Malaysian Sodhi (Indian Coconut Milk Stew)

(Updated Version)

Simplicity shines in Sodhi, the Indian coconut milk stew. This much-loved dish also finds a cherished place in cuisines from other parts of the world, like Sri Lanka and especially Kerala. Making Sodhi is effortless: just add all the ingredients to a pot, simmer, season with lime juice and salt, and you're done.

 

You can create various types of Sodhi, and to make it a one-pot dish, adding vegetables is a great option. I often do this to keep the dish interesting and avoid monotony. Plus, it saves me the trouble of preparing a separate vegetable dish (EASY VEGETARIAN TOFU RECIPES). 

Best Vegetarian Mutton Recipes

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s talk about vegetarian mutton. This isn’t your typical mock or meatless product; it’s made from mushrooms and mushroom stalks. It's a healthier alternative to many mock meats that often contain artificial flavoring and coloring. When purchasing vegetarian mutton, be sure to check the label for ingredients that specify it is made from mushrooms.

I find vegetarian mutton to be a delightful option, although I don't consume it regularly to avoid overindulging. Remember, moderation is key to a healthy diet. In this post, I’ll share five effortless recipes featuring vegetarian mutton, all made from pantry-friendly ingredients.

Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak (Tapioca leaf In Coconut Gravy)

(Updated Version)

For an urban gardener like me, growing veggies, herbs, and fruits is incredibly fulfilling. These are for our own consumption. Amongst what I grow are tapioca, sweet potatoes, and recently, I’ve added purple yam. While I haven’t experimented with purple yam leaves yet, tapioca leaves and sweet potato leaves are absolutely wonderful when transformed into a Malay dish (NASI ULAM/HERBED RICE RECIPES) known as Masak Lemak.

Angkor Wat, Siem Reap - Iconic Temple & Sunset

Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage site (BOROBUDUR TEMPLE, INDONESIA) is an absolute must-see for any traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or someone seeking adventure, this ancient temple complex offers an unforgettable experience (HO CHI MINH CITY TRAVEL GUIDE). Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples.

Getting There and What to Expect

Angkor Wat is located in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and is easily accessible from the city center. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, with options for a one-day, three-day, or even a week-long pass for exploration. Most travelers opt for the one-day pass to visit the major temples.

Ikan Balado

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Ladies and gentlemen, you might be wondering how this Indian Malaysian lady became a small-time shining star in Indonesian cuisine. Well, it all started with my love for local Malay dishes, and along the way, I gradually fell for Indonesian cuisine too. There’s a definite connection between the two, and apart from my trip to Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA TEMPLES & SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT) that deepened my love for their food, I had been cooking Indonesian dishes long before. 

I also picked up cooking tips from Indonesians in Malaysia. When Nava’s Zen was under renovation, I learned even more about Indonesian cooking from the team working on it. The rest, as they say, is history.

Now, onto Ikan Balado and Ikan Balado Hijau/Ijo - the main difference lies in whether you use red chilies or green chilies (Cabe Hijau/Ijo). Indonesians also use jeruk limau (pickled lime), something my late mum used to make as well, similar to the Indian Salted Lime Pickle. Personally, I don’t think it’s a must for Indonesian savory dishes, as you can easily substitute with lime juice (KENTANG INDONESIA & TEMPE OREK).

Kuih Sagu Kukus (Steamed Sago Cake)

Recall our discussion on sago in "EFFORDLESS MALAY DESSERTS"? Let's delve into it again, this time focusing on Kuih Kukus Sago/Steamed Sago Cakes. Despite their delightful flavor, they consistently turned out too sticky. Even after coating them with fresh grated coconut, they clung to fingers, prompting me to serve them in a saucer with a fork, which is actually how the cakes should be served, to prevent spillage and mess on the floor. Baffled by their stickiness, I experimented with various methods: steaming, cooking with water until thick, and chilling. Yet, none resolved the issue.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Travel Guide

Ben Thanh Market
A visit to Ben Thanh Market is a must for first-time travelers (BANGKOK THAILAND: THINGS TO DO). I walked there from my hotel, about a half-hour walk, and along the way, the streets were already filled with vendors, traders on motorbikes, and shops lining both sides. Even before you get to the market, there are plenty of opportunities to shop. The market itself is bustling with stalls offering all sorts of goods—clothes, shoes, bags, handcrafted souvenirs, and local delicacies. 

I picked up two traditional Vietnamese slippers, and it’s all about your bargaining skills. Though I was tempted to try some local food, I hesitated, having just arrived and still figuring out the currency, which didn’t sit well with the traders. I left feeling like I had explored Ben Thanh Market on my own terms.

Kerabu Mangga (Mango Salad)

(Updated Version)

Isn’t there something irresistibly enchanting about a raw mango salad, or kerabu mangga as we call it in Bahasa Malaysia (NASI KUNYIT/MALAY TURMERIC RICE)? If you ask me, I’m all for sour flavors, and kerabu mangga is the epitome of tangy delight. I’ve sampled various styles, from Thai to different Malay versions, and let me tell you, each one has its charm.

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

(Updated Version)

Every beloved and timeless dish, salted fish curry is something I’ve made countless times. Each time, there’s a twist that brings a new variation. While the core ingredients remain the same, the types of beans can vary - from mochakottai (field beans), chickpeas, or kondakadalai (chana dal). Additional ingredients like potatoes, brinjals, white radish, okra, or murungakkai (moringa fruits/sticks) offer endless possibilities (SOUTH INDIAN FISH CURRY RECIPES). 

Rangoon Creeper: Cultivating Zen Blooming Bliss

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Rangoon Creeper, or Combretum Indicum, is also known as Drunken Sailor, Akar Dani, Chinese Honeysuckle, and Red Jasmine. This charming plant originates from Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar. Its name pays tribute to Rangoon, now known as Yangon. In Nava's Zen garden, it brings both beauty and fragrance (ROSELLE - BENEFITS & USES).

 

Fragrance and Blooms

Rangoon Creeper isn’t just about its appearance; its scent is truly captivating. The sweet, fruity aroma fills the air, creating a serene and relaxing ambiance. The flowers begin as delicate white buds and gradually transition into clusters of rich red blooms. Over time, the slender stems grow into strong, lush vines, perfect for adorning pergolas or trellises.