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.

Indian Masala Chicken Curry 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 Vanilla Butter Cookies

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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 Recipe - Bean Sprout Salad

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I love all things kerabu. It’s a Malay no-cook salad, with spectacular varieties - both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Kerabu is the first thing I go for when dining at Malay eateries, and the best ones come from the unassuming Malay stalls. Malay no-cook salad instantly awakens your palate, revealing bold, profound flavors (VEGETARIAN KERABU MANGGA/MANGO SALAD). 

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 aligns beautifully with Nava’s Zen philosophy. The glossy, dark green fruits are stunning but don’t last long, prompting a cycle of growth. After initial setbacks, I’m ready to cultivate them again.

Cultivating bitter gourd is straightforward - you can either dry the seeds or use them directly from your cooking. To my delight, seeds from my kitchen have sprouted new plants.

Suji Cookies: Sugee/Semolina Melt-In-Your-Mouth Bites

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How can Deepavali be complete without Suji Cookies? For me, they're a beloved tradition. Growing up, baking Suji Cookies was a family event. We used an old round silver oven with a glass window to check on the cookies, but the round meter rarely worked - talk about old-school. Unlike today's high-tech ovens, that round one was all we could afford, and it did the job for our Deepavali baking. While Mom made the dough, the rest of us rolled, pinched, and added cherries before she popped the cookies in the oven. And yes, the raw dough was just too tempting (EGGLESS CAYENNE CHOCOLATE COOKIES).

Sambal Belacan: Fiery Guide to Malaysian & Indonesian

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It's sambal belacan. Wowww! Who's a fan of sambal belacan? If you are, we’re in the same sambal belacan tribe. My love for sambal belacan began in my teens, and it's curious how I’m the only one in my family who drools over it - neither my late dad, my late mum, nor my two brothers share this passion. It’s a bit of a mystery.

 

Let’s start with belacan. Belacan is a fermented shrimp paste, widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA INDONESIAN TASTES), and Singapore. It’s made by fermenting tiny shrimp, often krill, which are salted and left to ferment for several weeks. After fermentation, the shrimp are sun-dried and ground into a paste, which is then formed into blocks or cakes and left to mature, developing a strong, pungent aroma. Belacan adds depth and umami to dishes and is often used in sambal belacan, curries, or stir-fries. It’s typically toasted before use to enhance its flavor (ASAM PEDAS IKAN BAWAL).

Easy Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niew Mamuang) Recipe

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Khao Niew Mamuang, or Thai mango sticky rice, is a dessert loved across the globe (TAM TIM KROB: THAI RED RUBIES). "Khao Niew" means sticky or glutinous rice, and "Mamuang" means mango. I’ve had plenty of Thai Mango Sticky Rice, but trust me, not all are worth raving about. Even in Thailand (CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI), some were just average, and the worst were those sold in the evening but made in the morning. But when it’s good, it’s really good - like the street food version I had in Pattaya. I tried a few varieties, including Sticky Rice with Dried Shrimp Sugar, Sticky Rice with Custard, and of course, the traditional Sticky Rice with Mango. I couldn't resist packing back to my hotel, stashing them in the fridge, and enjoying them bit by bit.

Nyonya Pineapple Tarts: Handcrafted, Buttery, and Crispy

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This Indian lady is definitely a bit different. While most Indian women and men make pineapple tarts for Deepavali, I chose to bake them for Chinese New Year. Strange, right? It was just me using my semester break to make Nyonya Pineapple Tarts. I wanted to practice my baking skills (EASIEST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE) - after all, practice makes perfect. But I’m not looking to turn this into a business; it’s just a fun hobby for me (INDULGENT CHEESECAKE SWEET DELIGHTS).

Pork Belly With Salted Fish: Steamed and Stir-Fried

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Shhh, let’s keep this between us! Ms. Nava’s got a soft spot for pork—don’t let the holy rollers know! The ultra-religious crowd might bring out their Hinduism rulebook and wag their fingers at me. Yes, Hinduism emphasizes vegetarianism and non-violence, but nowhere in the sacred texts does it say pork is off-limits (MALAYSIAN WILDBOAR CURRY). Ah, Hindus - whether you’re all about pork, mutton, or are a part-time vegetarian (you know, on those countless Hindu holy days), there’s no express ticket to heaven based on what’s on your plate. So, let’s leave the judgment at the door, shall we? Zen Cuisine and Zen Wellness certainly don’t discriminate based on diet (EXQUISITE CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES).

Thai Red Curry: Prawn, Mutton & Egg Flavor Profiles

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The vibrant, aromatic Thai Red Curry Paste is the heart of many delicious dishes. Once you've made this paste, you’re almost ready to whip up a flavorful Thai Red Prawn Curry. It’s a versatile paste, perfect for adding your choice of seafood, chicken, or pork. While I can't say for sure if it works with beef, I can definitely vouch for my Thai Red Mutton Curry. In fact, I’ve made it countless times, along with prawn and egg variations (THAI SPICY EGGPLANT).

Chinese Rice Congee: Best Accompaniments and Tips

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Rice congee, or bubur nasi as we call it in Bahasa, is essentially rice cooked with extra water, creating a soft, diluted form of rice. I’m a huge fan of rice congee – how about you? On chilly days, nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of it. Now, let’s dive into making rice congee and explore some delightful additions to enhance the experience.

Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Jelly & More Zen Jellies

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I have a wealth of stories, and one I'm excited to share involves my journey with jellies. When I first launched Nava K, now known as Nava’s Zen, 14 years ago, I started making desserts, and jellies made with agar-agar were among the simplest to create. I'll be sharing these recipes, but the standout is undoubtedly Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Jelly. Although it's a traditional Chinese jelly, I was surprised to find that even many Chinese people were unfamiliar with this style. It left me quite speechless!

Goji berries are a staple in my kitchen, often used in Chinese soups and noodle dishes (CHINESE VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP). I also regularly make chrysanthemum tea. With these ingredients always on hand, what more can I add?