Thursday, June 15, 2023
Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World
Monday, June 12, 2023
Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers
The
Butterfly Blue Pea flower, also known as Bunga Telang, is incredibly easy to
grow. Just scatter the seeds on the ground or in pots, and they’ll sprout with
little effort. The seeds come in pods, and there are plenty of them. I'm
growing them along the fence in my fitness area, Nava’s Zen, and they thrive
even without much attention. If you're an urban gardener like me, you should
definitely consider these beautiful flowers. They bloom in stunning shades of
purple or dark blue. No fertilizer is needed; just water them. Plus, these
flowers are packed with antioxidants and offer various health benefits, such as
aiding in weight loss, improving blood sugar control, and enhancing hair and
skin health.
The Butterfly Blue Pea flower is versatile and has very few side effects, making it a great addition to your diet. However, it's important to enjoy it in moderation and check for any potential side effects, as what's good for one person might not work for another.
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Revitalize Your Senses with Lemongrass Honey Tea: A Refreshing Wellness Brew
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Zesty Malay Okra Salad: A Veggie Delight
Friday, May 26, 2023
Tantalizing Eurasian Pineapple Fish Curry
As an adventurous home cook, I love exploring various cuisines, but my husband's heart belongs to Indian food. However, I occasionally entice him to embark on a culinary journey beyond his cultural roots. One such venture is into the realm of Eurasian cuisine where I have experimented with a variety of dishes. And now, I proudly present to you the latest addition to my Eurasian repertoire: the tantalizing Eurasian Pineapple Salted Fish Curry.
Saturday, May 20, 2023
Vegetarian Szechuan Stir-Fried Long Beans: Savor The Flavours
Saturday, May 13, 2023
Malaysian Wildboar Curry/Kattu Pandi Kulambu
I find it rather curious, or perhaps understandable, that among 10 Indians, only one or two would indulge in pork. While this doesn't particularly bother me, it's quite a phenomenon when dining with them, as they tend to avoid eateries serving pork dishes. This preference is more prevalent among the older generation, although a fair number of younger individuals do enjoy pork. Interestingly, those who abstain from pork often struggle to articulate the reasons behind their choice. Some perceive pork as unclean, while others cite religious beliefs. Many were simply not exposed to pork consumption by their parents, leading to a perpetuation of dietary habits. In general, Indians tend to favor familiarity over culinary exploration, which contrasts with my own adventurous palate.
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
Rotkohl (German Red Cabbage): A Taste of Tradition
My
culinary journey began long ago, but it truly intensified after I got married.
At first, cooking felt like a monotonous chore - repeatedly preparing the same
dishes to please my husband's palate. It seemed as though cooking had been
conveniently handed to me as part of my marriage responsibilities. Yet, as the
years passed, I discovered the therapeutic joy of cooking. I began
experimenting with dishes from around the world, eager to explore new flavors
and techniques.
While my husband remained somewhat hesitant to try new foods, there were occasional surprises. When I introduced him to Rotkohl, a traditional German dish, his reaction was unexpectedly positive. He savored the soft, tangy bites of this vegetarian delight, a departure from our usual fare.
Monday, May 1, 2023
Thai Basil Tofu Stir-Fry (Vegetarian)
Thursday, April 20, 2023
Tantalizing Tomyam Fish: A Flavor Explosion
Tomyam
- a name that resonates with food lovers worldwide, synonymous with the bold,
unmistakable flavors of Thai cuisine. It's a culinary journey I've savored for
years, honing my skills after exploring every nook and cranny of Thailand's
diverse gastronomic landscape.
From the bustling streetside stalls to the refined elegance of upscale eateries, Thailand's culinary scene offers a spectrum of delights. Yet, amidst the array of options, one dish stands out - Tomyam. Its fiery spiciness can be a challenge to stomach at times, but oh, the rewards are worth it.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021
Plant Based Breakfast Platters
Looks
like I'm back in action! After a little break from this cozy corner of mine,
I'm feeling refreshed and ready to sprinkle some culinary magic today. That's
right - it's time to share some zen cooking tales with you all. Ta-da!
Alright, let's get real for a moment. While the URL (nava-k) remains the same (because who needs the hassle of buying a new one, am I right?), this space is now officially known as Nava’s Zen. Why the change, you ask? Well, it's all part of my new journey as I dive into starting my own business. Currently, it's undergoing some renovation and sprucing up, all while expanding my urban gardening efforts under the Nava’s Zen banner. But don't worry, my dear friends, I'm still here to spill the beans on all my culinary secrets.
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Vegetarian/Plant Based Bak Kut Teh: Veggie Bliss Feast
Those whispers? They came from everywhere - from my mum, my aunts, my in-laws, and even from random encounters. It seemed like everyone had the same script: an Indian woman's destiny is to be married off and become a selfless servant to her husband and kids. But you know what? Over the years, I've learned that I don't have to conform to those outdated notions. I'm breaking free and forging my own path.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry)
There are various ways to prepare spicy or masala mutton, from making the spice paste from scratch. But for this Malaysian version, Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry), we'll use store-bought spice powders, embracing the convenience of ready-made options in our fast-paced lives, where cooking time is limited. I usually stock up on spice powders, storing them in the fridge to prevent molding and mustiness.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Oatmealll Raisin Cookies: A Delightful Twist on Traditional Treats
The
anticipation mounted as I stood in my kitchen, contemplating whether to embark
on one final baking venture (Semperit Cookies) before returning to the daily grind. With just
three days left of my much-needed break, I found myself drawn to the allure of
homemade cookies (Vanilla Butter Cookies) once more. This time, the spotlight fell on Oatmeal Raisin
Cookies - a classic treat with a comforting charm.
Unlike some of my previous cookie escapades (Cayenne Chocolate Cookies & Nyonya Pineapple Tarts), the recipe for these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies promised simplicity and ease. Yet, as I soon discovered, even the seemingly straightforward can hold unexpected challenges. Armed with a recipe from a popular site, I dove into the baking process, only to encounter a sticky dough (Chinese Peanut Cookies) that defied all attempts at shaping.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Semperit Cookies: Crafting Sweet Memories, One Ribbon at a Time
Ah,
the delightful rhythm of baking continues in my kitchen! With each new
creation, I find myself drawn deeper into the enchanting world of homemade
treats. Despite the challenges that may arise, I refuse to be discouraged. So,
when the urge struck to craft Semperit Cookies-a beloved member of the Malay
cookie family -I dove right in. Little did I know, this venture would test my
patience like never before.
As I set out on this culinary journey, memories of past triumphs filled my mind. From the delicate Vanilla ButterCookies to the bold Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, and the detailed NyonyaPineapple Tarts to the comforting Chinese Peanut Cookies, not forget, the crunchy crumbly Suji Cookies, each creation had its own story to tell. Yet, none had prepared me for the meticulous process of shaping Semperit Cookies.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Vanilla Butter Cookies
With
some days still ahead of me during my leave from work, I figured it was the
perfect opportunity to dust off my baking skills and whip up some homemade
cookies. It's been ages since I last made cookies, mainly because neither I nor
my husband are big snackers. But with time on my hands, I felt inspired to dive
into the world of cookie making once again.
After trying my hand at Suji Cookies, Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, and Chinese Peanut Cookies, I was on a roll and couldn't resist the urge to try another recipe. This time, I decided to go for something classic and comforting: Vanilla Butter Cookies. There's something special about these cookies—they're simple yet delicious, and making the dough is a breeze.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Suji Cookies
Suji Cookies, an integral part of our Indian heritage, hold a special place in our hearts, especially during the festive season of Deepavali. Fond memories flood my mind of gathering with loved ones, rolling dough and delicately placing cherries atop each cookie, a cherished tradition that remains etched in my memory. Following the recent successes with Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, NyonyaPineapple Tarts, and Chinese Peanut Cookies, the allure of Suji Cookies was undeniable. With their humble yet captivating aroma, these buttery delights promise to evoke reminiscence and delight with every crispy, sweet bite.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Cayenne Chocolate Cookies
Indulging
in chocolatey delights became my next irresistible temptation after mastering
Nyonya Pineapple Tarts and Chinese Peanut Cookies. With my partner away on
travels, the kitchen was my playground, and time was on my side. So, why not
dive into the world of cookies again?
As someone who prefers a hint of spice over overwhelming sweetness, I decided to embark on crafting Cayenne Chocolate Cookies. Armed with cocoa powder and a mysteriously acquired bottle of cayenne pepper, I set out to create these eggless treats that promise to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds. The thought of their rich, chocolaty aroma filling my kitchen with warmth and comfort was simply irresistible.
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Nyonya Pineapple Tarts
After
crafting Chinese Peanut Cookies, I found myself drawn to another delightful
treat: Nyonya Pineapple Tarts. What led me to these delectable delights? Simply
put, it was my curiosity and desire to explore the sweetness of Nyonya cuisine (Nyonya Lam Mee) that beckoned me forth.
The journey to perfecting Nyonya Pineapple Tarts was fraught with setbacks. Despite consulting various recipes, I found myself grappling with failed attempts and wasted dough. Yet, from these failures emerged a recipe uniquely my own. What sets Nyonya Pineapple Tarts apart? It's all in the crumbly, buttery pastry and the distinctive open-face design, a departure from conventional tarts.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Chinese Peanut Cookies
In a world filled with hustle and bustle, sometimes
it's the simplest pleasures that bring the most joy. And for me, that joy comes
from the warmth of my kitchen and the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting
through the air.
It all started with a moment of inspiration during my annual leave, where instead of succumbing to the monotony of idle time, I decided to embark on a culinary adventure. With travel plans on hold, I turned to the comforting art of cookie making.
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