Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal (Sessile Joyweed/Dwarf Copperleaf Stir-Fry)

Ponnanganni Keerai? Mmmm! Honest to goodness, if I am to translate this leafy green veggie to English, or to another understandable language? I will fail. Fail massively. On the other hand otherwise, after reading from the visual world, which I did of course prior to pitching this recipe, I will crown myself as a  hero. Aha! Ponnanganni Keerai! Known as Alternanthera Sessilis, also as, Sessile Joyweed and Dwarf Copperleaf. You know what? To make this matter easier, later on, if, if, if, if at all you watch me in the video, you will get a clearer, better and easier picture on which leafy veggie is Ponnanganni Keerai. Ponanganni Keerai! The absolute to packing aplenty nutrients. So as well other vegetable dishes I have shared before (Beans Turmeric, Spinach Potato, Murungai Keerai Poriyal, Vazha Koombu Thoran/Banana Blossom Fry, Bitter Gourd Chips & Spinach Tofu) and this veggie, particularly and specifically, oh-my, the valuable nutrients to our eyes. Furthermore, you don’t big bundles of ingredients for this simply, easy to go, easy style to cooking this delicious Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Ah! Sincerely, faithfully and truly appetizing and just cooked rice will be the best soulmate for Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Of course, you can mix and match with other dishes for a fact (Malaysian Sodhi, Tomato Rasam & Udupi Sambar). Please yourself. Whichever and however you want to devour or demure into Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Anything else I want to say? Nothing really. Clock is ticking, time is most precious because I’ve a whole lot of things lined up to do. Signing off and you guys take care. Lots of love.

Malaysian Sodhi (Indian Coconut Milk Stew)

Sodhi. Coconut milk infused and laced (Shrimp Coconut Milk) Indian coconut stew. In fact, sodhi is the branching of  Masak Lemak (Vegetarian Malay Spinach Coconut Stew), or vice-versa or whichever. Sodhi is definitely a popularity amongst the Indians and without a doubt, in my house as well. Sodhi is usually drenched over rice, and eaten alongside side dishes. Trust me, nothing like sodhi soaking or flooding up your rice and then, using your hands for mushy-mushy diving inside eating style. Sodhi. Like, every once a week in my house. In other words, a regularity and it is a dish that can be put up effortlessly. Needless to say, easy cooking and mind you, there are other variances of sodhi too, which I have already shared before (Malu Kirata, Kiri Hodi, Prawn Sodhi & Cabbage Sodhi). This latest sodhi? Basically, the humble, basic simplicity, but why a Malaysian Sodhi? Well, Cooked by this “The Crazy Lover” who is a typical, true and true Malaysian, and cooked in her, most of the time stuffy, hot, and can cause me to sweat unlimited buckets and buckets Malaysian kitchen. Furthermore, I wanted to give the humble sodhi a new lease of life, considering also I’ve made somewhat a similar sodhi before. The pairing for Malaysian Sodhi? Spicy dishes for a traditional Malaysian Indian vegetarian (Indian Vegetarian Brinjal) or non-vegetarian (Mutton Potato) meal, plus do not discount any type of fish dish (Tamarind Fried Fish, Meen Puttu, & Chilli Sardine) for enhancing and enlivening your meal. Okay. Story over and time for the recipe now……………Oh, oh, before I forget, perhaps you would like to have a look at the video attached below on interior decorating your house with galangal leaves/daun lengkuas? Have fun. Take care everyone!!

Mughlai Style Vegetarian Korma

And so? Every now and then, or every often, we yearn for a different cooking style of the same dish. Of course. The same goes in my house. I mean, it can’t be the same cooking style for the same dishes all the time? No. It can’t be. This time, instead of my regularity to a similar Korma, or Kurma Gravy, or Curry, I did a different kinda Korma. Korma or Kurma (Navratan Korma, Vegetable Kurma & Mutton Kurma), I reckon is a popularity amongst the Indian community and perhaps, throughout the sub-continents of India (Hyderabadi Biryani & Vegetable Kadhi), also, other parts of the world. After all, food likings, food delights and food cooking from various part of the world, has, without a doubt, travelled throughout the globe. Therefore, the food of one country is the availability in other countries, and also, cooked by people like me in Malaysia who like to keep their food life interesting, trilling and aha, sex-citing as well. Sex-citing! Aha! If you are a true and true foodie, you will know what I mean. The rest of you? Go figure and I bet you will agree.

Vegetarian Bayam Masak Lemak (Spinach Coconut Stew)

Hi all you amazing and wonderful people.  

How have you been? Hope all is well and extremely positively good. Me? What about me? I am doing good as well. Oh-well! It’s not all perfection, rosy and sunshiny all the time. But, I keep going positively. Even if things go wrong. Even if, every once a while or every now and then I feel the world has collapsed on my head. My life! Hah! A colourful life. Yea. I like to keep my life colourful.Always. The latest colors pop-yea-yea in my life? “Karthigai Deepam” Hindu religious festival. Also known as the “Festival Of Lights”, specifically the lights of Lord Shiva’s enlightenment and this festival, celebrated over a period of three days is about lighting the earthen lamps. For me, been like, in fact, I can’t even recall when was the last time I ushered this festival of lights. Most probably, I think, most probably, 30 over years ago. That too, during my growing up years in Brickfields when I was single and available. This year! Aha!. I just felt vibes. The vibes to lighting the earthen lamps. On the first day, 31 lights lighted up, second day, 51 lights and on the third day, wow, 101 earthen lamps lighted up in my garden. My garden. My pride and joy, and of course, I am the gardener. Gardening. My stress buster and one of those which is part of my colourful life.

Burmese Masoor Dal. Burmese Dal Gravy.

Dal, or dhal. However you want to spell. Dal. One of the family members of legumes. Dal. Without a doubt, synonymous for Indian cooking, including for Nava K's Indian household cooking and I know that, dal is an appreciated ingredient for other types of cuisines as well. My dal recipes? Aha! Tadaa! Here we go (Udupi Sambar, Palakura Pappu, Andra Sambar & Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal). What about dal in Burma, now known as Myanmar? Absolutely. Down the memory lane of Indians from India and spreading their dal cultural cooking heritage in Myanmar. The question now is? How do I know about Burmese Masoor Dal? Hah! Been there. Done it. Been to Myanmar, and have tasted their dal dishes. My story. This is my story. My Burmese or Myanmar food story, alongside my dal cooking story (Mulligatawny Soup, Tanni Saar & Dal Rice). By the way, for your information. This Masoor Dal Gravy. Sure. Must be regarded as a close cousin, to the varies types of Indian Dal Curries or Gravies (Fish Sambar, Palak Sambar, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Drumstick Sambar, Simple Sambar & Mysore Sambar). Pretty much? Obviously? Of course. Like I have told you? The influence of Indians from India and spreading their dal cooking skills and knowledge, once and after they step foot in Myanmar back then. Alright. Shall we get to the recipe now please. We shall and, until the next pitching of mine, take care everyone. 

Vegetarian Asam Pedas (Asam Pedas Sayur)

Masakan sayur-sayuran. Sayur sahaja. Betul tu. Sayur sahaja, dan takda, atau tanpa daging, tanpa ternakan, tanpa buruan dan tanpa ikan. Itulah resep kita hari ini. Boleh dikatakan sebagai, satu hidangan dengan sayur-sayuran and resepnya adalah Vegetarian Asam Pedas, atau Asam Pedas Sayur. Masakan sayur-sayuran, atau disebut sebagai vegetarian dishes, memang sudah ujuk berzaman-zaman dahulu dan sekarang, nampaknya, terdapat golongan yang memilih atau lebih gemar makan sayur sayur sahaja. Bukan setakat kaum India, tetapi kuam Cina, juga orang dinegara Barat dan kaum Melayu pun saya dengar berminat or memilih makanan sayur-sayuran sahaja. Apa sebabnya? Mungkin kerana kesihatan kut? Mungkin. Atau sebab-sebab peribadi mereka sendiri? Biar lah. Saya pun bukan-nya suka jaga tepi kain orang pun. Tapi, sudah jelas peminat peminat masakan berasa and berperisa sayur sayuran sudah popular. Vegetarian Asam Pedas/Asam Pedas Sayur ini? Memang disyurkan kepada sesiapa yang vegetarian or yang juga gemar makanan sayur-sayuran. Walau bagaimana pun, kalau nak juga hidangan ikan asam pedas or asam dengan ikan, inilah - Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa, Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal, Ikan Goreng Asam dan Assam Fish Curry. 

(Note: for those of you who can't read Bahasa Malaysia, please refer to the video attached right at the bottom for the recipe)

Vegetarian Potato Varuval (Urulaikizhangu Varuval)

Pure, authentic, traditional, exciting or even sex-citing like Nava K, "Vegetarian Potato Varuval, Urulaikizhangu Varuval, Potato Fry or Potato Simplicity.  Vegetarian Potato Varuval. Oh yes please. Such a delight to or in your mouth. Yes. Of course. Believe me. And potatoes, also known as "Aloo" in Hindi (Dum Aloo, Saag Aloo & Jeera Aloo). Aside to vegetarian potato varuval now, potatoes by themselves? Remember, I told you before? The kilos I buy weekly and no matter, how you cook potatoes? Potatoes as in, being the central, core or main highlight in a dish (Indian Potato Balls) or into other dishes (Mutton Meatball Soup, Egg Potato Curry & Spicy Potato Anchovies) and curries (Mutton Chukka & Indian Masala Chicken Curry)? My-My! Nope. Trust me. You can't go wrong with potatoes.

Masak Lemak Sayur (Malay Style Vegan Coconut Milk Stew)

Of course. Anything is possible. Including a Malay style vegan coconut stew. Who said you can't?  Who? Who is saying. No. Not me though. In fact, this recipe of mine, evidently? Pretty much, proven. Our Malay or Malaysian vegan or vegetarian coconut milk stew (Sayur Lodeh Vegetarian, Gado Gado Vegetarian & Vegetable Kurma). Coconut Milk (Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa, Vegetarian Nasi Lemak  & Vegetarian Mutton Rendang). Oh yes! Once said as the disaster for our health. But today, the same smart ones are professing that coconut milk or even, because coconut oil has been re-branded as "virgin coconut oil", these are for our healthiness. As if, like, our Malaysian coconut milk (Curry Mee Vegetarian) and coconut oil has never been virgins. Damn! How ingredients theories can be twisted and turned. By the way, for your information, I'm not a virgin or even "like a virgin". Hehehe!! I speak the truth and nothing but the truth. Tadaa!!

Kacang Buncis Kunyit (Beans Turmeric)

Healthy living (Murungai Keerai Poriyal, Malaysian Vegetarian Spaghetti & Cucumber Yogurt Salad). Yes. Yes. The whole world is like, won't and can't stop preaching about healthy eating, healthy ingredients and healthy cooking. Honestly, I, to a certain extent, am quite lost on what's with the obsession to healthy living. In fact, every where daily. Social media, whatsapp groups, daily conversations, etc, etc, etc. God! Like what? Am I like the only one who is missing out on healthiness? Anyway, let's now narrow down specifically on healthy cooking. Organic ingredients, or using specific ingredients for our cooking or, you tell me please? If you are asking me, there is no better healthier food on earth than our home cooked meals, cooked in a clean environment. Home food for me personally is the ultimate healthy living. Alright, in tandem to healthy cooking, here's to a healthy dish. Kacang Buncis Kunyit, aka Beans Turmeric. Turmeric powder and garlic (Garlic Tomato Rasam) as you know, or don't? Of course, health is wealth ingredients and this dish, a totality to vegetarianism or veganism, yeppie yeh to further healthiness as well (Vegan Tom Yam Soup, Mixed Vegetable Soup & Vegetable Kadhi)? Kacang Buncis Kunyit (Beans Turmeric). No hassle cooking and pantry friendly ingredients (Baingan Bharta). Except, maybe, for buying the beans or all the better, if they are from your garden (Moroccan Pea Soup).

Bubur Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge)

Bubur Pulut Hitam. Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge. Ohhh yeess, and yes, and yes. My favourite sugar rushing or non-rushing dessert. In fact, for a fact, this easy to put together sweet porridge (Bubur Kacang Hijau/Green Bean Sweet Porridge) has conquered the number one spot amongst the rest of our Malaysian desserts for me personally. How do we make Bubur Pulut Hitam (Black Glutinous Rice Sweet Porridge)? Very easy. Uncomplicated. Simmer and add the few ingredients as listed below and there you have - soft tender black glutinous rice, scented by pandan/screwpine leaves (Kuih Buah Melaka & Pandan Cheesecake), sweetened by white or brown sugar or Gula Melaka/palm sugar and creaminess from coconut milk. You can if you like, add sago as well (Pumpkin Sago Dessert & Malaysian Sago Pudding) and Bubur Pulut Hitam can be a choice between, either a cold or hot sweet dessert.

Vegan Tofu Sambal

Veganism. What is veganism? Veganism (Vegan Thai Fried Rice & Vegan Pumpkin Soup), basically is, the higher leveling up to vegetarianism (Fresh Turkey Berry Curry & Malaysian Vegetarian Spaghetti). Am I a vegan? No. I am not. Will I be able to tell you why vegans don't consume not only meat, but also dairy products? To a certain extent and most probably, if I am not mistaken, due to health reasons and perhaps I should also include religionism as well. For me personally, anything goes except beef and exotic meat. What about vegan food? Actually, come to think of it, I don't mind every now and then. Nothing wrong right? Of course not. After all, food is food, and even if its vegan dish, like this Vegan Tofu (Mapo Tofu & Tofu Katsu) Sambal, trust me, we don't compromise on food deliciousness.

Saag Aloo (Spinach And Potatoes)

Saag (Chloe Palak) Aloo or Aloo (Sukhi Aloo Sabzi) Saag. I actually called this dish as aloo saag in my YouTube video. Then again? Due to the majority calling it saag aloo? Let is be saag aloo. Having said that or whatever or however you like to address Saag Aloo or Aloo Saag, it all boils down to the combination of two central ingredients. Spinach (Spinach Lamb Spaghetti) and potatoes. Furthermore, if I am not mistaken, saag aloo (Tari Wale Aloo, Aloo Gobi & Vegetarian Potato Sambal) is definitely a popularity amongst the Indians. Whichever part of the world they are? Even the Westerners? Oh-my! They sure have fast caught up in the count of cooking such an Indian dish. In fact, Westerners showcasing saag aloo recipes? The number of recipes popping up in case you are more inclined to a Westerner's saag aloo? How about this Saag Aloo cooking style of mine? No, no. Not a totality to a different kinda. Pretty much a familiarity. But, a sincere home style, non-spicy kid friendly version (Tomato Spinach Soup) without compromising on the core quintessential, appreciated delightful tastes. And for which you don't need aplenty ingredients. Indeed, healthiness as well (Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Spinach Sambar/Dhal Curry). A side dish for rice or for sandwiching between toast.

Stir Fried Oyster Mushrooms

I'm not sure. In fact, I am rather confused about, what is healthy cooking for healthy living. Seriously guys,  I can't comprehend and I really don't know how should I go about explaining healthy cooking and healthy eating (Moringa/Drumstick Leaves Stir Fried). For me personally, I eat anything. Anything in other words, everything in moderation and I do, from time to time, indulge in sinful guilty food pleasures. Of course, not gawking those heavy duty rich food daily, but when the craving kicks in. I am really fine. No guilty feeling due to me not the pigging out kinda and me exercising regularly. Still, trust me, controlling my weight and also, avoiding tiredness, body pain and headache which every now and then can literally pull me down? Not an easy feat for Nava K who is 54, going 55.

Pachai Sundakkai Kulambu (Fresh Turkey Berry Curry)

Not only fish curry (South Indian Style Fish Curry). In fact, any curry for the matter in my house? A must. Yes. Without a doubt. Not for me though. I am okay in exploring various types of dishes, but for my Indian other half-half I have been faithfully married for the last 17 years? Curry, curry and curry (Mushroom/Kaalan Sour Curry) for every other meal (Spinach Chickpea Curry, Brinjal Curry & Vegetable Kadhi). Basically, no curry, no food hunger or food happiness for him. Perhaps, if I am not mistaken, can I take it as, its the same curry cooking story in your house as well if you are married to a typical Indian man (Navratan Korma & Pavakkai/Bitter Gourd Puli Kuzhambu)? Unless, of course, your husband don't mind cooking his own curries (Okra Curry & Drumstick Sambar/Dhal Curry) and he also lovingly cooking meals for you too. Anyhow, whether you are the chef at home or its your spouse, this pot of Nava K invented Pachai Sundakkai Kulambu/ Fresh Turkey Berry Curry. A power house, spicy, tangy vegetarian authentic Indian style curry. Sincerely worth being made in your kitchen too. Trust me, won't let down your and your loved ones tastebuds.

Vegetarian Potato Sambal

Vegetarianism and Nava K. Oh pleaseeee!!! Please don't put us side by side. Honestly everyone, vegetarianism is definitely out of the question for me. Neither will I force it on me for the sake of doing it or just because others are willingly or blindly jumping into the back wagon of vegetarianism. Seemingly, I may be wrong, but obviously, people are under the impression that if you are a vegetarian, you are a symbol of healthy living. For the Hindus as well, if not all, at least the rest, they are under the impression that abstaining from meat is a sign of holiness (Mushroom Curry/Kaalan Puli Kulambu). Really? I am not going to say anything further. Hindus, believe me, they are really sensitive if you talk about their religion. Anyway, whether you are a healthy grain or holy grain or not, there is such a thing as being a part-time vegetarian right (Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa & Nasi Minyak)? Why not? Whenever we feel we should or we want to instead of allowing others in pressuring us?

WTF (What Tasty Food) Restaurant - Bangsar

Sorry to say, I don’t like to say, but if I don't say, my head will explored into two. What I want to really say is that I really can’t understand why people generally classify vegetarian food as tasteless, boring and unappealing. Help me out here please, please also pardon me if you are one of them who, no matter what, will not or have not tried a pure, true vegetarian delight. Anyway, it’s not for me to decide on the type of food you should pleasure into, neither do I intend to change the mind set of those who have pulled a brake forever to a vegetarian meal. In that regard as well, I am not referring to the countless ordinary vegetarian food you can just walk out and get anywhere these days. I am certainly referring to fresh vegetarian food, cooked with love and care in an up and running favorable vegetarian restaurant where we, yes, you, me and anyone will be 100% assured that food, drinks and desserts are  precisely made from a scratch without artificial flavouring and colouring. 

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.

Vegetarian Nyonya Laksa

Vegetarianism! Seemingly, for whatever reasons maybe, is a big trend these days? Why, if you are asking me? I think we did speak about this before, but nevermind, sometimes its good I repeat myself like a parrot. Personally, I really don't have the answer, but I think for health reasons or reaching out to god. What about me? Me vegetarian? I am definitely not a vegetarian. Of course, into our food picture, the once a week being a vegetarian due to my other half-half. He believing in vegetarianism for his religious belief and I? Like what? No point rocking the marriage boat just because of a vegetarian meal right (Mee Siam Kuah Vegetarian, Maggi Goreng Mamak Vegetarian, Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Vegetarian Chow Mein, Vegetarian Mee Hoon & Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup)? What's there to fuss about anyway? No point. I am the chef at home, and can you imagine cooking a vegetarian meal and then cooking a non for yourself? Duh!

Nasi Minyak

Nasi Minyak? Got you wondering? What is Nasi Minyak? Our Malaysian, specifically Malay style (Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak) rice dish cooked alongside quite a whole list of ingredients. Mainly of course our local herbs and spices, and nasi minyak if I am not wrong, must be regarded as another rice dish trending near, far or close to Briyani (Burmese Briyani, Hyderabadi Vegetable Briyani & Vegetable Briyani). Why? Pretty much the main elements speaking for themselves. The main elements of ghee (Ghee Rice), spices, nuts, raisin, and of course any kinda of rice dish which is quite outstanding must be made with Basmati rice. We in Malaysia are also not short of our other famed rice dishes (Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Bunga Telang, Nasi Ulam & Nasi Dagang). Each and every one of it is a representation of our Malaysian food colors (Nasi Pudina & Nasi Kunyit) and Nasi Minyak on the whole, a rich, filling, aromatic and like a must have for special occasions rice dish. Furthermore, the pairing for Nasi Minyak is endless. Mostly spicy dishes, or as you wish, as you like (Roti Jala Kari Kambing, Ayam Buah Keluak, Salad Bunga Kantan & Sambal Udang). 

Vazha Koombu Thoran

The last time we meet, we hit it at Sri Lanka cuisine (Miris Malu). Today, we are hitting back to another round of Kerala cuisine. Kerala cuisine (Mathi Achar, Nadan Meen Curry, Meen Puttu, Parippu Pradhaman)? I quite know it right? Well, I must admit I quite have it at the back and in front of my cooking hands (Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Curry). What is Vazha Koombu Thoran? Vazha Koombu is vazhaipoo, or banana flower or banana blossom. How about thoran? Basically, a stir fry (Tuna Thoran, Beans Thoran & Cabbage Thoran). To make Vazha Koombu Thoran? All clearly listed below and quite a simplicity, but cleaning the banana flower? You better get ready with time and some oil for rubbing and removing its stickiness while, maybe at removing the flowers and thereafter for cleaning your hands and fingers. Other than that, Vazha Koombu Thoran is our yesteryears and forever appeciated by my generation side dish delightfulness alongside rice (Carrot Poriyal & Tapioca Stir Fry).