Ghee Masala Mutton Roast Recipe: Authentic Mutton Ghee Roast

When it’s festive season among Indians in Malaysia, a mutton dish is always a must. Don’t you agree? I certainly do! Mutton dishes, especially during Deepavali, are something I eagerly anticipate. What I love most is that mutton dishes can be made a day ahead, allowing the spices and flavors to really soak into the meat. When reheated, the gravy thickens, transforming into a rich, vibrant sauce that coats tender mutton pieces in all their glory (AUTHENTIC INDIAN MASALA CHICKEN CURRIES). 

Today, I’m not just sharing any ordinary mutton recipe. This is something truly special: Ghee Masala Mutton Roast, or Mutton Ghee Roast. Originating from Mangalore, this dish has many variations, but this is Ms. Nava's Zen Cuisine version - rich, bold, and absolutely mouthwatering (HYDERABADI VEGETABLE BIRYANI). It’s indulgent, yes, but as with all guilty pleasures, it’s important to enjoy it mindfully. Savor each bite, but don’t forget to balance it out with your Zen Yoga practice.

Top Malaysian Chinese Desserts: Leng Chee Kang

Leng Chee Kang is a refreshing Chinese dessert that’s perfect for hot weather, providing a delightful way to cool down. As a huge fan of this sweet treat, I can’t resist ordering it whenever I visit a Chinese coffee shop that features it. The stalls often offer a variety of options, allowing you to choose a traditional Leng Chee Kang or customize your bowl with specific ingredients like lotus nuts.

Making Leng Chee Kang is simple and straightforward. The ingredients are easily found in Chinese provision shops and mini markets (CHRYSANTHEMUM GOJI BERRY JELLY). You can purchase pre-packaged options that include all the essentials or select your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch.

Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani: Spice-Infused Rice Classic

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Let’s dive into the world of Hyderabadi Biryani. Known for its unique dum cooking method, this dish combines marinated meat and rice, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You have two varieties: kacchi (raw meat cooked with rice) and pakki (pre-cooked meat and rice layered together). It’s a fusion of Mughlai and local Andhra cuisines, often served with mirchi ka salan and raita for a truly delightful experience.

Now, here’s the truth - I’m not even sure if I’ve ever tasted authentic Hyderabadi Biryani. Plans to visit Hyderabad fell through, but I have enjoyed sensational biryanis in Kochi (KERALA: THE KALEISCOPE 0F EXPERIENCES) and New Delhi (NORTH INDIA: A SOULFUL REVELATION), each region offering its unique twist. At home, we lean towards vegetarian biryanis, paired with mutton curry and raita. My version, Ms. Nava’s Vegetable Hyderabadi Biryani, is cooked in a rice cooker and just as mouthwatering as any traditional biryani.

Easy Prawn Laksa Recipe: A Delicious Noodle Dish

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Are you intimidated by the thought of making laksa? Please don’t be, and don’t let others tell you it’s difficult. People love to boast, claiming that making laksa is a complex task, but in reality, it’s not.

Here’s a guide to help you out
Varieties of Laksa
As far as Ms. Nava knows, there are two main types: asam laksa (ASAM LAKSA VARIETIES) and curry laksa (SINGAPORE LAKSA: MS. NAVA'S VERSION). Let’s not delve into the versions that have been altered beyond recognition - let’s stick to the basics.

Vegetarian Noodle Soup: Chinese Choices and Variations

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Did you know that soup can nourish not just the body, but also the breath, mind, and soul? This is the essence of Zen cuisine - a mindful way of eating where simplicity and harmony are at the heart of every meal (5 EASY VEGETARIAN RECIPES).

 

There’s something almost magical about a Chinese soup infused with herbs, veggies, and ladled over tender noodles. The flavors blend together in a sensational way. While I’m not strictly vegetarian, I enjoy both meat (like my Chinese Herbal Pork Soup) and meatless meals. Nothing beats the depth of flavor from a homemade vegetable stock, which is key to a truly nourishing bowl.

Biskut Semperit (Kuih Dahlia) - Malaysian Custard Cookies

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Have you ever tasted the delightful crunch of a Semperit cookie? Whether you call them custard cookies, Biskut Semperit, or Kuih Semperit - also known as Biskut Dahlia or Kuih Dahlia when shaped into a dahlia flower - these cookies evoke nostalgia and celebrate a cherished heritage (EASY EGGLESS VANILLA BUTTER COOKIES). These Malay heritage cookies are beloved for their crumbly texture and attractive appearance. 

They hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate them and will never go out of style during festivals, especially during Hari Raya, where they are often served as a treat for guests and enjoyed with family (CHILI CHOCOLATE COOKIES).

Singapore Laksa: Ms. Nava's Version

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Confession time: This Singapore Laksa might not be the traditional, authentic version. While I’ve tasted what’s labeled as "Singapore Laksa" here and there, I must confess - I’ve never actually been to Singapore. Strange, right? Despite a few plans, none ever materialized, so I’ve yet to taste the famed Singapore Laksa in Singapore.

But here's the thing - I’m a big fan of laksa, whether it’s the curry or asam version. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed them many times and even made several variations of curry laksa myself (HOMEMADE VEGETARIAN CURRY LAKSA, SARAWAK LAKSA & ASAM LAKSA VARIATIONS). After some reading, I realized there’s not much difference between Singapore Laksa and Malaysian Laksa, except that Singapore's version is said to be more lemak (rich and creamy), thanks to the extra coconut milk.

Cempedak Goreng Rangup: Crispy Delight with Black Sesame

Aha! We Malaysians are incredibly familiar with cempedak, and if you’re in Indonesia or Thailand, I’m sure you know exactly which fruit Ms. Nava is referring to! Cempedak is a tropical fruit native to Southeast Asia, closely related to jackfruit but smaller in size. Its outer skin is rough and greenish-brown, while the flesh inside is soft, yellow, and sweet with a distinctive aroma. The texture is creamy, and the flavor is a blend of banana, mango, and durian, making it truly unique.

Nyonya Lam Mee: Hearty and Nourishing Choice

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Noodles (MALACCA'S NYONYA FOOD FIESTA) are a delightful culinary experience, offering a welcome break from the routine of rice-based meals. Particularly enjoyable during wet and chilly weather, noodles provide warmth and satisfaction to the palate. Among the various noodle dishes I've explored, my preference often leans toward the soupy varieties. Soups, after all, are not only nourishing but also filling, making them an excellent choice for those mindful of their weight. The key is to opt for soups rich in proteins and loaded with vegetables, steering clear of heavy, calorie-laden options. 

 

When you desire more substance in your meal, incorporating noodles into your soup is a fantastic option. Today, the market offers a wide range of healthier noodle choices, making it easier to align your meals with your wellness goals.

Authentic Indian Masala Chicken Curries & Dry Recipes

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Making masala chicken curry is absolutely doable! Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Even if your first attempt isn’t perfect, remember that cooking is about learning from mistakes. Here’s a dose of encouragement: You’ve got this!.

 

Here’s What to Keep in Mind

Masala Basics

Masala means curry paste or spice mix. It sounds fancy, but it’s quite simple.

Types of Masalas

Different masalas create unique flavors. Experiment with them to find your favorites.

Homemade Vegetarian Curry Laksa & Curry Mee - Malaysian Style

There’s always a delightful vegetarian dish emerging from Ms. Nava’s kitchen (EASIEST MALAYSIAN VEGETARIAN NASI LEMAK). Today, we have the renowned Malaysian Curry Laksa, also known as Curry Mee. You might be wondering what the difference is between Curry Laksa and Curry Mee. To me, it’s quite simple: both are essentially the same dish. Curry Mee typically refers to the type of noodles used, namely the yellow or egg noodles. Additionally, there are various styles and regional variations to explore.

I’ve also prepared a Thai-style Vegetarian Curry Laksa, which you can find in my recipe for Siamese Laksa. Moreover, I’m including a recipe for Vegetarian Curry Mee that I created quite a while back; it remains a favorite and is definitely worth a try. 

Easy Eggless Homemade Vanilla Butter Cookies for All Occasions

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Indulge in the bliss of homemade cookies that are not only soft, buttery, and vanilla-scented but also incredibly easy to make with pantry-friendly ingredients. These delightful treats aren’t just for festive occasions; they’re perfect for any day when you crave something sweet. Your kids will adore every melt-in-the-mouth bite (INDULGENT CHEESECAKE RECIPES).

What’s more, these cookies are eggless and require minimal effort - just a handful of ingredients. When choosing your vanilla essence, invest in high-quality options rather than synthetic ones to truly elevate the flavor and aroma of your cookies. This recipe highlights purity and taste while keeping health in mind for both kids and adults. Forget fancy cookie cutters; a simple fork will do the trick, just like with the CHILLI CHOCOLATE COOKIES. Plus, a basic hand mixer will save you time and energy in the baking process. Enjoy the simple pleasure of making these scrumptious cookies. 

Chili Chocolate Cookies (Eggless)

Have you ever made chili chocolate cookies? I’ll be honest - it was my first attempt. I got the idea after watching cooking shows that combined chili and chocolate. I thought, “Why not?” since I was already in the baking mood (PEANUT COOKIES & FA SANG WOO).

I needed to buy a box of cocoa powder, but luckily I had some cayenne pepper at home. The rest of the ingredients were already in my pantry. So, I decided to bake chili chocolate cookies, and to my surprise, everyone who tasted them loved them (NYONYA PINEAPPLE TARTS). The bitterness of the cocoa, the sweetness of the sugar, and the touch of spiciness from the chilies created a perfect balance. Wow! I’m sure you can’t wait to bake these eggless chili cookies.

Easiest Malaysian Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe

How about a simple yet satisfying Vegetarian Nasi Lemak? Nasi Lemak is a beloved Malaysian classic that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. I’m excited to share the easiest and simplest vegetarian version with you, along with perfect pairings. Let’s get to the recipe.

Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak is often translated as "rich or creamy rice" in English. This name refers to rice cooked in coconut milk, giving it a rich, creamy flavor - essentially, coconut milk rice. Whether vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the rice is the star of the dish, and for both variations, it is always vegetarian (GOBI MANCHURIAN & VEG CAULIFLOWER RECIPES).

Kuih Lompang & Kuih Kaswi: Traditional Malaysian Desserts.

Ah, it’s kuih-muih time with Kuih Lompang Gula Melaka. This delightful Malaysian dessert is a soft, steamed treat made from all-purpose flour and tapioca flour, sweetened with palm sugar (gula melaka) for a rich, caramel-like flavor (WAJIK PULUT: GLUTINOUS RICE CAKES).

While Kuih Kaswi and Kuih Lompang share similarities, Kuih Kaswi is typically chewier, whereas Kuih Lompang is denser and often steamed in cups, making it a unique indulgence. As you indulge, remember to enjoy mindfully. A little goes a long way (BANANA DESSERTS: PANCAKES & COCONUT).

Banana Desserts: Pancakes, Fritters, Flambé & Coconut

Ready to indulge in effortless dessert yumminess? While some go for elaborate creations, Ms. Nava’s sweet treats are all about creativity and simplicity. Why complicate things when you can whip up delightful desserts with ease (CHRYSANTHEMUM GOJI BERRY JELLY). 

"It’s About Time” to embrace the straightforward yet scrumptious joys of dessert-making. And speaking of simplicity, bananas are a staple in my kitchen. Shhh, don’t tell anyone, but bananas are my go-to for a quick energy boost in the morning. When those bananas start to show signs of aging, I transform them into irresistible desserts. And yes, pancakes are not just for breakfast in my world (EASIEST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE).

Bitter Gourd Recipes: Omelette, Stir-Fry, Soup & Sambal

Much has already been said about bitter gourd, but let me refresh your memory. Bitter gourd, also known as bitter melon, is celebrated for its health benefits and unique flavor. If you’re curious about its benefits or how to grow it at home, feel free to explore at CRISPY BITTER GOURD CHIPS & SRI LANKA BITTER GOURD SALAD.

Today, however, we’re focusing on showcasing Chinese bitter gourd. This variety is typically lighter in color and comes in various sizes, often larger than the Indian version. When using Chinese bitter gourd, it only makes sense to feature it in a Chinese-style dish. I must admit, I haven’t tried incorporating it into Indian recipes, but today’s focus is all about the classic pairing of bitter gourd and eggs in an omelette.

Kerabu Taugeh: Veg & Non-Veg Options, Including Chicken Feet

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I absolutely love all things kerabu (NASI KERABU KELANTAN). This traditional Malaysian Malay salad is a delightful fusion of flavors, combining the crunchy freshness of vegetables with the bold, tangy notes of Malaysian cuisine. Among its many variations, there's the fruity KERABU MANGGA (Mango Salad). What makes kerabu so appealing is its simplicity - sometimes the veggies need a quick blanch, other times they don't, but it's always about prepping the ingredients and giving them a quick toss. Today, I’m sharing three kerabu recipes with you, starting with Kerabu Taugeh, a vegetarian version that showcases the bold flavors Malaysians adore (KUANTAN ANA IKAN BAKAR KERABU MANGGA). Don't underestimate this vegetarian kerabu - it’s just as satisfying.

I’ve also got a non-vegetarian twist with Kerabu Tauge Ikan Bilis Goreng (Bean Sprout Fried Anchovy Salad), and another unique variation, Kerabu Kaki Ayam (Chicken Feet Salad). And as a final treat, I'll include a recipe for Tauge Goreng Telur (Bean Sprout Egg Fried). Ready to dive into these recipes? Let’s get started before we drool any further.

Peanut Cookies & Fa Sang Woo: Classic Treats with a Twist

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No matter the festival in Malaysia, peanut cookies are a beloved treat that everyone looks forward to. Whether it's Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, or Deepavali, these cookies are a staple among the festive offerings (NYONYA PINEAPPLE TARTS). Nowadays, buying peanut cookies is a breeze, with countless options available, including homemade varieties.

 

I made peanut cookies for the first time during Chinese New Year, curious about the so-called "secret" recipes. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts with online recipes, I wondered if the impressive photos and popularity of these recipes were misleading. However, after some trial and error, my homemade cookies turned out fabulous (SUJI COOKIES).

Crispy Bitter Gourd Chips & Sri Lankan Karavila Salad Recipes

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Growing bitter gourd has been a deeply fulfilling experience, perfectly aligning with Nava’s Zen philosophy. The glossy, dark green fruits are visually stunning, but unfortunately, they don’t last long. This means the cycle of growing must continue. Despite initial setbacks and pauses for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, I’m now ready to start growing again.

Cultivating bitter gourd is quite simple. You can either dry the seeds before planting or plant them directly after using them in your cooking. To my delight, the seeds from my kitchen produced new plants.