Poondu Thakkali Rasam/Garlic Tomato Rasam

Rasam (Pineapple Rasam & Pepper Garlic Rasam). I can talk and talk about rasam till the cows come home. Believe me because, like I have coughed out many a times, rasam is our favourite (Rasam - Home Made Rasam Powder). In fact, at least twice a week and these days, instead of making twice, I make once a week and store in the fridge. Why not? Who told you, you can't store rasam in the fridge for a few days? After all, rasam is meatless (Nandu Rasam) and its all about spices and the rest of the customary ingredients? Also, how different can a rasam be? Unless of course, you want to take rasam to sky level by coining the various types. Not me though. Enough (Mor Rasam, Egg Rasam & Instant Rasam). Enough of even taking my cooking to a higher level and rasam which is in my fridge, oh, I actually freeze in smaller portions, is then brought out for warming up for our next meal. Thereafter, I just do the topping. Topping like frying fish or making a stir fry veggie, and our meal is ready. Poondu Thakkali Rasam/Garlic Tomato Rasam. I suppose the nearest door to another version. Of course, we don't compromise on its quintessential tastes. Sourness, and tadbit of heat, and rasam definitely is our healthy, nutritious and nourishing to our body Indian soup.

Terong Balado Pedas Manis

Terong Balado Pedas Manis is? Fried Brinjal in Spicy Sweet Sambal/Sauce. Says it all right? I am back to my Indonesian cooking and back again to eggplant, aubergine or brinjal? Admittedly. My previous balado cooking lingo (Ikan Balado) and other Indonesian dishes (Sate Kambing, Indonesian Grilled Fish, Sambal Goreng Teri & Sambal Terasi)? Plus, we did speak to a certain extent about terong? The bright purple sparkled fruit or veggie or said as warna ungu in Indonesian language and even in our Malay language?  A popularity in fact. Terong being a take for any cuisine around the world for the matter (Thai Style Eggplant). We too quite fancy terong (Japanese Eggplant Saute). Perhaps why I have already rolled out a couple of dishes and whatever said, brinjal in sambal must be one of the food prides. I don't know about my other half-half, most probably for him will still be Indian style to brinjal (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry) but me myself can't be separated from sambal (Sambal Belimbing Bilis & Kacang Buncis Belacan). Terong Balado Pedas Manis? The modern twist or a modified version and according to Malaysian ingredients for a satisfying and fabulously exquisite Terong Belado Pedas Manis.   

Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy (Vegetarian)

Anything is possible these days. Of course. I'm not in denial by the way that anything can be a matter even for food intake. In fact, considering that many are jumping into the back wagon of being a vegetarian, only god knows why, Indians on the whole we shouldn't speak about, there are many possibilities to a vegetarian meal these days. What about me, are you asking? Neh! Never have I thought of being a full blown vegetarian (Maggi Goreng Mamak & Mee Rebus Vegetarian). Of course every now and then, in fact every once a week, I am in the making. The making of a vegetarian meal (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup & Mee Rojak Vegetarian) for my other half-half, and me, I can basically go with the flow. Out came this Mee Siam Kuah/Gravy Vegetarian on this particular Saturday from my kitchen and to our dining table. Mee Siam? I have already spoken about before (Nyonya Mee Siam, Singapore Mee Siam & Mee Siam)? I did. Mee Siam Vegetarian? Nothing is short coming or going. Still a delightful and really slurpy delicious, complete wholesome meal. Oh, for those of you who are anti-egg vegetarian, ditch egg aside and Mee Siam I think must have originated from Thailand? I don't know. You tell me please (Thapthim Krop, Tom Yum Noodle Soup & Siamese Laksa Lemak).

Thai Style Eggplant

Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal. All from the same family tree right? Except maybe their shapes and sizes and at times, color code as well. Eggplant in fact is a favourite in my house for all sorts of dishes, including in curries as well (Nadan Meen Curry). In fact, I can go on and on and speak about eggplant, but potentially it will be best I stick to this recipe for the day. Thai Style Eggplant. Thai cuisine and Nava K (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Thai Fried Chicken & Lamb Massaman Curry)? Pretty much says it all and after,  and Thai Style Eggplant basically is fried eggplant in a spicy, tangy and kaffir lime leaves scented attractive gravy/sauce. Oh, a vegetarian variety too (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry).

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

Look at this earthen pot and in it thick, salty, spicy and vibrantly exciting to our palates and eyes  Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry). Like immediately can trigger our hunger throne right? I know. I am definitely a big fan of this Indian style salted fish curry and salted fish on the whole by itself (Spicy Ikan Bilis Potato, Sambal Tumis Ikan Bilis & Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin), can drive me crazy because I so love saltiness. In fact, every day can be a salted fish meal day for me (Salted Fish Pickle, Bean Sprouts Salted Fish & Steamed Pork Salted Fish). But, I think we all know it? Too much of saltiness and salt can ruin our health? Of course. Then again, there is such a thing as every now and then saltiness as our best friend? How do make this salted fish curry? Nothing much, no major confusing cooking matter (Salted Fish Bone Curry). My recipes as always will never cause you to struggle in the kitchen. Ingredients listed below and of course coming with it cooking technic for the outcome of this mouth punching and jubilant (Salted Fish Bone Soup & Pineapple Salted Fish Curry) Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry).

Ingredients

For the beans

1 cup mochakottai/field beans

1 tsp turmeric powder

A pinch of salt

Water - as needed

Other ingredients

400g threadfin/kurau salted fish with bones - soaked for 10 mins and rinsed. 

2 potatoes - cut into medium size pieces (yes please with the skin on)

1/2 tbsp chilli powder

1 tbsp fish curry powder

** mix both with water for a thick curry paste

1 tsp fenugreek/halba seeds

1/2 tsp ginger paste

1 tsp garlic paste

1 tbsp red onion paste

2 tbsp thick tamarind juice

Sprigs of curry leaves

5 tbsp oil

Salt for taste

Method

For the beans

Simmer beans with turmeric and water till soft.

Drain off water and keep aside.

For the curry

Heat oil and fry ginger, garlic and onion paste for 1-2 mins.

Add curry paste.

Stir and cook till aromatic and oil splits.

Add potatoes, pour about 1 liter of water and simmer till potatoes are 3/4 tender. 

Put in salted fish, pour tamarind juice and season with salt (if needed).

Simmer to cook salted fish (about 3-4 mins)

Add boiled beans and curry leaves.

Stir, simmer for another 2-3 mins and remove from heat. 

Udupi Sambar

Sambar again? Indeed. Sambar again obviously. What's with sambar/Indian dal curry and my cooking story (Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal, Andra Sambar & Palakura Pappu)? In fact, its a story which will walk you down the memory lane, up the valley, down the hill and, back and forth, bouncing you in and out of my house and kitchen. Potentially. Until I am lost for words on what else should I say about sambar and most probably, its a similar Indian curry story in each and every Indian household (Drumstick Sambar, Mysore Sambar & Bitter Gourd Sambar). But due to making sambar as regularity as I have, I now had drawn a line between myself and sambar. Regardless, sambar making is still on the go and I don't think will stop until I receive the red light from my other half-half. Hopefully because I can't really and seriously digest sambar anymore (Fish Sambar, Tanni Saar, Sambar & Spinach Sambar). Where did the idea fall from for making Udupi Sambar? Just like that from the sky. I just plucked the name of this sambar and made my version. Udupi Sambar I bet will be a major explosive dal showcased Indian curry for all you sambar lovers (Mulligatawny Soup & Dhal Rice).

Nadan Meen Curry

Back and forth, to and fro, bouncing here and there, finally, after like thinking again and again, I decided it will be a fish curry from the land of Kerala and known as Nadan Meen/Fish Curry (Meen Puttu, Malabar Fish Curry, Tuna Thoran & Kerala Fish Fry). Thank god I decided. Otherwise, I would have most probably taken the easy way out by making a similar fish curry like before. Which by far would have been still be accepted in my house (Fish Head Curry, Salted Fish Bone Curry, Meen Muringgaka Kulambu & Assam Fish Curry). Then again, don't we long for a change, even when its our food tucking in? Of course, if you are asking me. Moreover, I too like the cooking challenge in inventing new dishes for like automatically upgrading my food knowledge (Burmese Fish Biryani, Mauritian Fish Curry & Bengali Fish Curry) and pretty much Kerala cuisine is quite a familiarly to me (Tapioca Stir Fry, Cabbage Thoran & Beans Thoran).  Nadan Meen Curry. Canned sardine, brinjal, coconut milk, tamarind juice and the power house of made from a scratch masala paste.

Siamese Laksa Lemak

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Not bad. My thinking capacity to cooking I believe is getting up and about, and higher, but seemingly Thai cuisine is a favorite. Why not? Why shouldn't I anywhere? What should potentially stop me when I have already mastered quite a whole list of dishes and Laksa by far has already been cooking conquered as well (Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Crispy Fish, Tom Yum Goong, Thai Carrot Soup & Thai Green Fish Curry). Laksa Lemak by the way is the marrying of Curry Laksa (Penang Curry Mee) and Assam Laksa (Nyonya Hot And Sour Fish Broth Noodle) regardless of the fact that there are various types of Laksa Lemak which can be made from chicken, pork, beef and seafood (Sarawak Laksa, Singapore Laksa, Nyonya Curry Laksa & Prawn Curry Laksa). But for this Siamese Laksa Lemak, the two central ingredients are fish and coconut milk (Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Laksam Kelantan). Also, you need to make the laksa paste which showcases the crucial Thai herbs and ingredients (Spicy Thai Noodle) for this joyous, sensational and mouth popping Siamese Laksa Lemak.

Lamb Massaman Curry

Thai cooking and Thai cuisine for this lady? I quite know it all actually due to me and my cooking expertise and me having travelled around Thailand in a good bit. But I must confess I have never ever made Massaman Curry before. Of course there is always a first time and it all began by me peeping into a couple of recipe books and then, deciding on which ingredients will raise alongside each other in tandem for the big bold Thai profound tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Thai Crispy Fish, Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Yellow Curry, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Thai Green Curry & Tom Yum Fried Rice). But considering that beef is generally the meat choice for Massaman Curry, I had to look for an alternative and lamb couldn't be by far the better or best. After all it's not mutton (Nepalese Mutton Curry), it has to be lamb for us (Lamb Spaghetti, Lamb Rogan Josh, Lamb Kofta Curry, Lamb Fried Rice, Malaysian Lamb Stew & Lamb Pho). Lamb Massaman Curry? A must try aromatic, peppery, spicy and delicious till its last drop, another from the Thai curry family tree.

Malaysian Fish Head Curry

Malaysian Fish Head Curry, aka Kari Kepala Ikan. Believe me, not the ordinary nor you should compare with those from the restaurants. Why are you asking me? Because this is a typical, authentic and most dangerously delicious, finger licking homemade Malaysian Fish Head Curry (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Nyonya Fish Noodle Soup, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fish Curry) Yes, stop questioning me. Fish head curry cooked alongside belimbing buluh from our Malaysian grown trees, and belimbin buluh somewhat I think can be regarded as the other side to the coin to starfruit though these are oblong in shape and greenish and yellowish in color. Trust me please, due to this really mostly sour fruit, you don't have to think twice on tamarind juice and when fish head is cooked alongside the customary ingredients (Chilli Soy Fish, Spicy Stingray & Fish Noodle Soup) we need for any curry and also coconut milk, pow-wow (Asam Pedas Bawal, Salted Fish Bone Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap). Malaysian Fish Head Curry by Nava K? Unbeatable for rushing your mouth towards its spiciness and coconut milk creaminess.

Mongolian Prawns

Not bad. I deserve a pat on my shoulders. I should because I am actually taking the height and depth to learning and knowledge thirsting on the various types of cuisines from throughout the globe and mostly from Asian region which of course stretches from this end till that end. Where and which part of Asia is Mongolia located? Somewhere within Asia and neighboring China and Russia on the across side. Why I am going into a such fact on Mongolia, are you now asking me? Well, to let you know that China has an influence, to a certain extent on the types of ingredients Mongolians tend to use for their cooking. Ah! I think I got it right. Otherwise, I don't think you could have digested the fact to me coining this Mongolian Prawns (Grilled Prawns, Chinese Prawn Fritters, Shrimp Wanton, Prawn Cocktail, Butter Prawns & Devilled Prawns). Actually, to tell you the truth, mutton and beef seemingly are the popular take in Mongolia, but considering that beef is taboo for us and since we have already hit our limit to mutton or lamb (Nepalese Mutton Curry), I decided on prawns (Goan Prawn Curry).

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). 

Malaysian Fish Sambal

Malaysia My again? Of course. Remember, can you recall my Malaysian story (Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon)? Henceforth, tell me then. Can a Malaysian like me possibly ditch sambal aside? No way man! Impossible. My love for sambal clinging through thick and thin even when I travel until after a few days being away, I can't like wait to rush back for diving into a spicy chilli based dish (Nyonya Steamed Fish, Asam Pedas, Sambal Udang Petai & Stingray Spicy Sauce) which also must scream atop of its voice on some saltiness from belacan, some tanginess from lime juice/tamarind juice and a tiny tinge of sweetness from Gula Melaka/palm sugar (Salted Fish Bone Soup, Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas, Dried Shrimp Sambal & Sambal Sotong). All you typical Malaysians out there, I bet you must be nodding your head now? You know the feeling? The feeling on missing our Malaysian sambal no matter wherever we travel to? Of course. I know. Ask this do or die Malaysian and like she has already said, no sambal, Nava K most probably cannot function (Chilli Lime Fish, Sambal Kentang, Sambal Ikan Pari & Ikan Masak Kicap). This Malaysian Fish Sambal? A power rocker and roller. Absolutely exciting, trilling and boldly sensation on our palates. Bang! Major revelation of tastes (Malaysian Crab Curry). How do we go about making Malaysian Fish Sambal? Lather/mix fish alongside turmeric powder, rice flour and salt, followed by frying and once you have made the rocker sambal, tip fish inside, stir and dish out (Sambal Bilis Petai & Chilli Soy Fish).  

Nyonya Hot and Sour Noodles in Fish Soup

Cooking can be interpreted in different ways to all of us. For the most of us, cooking basically is about ensuring a healthy home cooked meal in a clean environment compared to exposing ourselves to what not when we eat out. Of course definitely if you are asking me and I will totally vouch nothing like a home meal even if its just basic and simple dishes. You can include me in this category of women who make it a point in cooking, but every now and then, cooking for me personally is about setting my own bar against how better I can cook. Basically, I like the thing of allowing my mind to wonder for my own invention. Rather challenging for oiling my thinking cap and which does land me in the zone of happiness whenever I come up with my invented dishes. Take this Nyonya Hot and Sour Noodles in Fish Soup which is actually the other door to Assam Laksa, and I have already previously opened two doors (Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Soup Noodles & Penang Assam Laksa). 

Peshawari Mutton Karahi

Peshawari Mutton Karahi!! From the land of Pakistan and specifically from the city of Peshawar. Already sounding mouth watering right and I bet the pictures are additionally making your tummy hunger topsy-turvy right? In fact, to tell you the truth, I myself can't contain my hunger and I think without me realizing, my saliva is gonna drip down soon. Regardless, any mutton dish for the matter most probably can trigger hunger for the both of us and I must go ahead by mentioning that I quite know it about the different kinds of mutton curries from this part and that part of the world. Furthermore, should I blow my own trumpet to how far I have come in making all sort of dishes from around the globe (Tandoori Chicken, Aam ka Achaar, Bengali Fish Croquettes, Chicken Vindaloo, Cari Poisson & Goan Prawn Curry)? Enough of me and marketing myself, let's not waste anymore time in getting down to making Peshawari Mutton Karahi. Thick, spices infused, yogurt creaminess, ghee and coriander leaves scented, plus honestly guys, blame it on my habit of adding potatoes for most of my mutton curries. Can you like possibly blame me for adding potatoes? We Malaysian Indians and we just must somehow find a reason for merging potatoes and mutton as one (Nepalese Mutton Curry, Aloo Gosht, Shahi Mutton Curry, Rogan Josh, Mutton Keema, Masala Mutton Curry & Mutton Parathal).   

Sarawak Laksa

Guys, I thought maybe for the time being, we will just stick to within our Malaysian recipes instead of humping and jumping to other countries around the globe and most probably, my last few recipes have indicated that I am staying put and standing on my Malaysian ground (Ayam Pongteh & Chicken Vindaloo). Of course, I am not denying that a gastronomical tour to other countries is definitely a food show for exposing us to the various types of cuisines (Singapore Laksa & Vietnamese Noodle Soup). Yet, to a certain extent, I think we must do our local food hunting as well. Trust me, I myself personally have not completed making noodles from our different states (Cantonese Yee Mee, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Mee Yoke), though Curry Laksa, or Laksa Lemak or Curry Mee been trended in this space of mine (Nyonya Curry Laksa, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Penang Curry Mee) and back then, don't know how moons ago, I did make a trip to Sarawak whereby I tuck into their well known Sarawak Laksa.

Ayam Pongteh

Me and my Nyonya cooking. Guess there is no end and if you are asking me, I don't think I will put a bracket to Malacca or Penang calling and coming Nyonya dishes. We did speak about Nyonya cuisine in quite a length previously (Chicken Vindaloo, Kuih Buah Melaka & Penang Assam Laksa) and in other recipes as well? Henceforth, lets just put a stop to speaking further on the same thing over and over again (Devil's Curry, Dried Shrimp Sambal, Masak Lemak Ikan Asin Nenas & Nyonya Lam Mee) instead of getting to the gist of this Ayam Pongteh. What is Ayam Pongteh or Pongteh Chicken? Basically, chicken cooked alongside potatoes, taucheo/fermented soy paste, chilies, vinegar and other kitchen friendly user ingredients, and for the end result of broad and wide burst of spiciness, saltiness and and nuttiness (Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa, Chilli Chicken, Ayam Goreng Berempah, Ayam Masak Merah & Chicken Devil Curry).

Andhra Sambar

Sambar. Indian dal curry. Do I have to like say anything? Indians and sambar, or dal curry and us Indians? I am actually lost for words. But one thing is certain. I have been making, and making and making, and I have not stopped because if sambar is not one of the dishes in my house at least once a week, my other half-half's food life is not complete. Says it all and pretty much the logic to my sambar story, and I don't think my sambar story will ever stop. Of course, me being like a small time home chef, I try to vary sambar each time I make (Palakura Pappu, Mulligatawny Soup, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Drumstick Sambar & Simple Sambar). More or less, or less or more, for celebrating lentils/dal (Dhal Rice & Mysore Sambar) and thank god for the various types. This Andhra Sambar is the outcome of moong dal/green gram and tempering cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves in ghee I must say infused an amazing and wonderful aroma (Fish Sambar, Palak Sambar & Tanni Saar).

Nyonya Steamed Fish

Back to fish and steaming. Yes foodies. However its not another same style to steaming and fish. Nope. Not at all. Today, I am sharing with all of you how to make this Nyonya Steamed Fish. Nyonya cuisine? Much has already been spoken about before (Nyonya Lam Mee, Nyonya Curry Laksa, Nyonya Assam Fish Curry)? Furthermore, I also mentioned the concept to steaming and also fish by itself is a food familiarity in my house due to my other half-half and fish is the food for him mostly (Ikan Balado, Malabar Fish Curry, Unagi Kabayaki, Thai Crispy Fish, Kerala Fish Fry & Chilli Lime Fish). Alright foodies, let's now get down to making this Nyonya Steamed Fish. A sambal style whereby you need to ground or blend the needed ingredients as listed below before frying sambal and then tipping it over fish which has already been steamed with ginger. Nyonya Steamed Fish? A revelation of the customary and much needed Nyonya loud and bold tastes (Vietnamese Steamed Fish, Thai Steamed Fish, Teochew Steamed Fish & Hong Kong Style Steamed Fish).