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). 

Cravings Restaurant - Kota Kemuning, Shah Alam

By far, the one and only decent watering hole in Kota Kemuning, Cravings is still standing tall after all these years. A pleasant-comfortable ambiance, Cravings is also akin spot-on for dining with friends, family or whoever you want. Even your secret admirers, nobody should stop you though. For us, Cravings has been the biggest major discovery when we slowly started exploring Kota Kemuning. Akin a bright star in a boring still upcoming area, consequently, we couldn't be more joyful for dining, as well as boozy nights in Cravings. Countless times I think. That's why we have bumped into the previous couple "Lady-Owners". Muhibbah couple. If you know what I am hinting at, catch it if you can or figure out or find out from Kota Kemuning pioneers like us. Much have changed since then, change of owners, albeit I can't tell you how many, obviously too a tiny bit of changes in the ambiance, albeit nothing prominent and Cravings still situated in a spacious corner lot. 

Mixed Vegetable Soup

And so like they say, if you really can't conclude what to cook for the day (Moroccan Pea Soup, Kashmiri Vegetable Soup, Kenchin Jiru/Japanese Vegetable Soup, Moo Gook/Korean Radish Soup & Caldo Verde/Portuguese Potato Soup) and you also want to clear your fridge, plus the weather is chilling your bones, what else can be a new story in our kitchen? Wouldn't you agree it should potentially be a soup story? A soup as well (Thai Tomato Soup, Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup & Chinese Tofu Soup), for also, like I have already said, for saving all the vegetables in the fridge before they permanently bid bye-bye? Such a waste right? Throwing away ingredients? As if you are throwing away money as well? Of course (Old Cucumber Soup, Burdock Root Soup, Winter Melon Soup & Turmeric Tomato Soup). Moreover, there's no leaps and bounds for a soup. By far, anything goes? Literally whatever, like for this Mixed Vegetable Soup. Of course, we must have aroma and scent for an Indian soup and we can't run far away from spices. All about worthiness. The worthiness of slurping or drenching Mixed Vegetable Soup over rice prior to finger and hand tucking in. I mean, nothing like our fingers leading the way when its an Indian soup in rice instead of soup being a starter (Pumpkin Soup, Creamy Mushroom Soup & Onion Soup). Oh, before I forget, vegetable stock and butter does mountain heaps of luxurious goodness in Mixed Vegetable Soup.

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)?

Tomato Rice Pilaf

Rice and rice, and more rice please. I am not complaining, neither will I ever. Rice! Oh-god, without rice I have no food life. I basically love rice. In fact, I am an avid and number one rice lover which I think by far says it all about me the typical Malaysian. Albeit I stay away from rice in the morning (Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang). Of course every now and then I let go, and when its lunch next, not rice again or maybe I skip lunch because a rice meal by itself is filling for keeping your hunger throne in place for half a day or even 3/4 a day. Moreover, speak about those utterly wholesome rice dishes (Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani, Vegetable Briyani, Cantonese Fried Rice & Malaysian Fried Rice). Regardless, we also have the rice dishes which are just one higher step to plain rice. The ones we tuck into alongside a main dish and other side dishes (Mint Rice, Curry Leaves Rice, Turmeric Rice, Coriander Rice & Cumin Rice). How about Tomato Rice Pilaf, are you asking me (Rice Pilaf & Tomato Rice)? Well, it can be the next door to simplicity or across to the other side, far end compatibility (Dhal Rice & Ghee Rice). How do we go about making Tomato Rice Pilaf?  Of course, you need tomatoes, otherwise, I don't know what to say and this is also another one of my cooked in the rice cooker rice dish. Buttery, garlic and rosemary scented and tadbit of sweetness and sourness from tomato (Tomato Soup & Tomato Chutney). Tomato Rice Pilaf? Let there be an ultimate rice food joy!   

Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal

Basically when you have exhausted the avenue for a dal curry, you then have to think further. In other words, should you get down to the same kinda legume based curry or you should be on the lookout for a different kinda dal curry (Shahi Gobi). In fact, I won't say Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal is unfamiliar to me (Aam Ka Achaar & Tamatar ki Chutney) because those days mum used to roll out hot ghee loaded chappati from the tawa and chappati by far must be paired alongside a dal curry. What could have been more fantastic fab, but a Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal. Pretty much, like I have already told you, a dal curry but made with moong dal or you can even address it as green bean or pea (Sweet Green Bean Porridge & Bean Sprout Omelette) and dal by far as you know, must be part of our Indian household staple. How can we Indians not make a dal or lentil curry at least once a week until I have gone through quite a number of different dal tunnels (Fish Sambar, Drumstick Sambar, Tanni Saar & Mysore Sambar) and for the outcome of other dishes as well (Cabbage Upkari, Chloe Masala, Dhal Rice & Mulligatawny Soup). Henceforth, what else became new for me when I had to make another dal dish? Obviously, Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal. Packing a waking up punch (Bengali Fish Croquettes) on our palates for its spicy, tangy and creamy absolute tastes (Baingan Bharta, Bengali Fish Curry & Eggplant Tikka). 

Shahi Gobi

Oh-My-My! What a royalty right? I bet at the first look of Shahi Gobi (Shahi Mutton, Aloo Gosht, Rogan Josh & Murgh Makhani) you must have salivated? If you are asking me, you should because this gobi curry or cauliflower curry is one I put together after really giving my thinking a true and sincere thought prior to getting down to making. Furthermore, picking up cauliflower has become like a habit. In fact I seriously can't resist cauliflower which by the way is a favourite veggie amongst Indians. Why not when cauli is affordable and you can actually make a whole list of dishes (Cauliflower Pakora, Cauliflower Fritters & Cauliflower Curry)? This dish, that dish, cauli by itself in a curry or alongside a combo of other veggies or as a stir fry (Aloo Gobi & Chilli Aloo) for a simple dish, but for Shahi Gobi which definitely must be ranked really high due to its richness, creaminess and like I have already told you, a royalty (Baingan Bharta, Navratan Korma & Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani), you need to work around the quintessential ingredients for Mughlai cuisine. Nevertheless, its all worthiness because Shahi Gobi is sincerely topnotch to our tastebuds (Cabbage Upkari, Eggplant Tikka, Tamatar ki Chutney & Palakura Pappu). 

Cari Poisson

Cari Poisson! Are you going like, where is this fish curry from? Well, from the shores of Mauritius. Cari Poisson/Mauritian Fish Curry, as I have already told you, is the fish curry made in Mauritius. Of course when we speak about fish curry of Indian descent, obviously spices will lead the way, wouldn't you agree (Bengali Fish Curry, Malaysian Indian Fish Curry & Malabar Fish Curry). In fact, spices are generally the needed ingredients for most Indian curry dishes throughout the world (Goan Prawn Curry, Devil's Curry, Sura Meem Kulambu & Indian Okra Curry) and shouldn't we include chillies as well? Chillies alongside spices in the curry paste or mixture, or chillies as in other Asian dishes (Ikan Balado, Thai Green Fish Curry, Fish Sambar & Kerala Fish Fry). We in Malaysian are also not short of spices and our spice roots originating from Straits of Malacca? My this version of Cari Poisson? I opted for ikan kembung, our affordable local catch and instead of aubergine, brinjals are also spectacular for the outcome of this thick,scrumptious and waking up your palates immediately Mauritian Fish Curry (Indian Spiced Salmon, Unagi Kabayaki & Vietnamese Fish).

Sardin Masak Lemak Cili Padi

Guys, I need to tell you something prior with regards to this Sardin Masak Lemak Cili Padi, our Malaysian Malay famed dish (Gado Gado, Asam Pedas Ikan & Sambal Petai Bilis). Perhaps you already know it, or best for me to let you know. Masak Lemak is basically comparable to our Indian coconut stew (Sodhi) because the core ingredient is coconut milk, which is also a favourite ingredient for Asian savory and sweet dishes. However, generally, sodhi is a vegetarian stew, whereas masak lemak is an amalgamation of meat or fish. Remember, I have already shared a similar recipe before (Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas) in which I added salted fish and pineapple for the bold profound Malaysian tastes (Salted Fish Pickle, Pumpkin Salted Fish Curry, Pineapple Salted Fish Curry & Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin)? Sardin Masak Lemak Cili Padi (Sardine Coconut Birds Eye Chilli) is also not short of an explosion of, most or less, similar explosion of spicy, creamy and tangy tastes. But its a different style to cooking, in the sense we will make the spice paste first, made from our forever favorite local herbs and ingredients, followed by the actual simmering of coconut milk and sardine alongside. Alright. What's your say on Sardin Masak Lemak Cili Padi and will it make an appearance on your dining table? If you are asking, Sardin Masak Lemak Cili Padi is unforgettable (Nasi Dagang, Laksam Kelantan, Sayur Lodeh & Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang). 

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!

Rasam - Tangy Peppery Indian Soup (home made rasam podi/powder)

Rasam. Indian Pepper Soup. Our, if you are asking me, our Indian healthy and akin magical soup. Rasam is definitely a popularity in our Indian household (Drumstick Sambar, Indian Mango Chutney & Vegan Potato Curry) and of course, in any Indian restaurant (Navratan Korma) for the matter. I have already spoken about rasam before right? In fact, not once? And I have also shared a couple of rasam recipes before (Mor Rasam, Egg Rasam, Indian Crab Rasam, Indian Crab Soup & Instant Rasam)? Usually, me settling for ready made, store bought rasam powder, sometimes I won't mind pounding the spices and for this rasam, I actually made a different standard of rasm powder, aka, rasam podi. Recipe pinched from my mum and rasam powder can be prior made and store, and used as and when we need for a home style cooking rasam. The spicy, tangy (Pavakkai Puli Kulambu) and tadbit of heat from pepper Indian soup (Indian Spiced Salmon, Rice Pilaf & Cucumber Yogurt Salad).

Tom Yum Goong

Tom Yum Goong! The other side of the coin to Tom Yum Soup (Seafood Tom Yum Soup). In fact, I found out that Tom Yum Goong is the most well known variety of tom yum (Tom Kha Gai & Tom Yum Chicken) and usually, make use of prawns or shrimps (Tom Yum Prawn Fried Rice), but I decided I will go for a combo of seafood and I also decided I will tweet the originality of the recipe. Regardless, we still need the customary Thai ingredients (Spicy Thai Noodles, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Thai Vegetable Curry & Shrimp Pad Thai Salad) and instead of lime juice, it should be tamarind juice or you can use both as well, depending on hour sour you like tom yum goong to be and I also sauteed the herbs for aroma to rise up (Thai Steamed Fish, Thai Green Fish Curry & Thai Carrot Soup). Next was, of course, adding the rest of the ingredients, seasoning, tasting for perfecting the big, bold tastes and coriander leaves garnished before serving. Tom Yum Goong! Gosh! Simply fabulous. Spiciness, tanginess and double doze of aroma. Kaffir lime leaves and coriander leaves.

Shahi Mutton Curry

Shahi Mutton Curry, or Mughlai Mutton Curry. Rich, creamy, thick and call it a royal mutton curry (Navratan Korma & Lamb Rogan Josh), Shahi Mutton Curry simply packs bags and bags of  flavours (Mutton Devil's Curry, Masala Mutton Curry & Mutton Parathal) which will wake up your taste buds almost instantly until you most probably will long for more or you just can't stop eating. Believe me. And in my house, can you imagine how it would have been after I made this really attractive and eye popping Shahi Mutton Curry? Eaten alongside Cumin Coriander Rice and Stir Fried Turmeric Cabbage. Oh my goodness! Truly a royal meal and after eating by taking our own time, we could hardly move. Then again, each time I cook mutton (Mutton Soup, Mutton Dalca, Indian Mutton Meatball Soup & Mutton Kurma), mostly of course as a dry or thick masala based curry (Mutton Bone Marrow Curry, Easy Mutton Curry, Mutton Varuval & Mutton Keema) its the same story as well and we love it as well when we actually bite and ripe the meat out of mutton bones and then we will still continue with nibbling the bones and also helping ourselves to rice and stir fried veggie. Sounds familiar? The same thing in your house too?  Shahi Mutton Curry as I have already told you is full of spices and ghee richness, fabulous deliciousness.

Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu

What should I possibly say about pavakkai, aka, bitter gourd? Healthiness of course right? Bitterness for healthiness? Certainly. Then again, getting kids to tuck into bitter gourd. Can be quite a thing right? We adults on the other hand once we realise we need bitter gourd especially when age catches up mostly? I know. I too have not been a been fan of bitter gourd when I was younger, but now I am appreciated it for also keeping my other half-half's diabetes in control (Bitter Gourd Sambar & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry). Today ladies and gentlemen, I bring you this Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu. In other words, bitter gourd sour or tangy curry. A vegetarian version indeed (Indian Tofu Curry, Vegetarian Mutton Stir Fry, Indian Mango Chutney, Eggplant Tikka Masala & Thai Vegetable Curry) and for elevating it further, I added potatoes. Potatoes. No harm done right? Of course. In fact, potatoes cutting through for mellowing bitter gourd's bitterness. Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu? Trust me, unforgettable. I bet you will love it to every drip and drop. 

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?

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!

Devil's Curry

Another devil listing? Another devil dish? Obviously. Can you still recall my previous two devils (Chicken Devil Curry & Devilled Prawns)? I hope you can still remember. Otherwise, flip over to the recipes. I think you should before you jump the gun, thinking that this Devil's Curry is gonna be the same. No. It is not I must assure you. But still, from the same Eurasian and Portuguese family. Sort of similar (Mee Siam, Egg Vindaloo, Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang & Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal). For this round of Devil's Curry, I opted for mutton (Easy Mutton Curry). Of course, the choice is yours. Between lamb (Lamb Kofta Curry), between pork, chicken, beef and prawns. Not sure if we can use fish unless you have tried or you are willing to try (Belacan Fish Sambal)? What else should I say? Pretty much chilli based (Chilli Lime Fish, Sambal Sotong, Spicy Noodles & Grilled Spicy Prawns) and a combination of spices and herbs and vinegar, as well as dark soy sauce and black pepper (Black Pepper Crab) for the lovable and finger licking goodness of this Devil's Curry (Curry Chicken Noodle). 

Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal

The other, another favourite of mine (Rendang Ayam/Chicken Rendang), though the same can't be said about my other half-half. Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal (Black Pompret in Sour Spicy Gravy) without is a delight for me. Always and forever. Anytime in fact (Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Noodle Soup). Tell me about it if you are another person like me. Those who just so love our traditional Malay dishes (Sambal Udang Petai, Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin, Pucuk Ubi Sambal Belacan, Fish Stuffed Sambal, Nasi Dagang &  Laksam Kelantan). Sambal based and sour notes dishes. These tastes coming from our local and affordable ingredients. Pretty much, how far can we run when our Malaysian Malay dishes (Gado Gado) are a concern? Pretty much, more or less the same ingredients? Yep. Sour notes from tamarind or we are also fond of dried tamarind pieces (Asam Fish Curry, Penang Asam Laksa, Tamarind Prawn Curry & Nyonya Fish Sambal), also known as asam keping and the scent of our easily grown local ingredients into this Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal (Bawal Kicap/Pompret Soy Sauce). Bang on! I seriously think will punch wake up your palates. Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal? The pride of our country (Vietnamese Fish Soup, Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Batter Fried Fish). 

Tomato Spinach Soup

Tomatoes. I need them. I sincerely must have them for my cooking ((Lamb Kofta Curry). My curries mostly are perfected with the sour tinge from tomatoes (Thai Green Fish Curry & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry) and pretty much for other dishes as well (Tomato Rice & Ayam Masak Merah). Tomatoes into soups. Of course. Why? You should (Chicken Vegetable Soup & Mor Rasam). Obviously so, I don't have say anything further about this Tomato Spinach Soup. Oh, yes-yes, I am all in for spinach too (Spinach Tofu Stir Fry). What's with this soup? A vegetarian version and my style as you know, for those of you who know me, I don't search, seek and search high and low for ingredients. I am pretty much the convenient cook. The cook who look within the hypermarket I am staying close by. Even for this Tomato Spinach Soup. The health is wealth soup. Simplicity in return speaking for itself (Turmeric Tomato Soup).