphone 7 started showing its dark side. Really a terrifying-horrible shocking discovery, it kept rebooting every n...