Monday, July 24, 2023

Chicken Rendang Recipe (Resepi Rendang Ayam)

Indonesian Chicken dish, made with blended herbs, coconut milk, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, dried red chill and coconut flakes.
When you think of rendang, two countries immediately come to mind: Indonesia (URAP KANGKUNG/WATER SPINACH SALAD) and Malaysia. Rendang is widely recognized as originating from Indonesia, particularly from the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra. Traditionally, it is prepared for ceremonial occasions, and its name refers to the slow-cooking process that tenderizes meat in a rich mixture of coconut milk and spices.

Rendang usually comes in two popular variations: beef rendang (rendang daging) and chicken rendang (rendang ayam). In both Indonesian and Malaysian (KERABU BENDI/OKRA SALAD) versions, the rempah (spice paste) is the heart of the dish.

Sunday, July 16, 2023

Lavish Coffee House: A Treat for the Senses

Indulge in a culinary journey, for even food enthusiasts deserve a treat from time to time (Signature Tiffins Cafe). Whether it's to reward ourselves for our hard work and dedication or simply to savor life's pleasures, treating ourselves is a nourishment for both the mind and soul (He Ju Kopitiam & Nutz & Boltz). Today, at about 10:15 AM, we found ourselves at Lavish Coffee House (No 16-G, Jalan Eco Santuari 8/2B, Eco Santuari, Selangor) immersed in its captivating ambiance. The menu instantly caught our attention, offering a plethora of options to satisfy our cravings. Among the array of choices, we opted for Ladies Breakfast Set (RM23.00), which came with a steaming cup of Americano and a plate of Kampung Fried Rice (RM19.90), alongside a comforting Cafe Latte (RM9.90).

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Spinach Dal Recipe

Spinach Dal, made with malabar spinach, red lentil, coconut milk, spices, ghee, tomato, shallots, garlic, water and salt.
Spinach is a nutritious leafy vegetable that comes in many varieties, and the list seems almost endless. You’re probably still discovering new ones yourself. Some of the names can overlap, but the most common types include:

Regular Green Spinach
The everyday spinach with tender leaves.

 

Curly Spinach

Crinkly, textured leaves

Friday, July 7, 2023

Egg Curry Recipe

Egg Curry, made with green herbs and chili paste, coconut milk, lime juice, fresh green chilies, boiled eggs, salt and oil

Eggs don’t need much introduction. They are a universal favorite in every household. From breakfast to supper, eggs appear in countless dishes, whether fried, boiled, or poached. They can be eaten on their own or added into salads, stir-fries, fried rice, noodles, or used as a binding ingredient in side dishes.

 

Among these, boiled eggs often find their way into curries, not just Indian curries, but Thai curries as well. Thai (TOM YUM FISH) curries come in many varieties, including red, yellow, and green, and in the Thai Green Curry, boiled eggs make an ideal combination.

 

For a homemade Thai Green Curry, the essential ingredients - herbs (CURRY LEAF RICE), spices, and chili, are traditionally pounded in a mortar, though blending is more convenient for home cooking. The green curry paste is fried in oil to release its fragrant aroma, then coconut milk, seasoning, and boiled eggs are added to complete the Thai Green Egg Curry.

 

Served generously over rice, the staple food of Thailand, this vibrant, creamy green curry is comforting and flavorful. Bursting with bold, aromatic flavours, this Thai-style egg curry is a dish loved across the world (INDIAN FISH CURRY).


Ingredients for Egg Curry
5 green chilies 
1/2 inch galangal 
2 lemongrass stalks 
A handful of coriander leaves 
2 stalks of spring onion 
2 shallots 
1 1/2 tsp cumin powder 
1 tsp belacan (shrimp paste) powder 
Water (as needed for blending)

Green curry paste, made with lemongrass, galangal, coriander leaves, spring onions, shallots, cumin powder, green chilies, shrimp paste & water.

Other Ingredients

1 cup coconut milk 

10 boiled eggs 

3 green - cut into 2

Palm sugar - as needed 

Lime juice - as needed  

1/2 cup oil 

Salt

Ingredients for egg curry - coconut milk, boiled eggs, green herbs and chili paste, oil, salt, palm sugar and coconut milk.

How to Make Egg Curry

Heat oil, tip in the green curry paste and cook it until the oil separates. 

Pour in the coconut milk and stir. 

Once it start to simmer, add boiled eggs.  

Season with palm sugar, salt and lime juice. 

Stir and switch off the heat.

Add in the cut into 2 green chilies and stir to combine in. 

Close view of egg curry, made with green curry paste, boiled eggs, fresh green chilies, coconut milk, salt, egg and water.

Close view of egg curry, made with boiled eggs, green herbs and chili paste, coconut milk, lime juice, palm sugar, water, oil and salt.

Monday, July 3, 2023

A Foodie's Journey in Taman Tun Dr Ismail: Unveiling the Culinary Delights of Alora Spices

Usually, my food hunting adventures take place within Kota Kemuning. However, a week ago, I had the pleasure of venturing into Taman Tun Dr Ismail after a delightful outing with a dear friend in Bukit Bintang. In search of a satisfying late lunch, we stumbled upon Alora Spices, an Indian eatery that instantly captivated us with its inviting ambiance and clean atmosphere. Join me as I recount the flavorsome experience and delectable dishes that awaited us at this hidden gem.

Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Curry Leaf Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

Cooked curry leaf rice with fried whole cashew nuts, curry leaves, oil, water, and a pinch of salt
If not all, there are people who think “superfoods” are rare, exotic, or expensive products found only in specialty stores. But some of the healthiest ingredients are already in our kitchens. They are quietly packed with nutrients that are often overlooked. Curry leaves are one of the best examples of superfood herbs (CUMIN RICE RECIPE).

A staple in Indian households, grown in home compounds, these fragrant leaves are now recognized worldwide for their health benefits, including antioxidants, vitamins, and digestive support.

Monday, June 19, 2023

Easy Crab Curry Recipe - Malaysian Style


Prior-fried crabs in a thick, spicy curry (SALTED FISH CURRY WITH PINEAPPLE) make this Malaysian-style dish incredibly flavorful. Curry can also be referred to as masala, which usually means a mixture of spices (dry or wet) used to flavor a dish.

Spices are essential in Indian cuisine, even for a Malaysian-style curry, and they provide consistent taste across cuisines globally. In restaurants, a thick, spicy curry is often called Masala Crab or Crab Masala, while at home, it’s simply known as crab curry.

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach

Close view of a cluster of Brazilian Spinach on the ground soil.
A couple of years ago, Brazilian spinach was relatively unknown in Malaysia. Over time, it has slowly made its presence felt. Gardeners have started exploring it as part of the growing trend in home and urban gardening. Scientifically known as Alternanthera sissoo, it is commonly referred to by simpler names such as Sissoo spinach, Sambu, Samba lettuce, Sabu spinach, and Poor man’s spinach. 

The name “Brazilian spinach” reflects its country of origin, Brazil. With its glossy, attractive leaves, it is a must-grow vegetable at home.

Monday, June 12, 2023

He Ju Kopitiam: A Culinary Adventure Through a Food Critic's Lens

We decided to check out a kopitiam, which has become quite popular lately. It seems that just using the word "kopitiam" in a restaurant's name attracts customers for different reasons. Kopitiams can be simple coffee shops serving Malaysian food or fancier places with nice decorations and air conditioning. The fancier ones may be a bit pricier, but they attract people with their tasty food and cozy atmosphere. The one we went to was somewhere in the middle, offering a variety of delicious dishes from both Malaysia and other countries on their menu.

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Vegetarian Okra Recipe: Kerabu Bendi (Lady Finger Salad)

Okra salad made with simmered okra, lemongrass, chillies, shallots, lime juice and roasted and pounded coconut.

Okra is better known as lady fingers in some parts of the world, whereas in Malaysia, it is called bendi. This long green vegetable can be slimy when cut, but it is packed with numerous health benefits. Affordable and versatile, bendi is often added to curries or stir-fries (BEANS STIR-FRY CHINESE STYLE).

 

One of the simplest ways to eat it is steamed or boiled, paired with a spicy Malaysian dip, or sambal. For a more elevated version, the steamed or boiled okra can be sliced and turned into a Malaysian salad. One popular type is a raw salad (CUCUMBER YOGURT SALAD NO-CO0K) known as Kerabu, a no-fuss recipe using kitchen-friendly ingredients.

Pandan Leaves: Screwpine Leaves

Sweet, grassy, slightly nutty with a hint of coconut, that’s the essence of pandan leaves, also known as screwpine leaves or pandanus leaves...