The flowers, loaded with antioxidants and essential amino acids, reduce inflammation and enhance skin health. Meanwhile, the fruits, commonly known as drumsticks, are a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber, promoting cardiovascular health and helping regulate blood sugar. Moringa truly is a nutritional powerhouse, contributing to overall well-being (SUN-DRIED MANGO CURRY).
Monday, September 26, 2022
Spice-Kissed Drumsticks & Eggs
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
Sun-Dried Mango Curry: Healthiness & Deliciousness
It's been ages since I used sun-dried mangoes in my cooking. Growing up, my mum often used these tangy delights in various dishes. Sometimes she soaked them to soften, then lightly fried them to serve with rice (LEMONGRASS RICE) and other side dishes. The sour notes always brought immense joy to my palate. Whenever mum cooked dishes with sun-dried mangoes, I was in food heaven.
Sun-dried mangoes had slipped from my memory until I recently spotted them at the Indian grocer. Affordable and full of flavor, these mangoes need to be soaked in water to soften before cooking. They add delightful sour notes to dishes, especially traditional curries with potatoes. The combination of sourness, spiciness from the spices, tender potatoes, the aroma of asafoetida powder, and a drizzle of gingerly oil creates an indescribable taste sensation.
Monday, August 1, 2022
Lemongrass Rice (Nasi Serai): 3 Citrus-Fresh Dishes
I have a whole list of things to share with all of you about lemongrass, or as we call it in our local language, serai. The most important thing is that I grow them right here in Nava’s Zen. In fact, I have a few bunches growing now, as I use lemongrass quite regularly in my cooking. One of the simplest things I do is make lemongrass rice (AROMATIC CUMIN RICE), also known as Nasi Serai (BALINESE FISH SAMBAL) amongst us Malaysians. I have three different recipes to share with you. And oh, before I forget (VEGETARIAN POTATO SAMBAL), I also grow Thai betel leaves and papaya trees as part of Nava’s Zen urban gardening.
Friday, July 15, 2022
Balinese Fish Sambal & Ikan Masak Merah
Tuesday, June 14, 2022
Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad and Indian Variations
How about we make Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad? Sounds fabulous, right? Aha, yes! I love all things yogurt. It’s a delight for me. In fact, I use yogurt regularly in my cooking, including in curries for its creamy and tangy burst (EGG CURRY TRIO). I’ve made carrot yogurt salad countless times as a side dish for our rice meals (MUGHLAI KORMA), whether it's a no-cook raw version or with tempered spices.
But let me first share the Turkish version, which I made for the first time. The cooking technique and ingredients are a bit different, and this cooked version of Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad tasted sensational (TURKISH SAFFRON RICE). I added an extra dose of olive oil, which melded beautifully with the creamy yogurt, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. It brings a subtle, peppery depth to the sweetness of the carrots, elevating each spoonful to a new level of deliciousness (TURKISH CUCUMBER YOGURT SALAD).
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Langkawi: A Memorable Island Escape
The next morning (LANGKAWI SKY HIGH) was dedicated to shopping at the duty-free shops. One of those things I am not fond of? Shopping. It felt like an hour of wasted time before finally stepping foot in Underwater World Langkawi. Located in Pantai Cenang, this is one of Malaysia's largest marine and freshwater aquariums, offering a captivating journey through the wonders of the aquatic world. Spanning over six acres, this renowned attraction features a diverse range of marine life, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and vibrant corals.
At first glance, it didn't win me over. I doubted its worth and wasn't sure if it was worth paying for. But once inside, ohlalala! The place was spellbinding with its bountiful, beautiful, and vibrant displays. My eyes almost popped out. Underwater World Langkawi proved me wrong and kept me thoroughly occupied. I loved every moment. I could have spent all my time leisurely exploring the strikingly colorful underwater creatures.
Monday, April 25, 2022
Langkawi (Kedah): Sky High and Artistic
Embarking on a road trip to Langkawi with a large group required two coaches. This was my second visit, the first being 25 years ago, leaving me curious about what had changed. Langkawi, a cluster of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, is known for its natural beauty and rich history. It has been a significant trading post influenced by Malay, Thai, and colonial cultures and is steeped in local legends like that of Princess Mahsuri. Now a UNESCO Global Geopark, Langkawi's rainforests, beaches, and wildlife showcase Malaysia's heritage (PERAK STEPPING BACK IN TIME).
We arrived in Kuala Kedah and took a ferry to Langkawi. Once there, we divided into cars and headed to Oriental Village. After a walk from the car park, our first stop was the food court to satisfy our hunger before starting our exploration of the village.
Thursday, April 21, 2022
Perak - Authentic Finds
As one of the most sought-after dishes in Ipoh, patience is key. The small but tantalizing bowl of Curry Mee arrived, its fragrant, not-too-spicy broth perfectly soaking up the noodles, seafood, chicken, and pork, all garnished with fresh spring onions. Truly a delight, and nothing complemented it better than a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Perak: Stepping Back in Time
The first half of my day was pretty hectic but incredibly fulfilling (IPOH TEMPLE TREASURES). Despite being roasted under Malaysia's scorching hot weather, I loved every moment of it. After visiting Perak Cave Temple, our next destination was Gunung Lang Recreational Park. I must crown Gunung Lang Recreational Park as one of Ipoh's natural prides, especially for a nature lover like me. Surrounded by mountains and centered around a serene lake, the park offers a picturesque escape (RANAU SABAH ECO-TOURISM).
Exploring Betong, Thailand: Hidden Gems and Local Flavors
By 7:00 am ( BETONG: WEEKEND TRIP OF DISCOVERIES ), freshly showered, I headed down to the lobby, ready for the day ahead. Joined by a frien...
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(Updated Version) Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, co...
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(Updated Version) Ever wondered how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say I’m one of them. In our lit...
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(Updated Version) As I reflect on my cooking routine ( SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY ), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish ...