Vegetable Stir-Fry Recipe: Ponnanganni Keerai

Ponnanganni Keerai, also known as Sessile Joyweed, is a nutritious Indian green leafy vegetable packed with vitamins and minerals. Popular in traditional South Indian cooking (VEGETABLE KURMA CURRY), this humble green is valued not only for its mild bitterness but also for its many health benefits, from cooling the body to improving digestion.

Ponnanganni keerai is commonly found at local markets, usually sold by Indian vegetable traders, but it’s also easy to grow at home. Simply plant the stems after plucking the leaves for cooking. They’ll thrive with minimal care, for your home garden.

Vegetable Kurma Curry Recipe

Kurma curry ranges from chicken, mutton and beef to vegetable versions. The kurma mix generally consists of common ingredients (SPINACH COCONUT MILK CURRY VEGETARIAN), with variations depending on the country or specific region. The differences mainly come down to the spices used and whether it’s a homemade kurma paste or a store-bought curry mix.

Nowadays, countless brands offer a variety of curry mixes, including kurma curry. These ready-made mixes are convenient for quick recipes, catering to today’s busy lifestyle. While the essential ingredients remain in ready-made kurma powders or mixes, some differences may occur between brands.

Spinach Coconut Milk Curry Recipe (Bayam Masak Lemak)

A perfect combination: spinach and coconut milk. Both are affordable superfoods. When it comes to spinach, there are a couple of varieties, including Amaranth Spinach. It is truly affordable and can be cooked into spinach stir fry, anchovies spinach soup, lentil spinach curry, and many more spinach recipes.

Today’s recipe is also a curry style, Malay-style vegetable curry (VEGETABLE SOUR SPICY CURRY/ASAM PEDAS). It falls under vegetarian and vegan recipes. It begins with making the rempah, a homemade spice mix. Then, amaranth is added, which is mild and slightly sweet. Cooked with the spice mix and coconut milk, it becomes a thick, mildly sweet curry. The curry is a vibrant color mix of yellow, green, red, and reddish-purple, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. 

Chinese Herbal Pork Soup Recipe

Chinese herbal pork soup is one of the easiest and most nourishing dishes in Chinese home cooking. Just add all the ingredients into a pot and let it slowly simmer into an aromatic, delicious soup. If you're using a slow cooker, even better, toss everything in, switch it on, head out, and come home to a pot of herbal comfort (VEGETABLE SOUR SPICY CURRY).

Whether you prefer pork or chicken, the method is the same. It’s all about your choice of protein. And thanks to the wide availability of pre-packed Chinese herbal mixes. Found in hypermarkets, Chinese provision shops, or traditional Chinese medical halls, this soup is also super convenient to make.

Vegetable Sour Spicy Curry Recipe (Asam Pedas)

Vegetable sour spicy curry, referring to a Malaysian curry, is literally vegetable asam pedas. Asam pedas is known as kuah in Bahasa Malaysia, which means gravy or curry. The core ingredient for non-vegetarian asam pedas is fish, usually fresh local Malaysian catch. But for a vegetable or vegetarian asam pedas, it’s a mix of Malaysian vegetables - refer to the ingredients list to see what they are (TAMARIND/ASAM FRIED FISH).

 

That said, the Malaysian mix of blended local herbs, known as rempah, is what matters most. The spice mix must have the right balance of sourness, spiciness, and saltiness. While cooking the rempah, tasting as you go is key to making a delicious sour spicy curry. Still, it is a simple cooking style and budget-friendly, using Malaysian ingredients, which includes popular Asian herbs (MALAYSIAN MUTTON CURRY).

How to Make Fried Fish Tamarind (Asam) Style

Tamarind or asam as known amongst Malaysia is one of the ingredients used for Malaysian savoury dishes, particularly for curries, and gravy dishes. But for Malay cooking, as well as Nyonya food, one of the dishes which incorporates tamarind juice in a different style of cooking is Tamarind Fried Fish, or known as Ikan Goreng Asam. This fish recipe may not be a familiar one for some, including Malaysians, yet, it’s a food love for those who love sourness into fish fry (MALAYSIAN MUTTON CURRY).

 

An easy recipe as there is not much to do, except marinated fish into the tamarind juice, later frying. Paired with a no-cook dip or sauce. Generally, for a such a style fish recipe, the choice is cencaru or torpedo scud, but feel free to use other suited fish, like mackerel/ikan kembung as in the second choice of recipe attached. Also, the raw dipping sauce uses the common kitchen staples. Tamarind fish or asam fish or ikan goreng asam is about tanginess, spiciness tastes. 

Indonesia Travel Guide: Surakarta

Surakarta, or Solo, is a city in Central Java, Indonesia. Founded in 1745 by Pakubuwono II, it was once the capital of the Mataram Sultanate before it split into two royal courts, the Surakarta Sunanate and the Yogyakarta Sultanate. Located along the Bengawan Solo River, the city is well known for its strong Javanese roots, especially in batik, wayang (shadow puppetry), traditional music, and dance. Surakarta also played a role in Indonesia’s journey to independence, once becoming a base for early nationalist activities.

Indonesia Travel Guide: Mount Merapi Tours in Jogjakarta

Mount Merapi is not an unknown mountain. Whether you’ve heard of it or not, it’s one of the most active and powerful volcanoes in Jogjakarta, Indonesia. It has erupted many times, and each eruption has left a deep mark on the people living nearby.

But thanks to the hard work of those in the tourism industry, Mount Merapi is now one of the must-visit places in Jogjakarta (JOGJAKARTA THINGS TO DO). Tourists can explore this strong and scary mountain in a safe way. A Mount Merapi tour is an adventure from start to finish. You will ride in a jeep and stop at three places before going back to where you started.

Jogjakarta, Indonesia: Top Things to Do

Jogjakarta (also spelled Yogyakarta) has a lot to offer. If you have about a week, that’s a good amount of time to explore without rushing. The people in Jogjakarta are generally humble, friendly, and simple. But when it comes to driving, it can be a different story - traffic can be heavy, and drivers may seem impatient. Still, they’ll get you safely to all the main tourist spots, even with the jams.

Museum Ullen Sentalu

Located in the highlands of Kaliurang near Yogyakarta, Museum Ullen Sentalu is where you can learn about Javanese history and culture. It was opened in 1994 and is privately owned. Inside, you’ll find royal family heirlooms, traditional batik, and artworks that tell the story of the Mataram kingdom and how Javanese culture has changed over time.

Borobudur Temple, Central Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Borobudur Temple: A Must-See in Central Java

When in Indonesia, specifically in Central Java, one of the top sights you shouldn’t miss is Borobudur Temple. Recognised globally, this monumental Mahayana Buddhist structure is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Built in the 9th century during the Sailendra Dynasty, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its intricate stone carvings, striking architecture, and symbolic design (JOGJAKARTA INDONESIA THINGS TO DO).

 

The temple represents Buddhist cosmology through its three levels: the world of desire, the world of forms, and the formless world. These levels reflect Buddhist beliefs, representing human desire, spiritual growth, and enlightenment.

Jogjakarta, Indonesia: What to Do

Jogjakarta, also spelled Yogyakarta and often called Jogja, is located in the southern part of the island of Java, Indonesia. While it’s geographically surrounded by Central Java, Jogja is a special region with its own Sultan, the only province in Indonesia still ruled this way. The city sits inland from the Indian Ocean, near Mount Merapi, and lies south of Semarang and east of Jakarta (PRETORIA SOUTH AFRICA TOURIST SPOTS).

Known as the heart of Java, Jogja is rich in culture and heritage. But at the same time, urban development continues to shape its landscape. From well-known attractions to lesser-visited corners, there are plenty of things to do - whether you're following the tourist trail or discovering hidden gems (THINGS TO DO IN JAIPUR, INDIA).

Kari Kambing Malaysia (Malaysian Mutton Curry)

Mutton curry is considered one of the top dishes worldwide. This versatile mutton dish can be prepared in different styles, depending on where it’s made, meaning which country. In Malaysia, for example, you’ll find Malay Style Mutton Curry, Chinese Style Mutton Curry, and Indian Style Mutton Curry. Indian curries are especially known for their spices and aromatic herbs like curry leaves and coriander leaves.

A standout version is Kari Kambing Malaysia, or Malaysian Mutton Curry. What makes the dish stand out is the addition of potatoes, something rarely seen in India or even other parts of the world. While the core ingredients are similar, this Malaysian-style curry also includes yogurt and dried fenugreek leaves for extra deliciousness and fragrance.

Things to Do in Pretoria, South Africa

Pretoria, the administrative capital nestled in the northern part of Gauteng Province, has been central to South Africa's history. It is a significant city due to the major events that have taken place over the years. Today, Pretoria has transformed into a modern South African city worth including in your South Africa sightseeing itinerary. Whether you join a city tour or explore on your own, there are landmarks, historic buildings, and meaningful spots to visit -  or take your time visiting public gardens, monuments, and cultural sites (MUST TRY FOOD IN SOUTH AFRICA).

It may be quieter than Johannesburg, but it holds its own charm and significance. This guide highlights the top things to do in Pretoria, especially if you want to explore the city’s character beyond the surface (TAJ MAHAL AGRA INDIA UNESCO SITE).

Must-Try Food in South Africa

South African cuisine (BEST THINGS TO DO IN JOHANNESBURG) blends local traditions with global flavours. Popular dishes like braai, bobotie, pap, and biltong are found in eateries that serve traditional food or at local street stalls. Don’t hesitate to ask what’s on your plate, it’s the best way to learn and enjoy. You’ll also find a wide range of Indian, Chinese, Western, and South African fusion food, making food a key part of your travel experience. When in South Africa, its about what to eat and where to find it (CAPE TOWN SOUTH AFRICA THINGS TO DO).

Best Things to Do in Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, also known as Joburg, is South Africa’s largest city and a key destination alongside Cape Town. Known as the “City of Gold” due to the 1886 gold rush, Johannesburg is rich in history, nature, and unique travel experiences. If you're flying from Cape Town (TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN CAPE TOWN), expect a two-hour flight into O.R. Tambo International Airport. Depending on how long you stay, even two days is enough to explore some of the top things to do in Johannesburg, South Africa. Here are three must-visit attractions.

The Lion & Safari Park

Located in the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park offers a scenic bushveld backdrop and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Established in 1966, it has grown into a popular tourist and conservation center. Don’t miss the Cub World, where visitors queue up for a rare moment to interact with lion cubs,  one person at a time, with just two to three minutes allocated per visitor (PLACES TO VISIT IN SRI LANKA).

Top Places to Visit in Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, one of the most visited cities in South Africa, is packed with attractions (THINGS TO DO IN CAPE TOWN). From scenic landscapes and wildlife to good food and coastal drives, there’s so much to see and do. You could easily spend a week exploring Cape Town. While the list of tourist spots is long, a few stand out as must-visit highlights, both for sightseeing and experiencing the essence of the city.

Table Mountain

Table Mountain is the main highlight of Cape Town, a must-see for every visitor. But take note: your visit depends on the weather. On rainy or misty days, the cable car doesn’t operate. Once the weather clears, you can buy your ticket, queue up, and take the cable car ride. It lifts you 1,086 meters above sea level, with stunning views of the sea and the city below (SRI LANKA SIGHTSEEING SPOTS).