Monday, November 4, 2024

Spicy Thai-Style Eggplant Recipe

Sliced and fried eggplant, in a spicy, tangy and aromatic kaffir leaves Thai style.
Thai food is a balance of spiciness, tanginess, and the aroma of kaffir lime leaves. The signature tastes of a homemade Thai sauce. Fried eggplant soaks in the sauce, absorbing all those flavors.

Thai flavors are bold and well-known, but they are not limited to non-vegetarian dishes. Many Thai vegetable dishes use the same fragrant sauces, including Spicy Thai-Style Eggplant. Non-vegetarian recipes often include roasted shrimp paste, dried shrimps, minced pork, or minced chicken (COCONUT MILK FISH TOM YUM).

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Coriander (Cilantro) vs. Culantro: Cooking and Health Tips

Coriander and yellow watermelon salad served in a hollowed-out watermelon rind
Coriander, commonly known as cilantro, is well recognized among those who cook (LEMONGRASS: NATURAL AROMATHERAPY WELLNESS DRINKS). However, culantro - also referred to as sawtooth coriander or ketumbar jawa - has yet to make the same culinary impact. In countries like Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Puerto Rico, and Mexico, culantro is a beloved ingredient, yet many Malaysians remain unfamiliar with it. Surprisingly, some don't even realize that culantro exists, let alone use it in their cooking.

Friday, November 1, 2024

Fish Pickle Recipe

Fish pickle, made with fried sardines, in a spicy, turmeric powder, chilli powder, vinegar, and curry leaves vinaigrette.
Spices, chilli powder, and turmeric powder make tasty Indian fish pickle. Fried fish is soaked in a tangy vinaigrette with crispy fried curry leaves for extra aroma. Depending on the region, it may be known as fish pickle or fish achar.

 

In Kerala, it’s known as Mathi Achar, made with sardine fish (mathi). While there is also a Western-style fish pickle, the spicy taste of the Indian fish pickle stands out.

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Betong, Thailand: What to See and Do

Indian lady standing and posing in the compound of Wat Ki Lo Si Temple, Betong, Thailand.
Located in southern Thailand’s Yala Province near the Malaysia-Thailand border, Betong, Thailand is a small town that remains largely undiscovered by mainstream tourists. In recent years, however, it has been gaining attention, even among Malaysian travelers looking for a short getaway. 

Often referred to as a “men’s paradise in Thailand,” Betong still offers enough local attractions and experiences to make a two-day visit worthwhile, particularly as part of a southern Thailand itinerary (CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI SIGHTSEEING).

 

For those not planning to stay only in Betong Town, there are several tourist spots in and around Betong, including attractions located farther from the town centre. If you’re not driving, transportation in Betong is easily available for a fee. Most hotels in Betong can assist in arranging tuk-tuks or private transport for sightseeing.

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Steamed Fish (Chinese Style)

Steamed seabass, with no cook sauce, made with chillies, scallions, coriander leaves, ginger, and lime juice.
Tender fish is topped with a no-cook chili, scallions, coriander, and ginger sauce, creating a delicious Chinese-style steamed fish. Steamed fish is naturally healthy, and the spicy no-cook sauce adds even more benefits. Steaming is simple, making this an easy recipe to try at home (THAI STYLE STEAMED FISH). 

Various types of fish can be used, but some of the best are red snapper (ikan merah), white pomfret (bawal putih), grouper (kerapu), mackerel (tenggiri), and tilapia. For this recipe, seabass (kurau) is used, with tender, flaky flesh that takes on the sauce beautifully.

Saturday, October 26, 2024

Payasam Recipe

Indian sweet dessert, made with yellow peas, saffron strands, sugar, coconut milk, ghee, cashew nuts and dark raisins.
Green peas in coconut milk, and plumped-up black raisins and cashew nuts fried in ghee, make this a delicious Indian sweet porridge. A South Indian Payasam. In North India, it is widely known as Kheer. There is also the South Indian Kerala Pradhaman / Pal Payasam.

Various styles and types of Payasam are possible. Each one depends on which Indian ingredients are preferred, between the legumes, lentils, sago (PALM SUGAR SAGO PUDDING), nuts, and seeds. There is the simple Payasam, to the top-notch restaurant-style Payasam.

Sago Pudding with Palm Sugar (Sago Gula Melaka)

Cooked till translucent sago pearls, with coconut milk and palm sugar syrup.
Translucent sago pearls in creamy coconut milk and palm sugar syrup make this dessert a soft, slightly sticky indulgence. Sago pudding with palm sugar, or Sago Gula Melaka, is a cherished part of Malaysia’s traditional kuih-muih desserts (CEMPEDAK GORENG).

Visually appealing and irresistibly tempting, this sago dessert is surprisingly simple to make. Just simmer rinsed sago, locally known as sagu in Malaysia, in boiling water until translucent, rinse again, and set in a large mould or individual cups.

Friday, October 25, 2024

Molten Lava Cake: Eggless

Molten Lava cake, made with cocoa powder, flour, sugar, butter, baking powder and a piece of chocolate.
Oozy, gooey chocolate in the middle of a soft, melting-in-the-mouth cake. This is the eggless Molten Lava Cake. A no-fuss, chocolaty dessert chocolate cake (MARBLE CAKE), ideal when you crave a portion of cake, even for one person.

It can be made as mug cake, or in small Pyrex dishes, or any microwave-friendly container. Yes, it’s also the microwave Molten Lava Cake, ready in minutes. You can also make a steamed version if preferred.

 

The method is simple: sift the dry ingredients, mix in the wet ingredients, place a piece of chocolate in the center, and cook. The result is a warm, gooey chocolate center every time.

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

Chettinad Mutton Curry Recipe

Mutton curry, made with spicy curry paste, mutton, potatoes, yogurt, red chilies, and dried fenugreek leaves.
Karaikudi food is about South Indian cooking, and within this category, there is also the Chettinad food. Spices play a role in Chettinad cooking, and that’s what makes a Mutton Curry Chettinad style simply mouthwatering (KARAIKUDI CHICKEN CURRY). 

There is the typical version, or authentic version, and there is also a Malaysian-style Chettinad Mutton Curry. Which means Indian mutton curry recipe can be tweeted.

Tandoori Salmon

Pan Grilled Salmon, with ginger garlic paste, turmeric powder and chilli powder, paired with no cook yogurt mint dip.
It’s all worth it for the no-smell, omega-packed salmon. While salmon is rather pricey in Malaysia compared to our local catch, a simple pan-grilled salmon with lemon juice, crushed pepper, and salt is one of the best ways to have it.

 

Tandoor-style salmon, on the other hand, brings in Indian spices, making it a tasty, healthy dish (STEAMED FISH THAI STYLE). 

 

Traditionally, North-Indian Tandoori Salmon is cooked in a tandoor oven, or oven-baked for a home version. But the pan-grilled version is just as satisfying. Served with a no-cook mint dip, also known as mint chutney, and a crisp salad, it becomes a complete, restaurant-style salmon meal at home.

Sunday, October 20, 2024

Kodai Kueh Shah Alam Review – Malay Kueh & Noodles

Entrance of Kodai Kueh Shah Alam, banner visible, with customers walking around the shop
On my way to an eatery I’d been eager to try on Jalan Kebun, I stumbled upon Kodai Kueh Shah Alam by Aboy Eisha, located at Lorong Ikhsan. It’s just a quick 10-minute drive from Nava’s Zen in Kemuning Greenville. I found it intriguing that it’s called kodai instead of the more common kedai, which means "shop" in English. Ah! Just one of those quirks I can't comment on. Never mind; it’s not a big deal anyway.

As I approached this unassuming roadside shop, I noticed a growing crowd. Curiosity piqued - what was it about this place that was drawing so many people in? The closer I got, the more intrigued I became.

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Mutton Curry Recipe

A serving of mutton curry, made with spices, curry powder, potatoes, coriander and curry leaves.
The simple, easy curry is the best curry. The best mutton curry features ingredients commonly used in Indian cooking. Items you likely already have at home. Mutton curry is all about bold spiciness and aroma (MUTTON DALCHA). 

This South Indian-style mutton curry is ideal for beginners or for days when time is tight. With mutton pressure-cooked first, it saves time and lets you focus on cooking the rest of the ingredients.

Friday, October 18, 2024

Marble Cake Recipe

Swirled of butter batter and cocoa batter, as swirl cake.
Marble cake, also known as swirl cake or butter cocoa cake, is a hybrid of half butter cake and half chocolate (cocoa) cake. This is a pretty easy recipe. You can even use a regular butter cake recipe, split the batter into two, and fold cocoa powder into one portion, making sure there are no lumps (BUTTER CAKE RECIPE). 

If you like, add a little extra cocoa powder. The slight bitterness blends well with the sweetness of the buttery cake batter.

Sleep Struggles for Women in Midlife: Yoga Solutions

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This article investigates the sleep struggles faced by women in midlife, particularly those in their forties and beyond, and emphasizes the role of yoga as a holistic solution. As women in this age group encounter various challenges - such as emotional fatigue, physical inactivity, and disruptions in circadian rhythms - these factors significantly contribute to poor sleep quality. The research highlights how the practice of yoga can address these issues by enhancing physical, emotional, and mental well-being. By incorporating yoga into their daily routines, women can cultivate mindfulness, reduce stress, and foster a deeper sense of tranquility, which are essential for reclaiming restful sleep.

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Sarawak Laksa Recipe

Bowl of spicy coconut milk, herbs and prawn broth gravy, with noodles, tofu pok, fried prawns and coriander leaves.

Fragrant, spicy, and creamy Sarawak-style noodle soup with a rich prawn-coconut broth layered in tangy, aromatic flavors. The famous Sarawak Laksa or laksa made in Sarawak. Though spices like coriander seeds, cumin seeds and fennel seeds are roasted before adding into the making of Sarawak Laksa Paste, for easy cooking, store-bought already grounded ones make it easier.

 

The Laksa paste is what determines the delicious of laksa, which also be said as curry or laksa gravy. Once this has been made, the rest of the cooking technique is rather straightforward (PRAWN CURRY LAKSA). 

Mutton Dalcha Recipe

Top view of mutton cooked with lentils, turmeric powder, spices, tomato, onion, ginger, garlic, yogurt, curry leaves and coriander leaves.
When mutton is cooked with lentils and spices, it becomes a thick, spicy curry with tender meat. A vibrant yellow hue, soft lentils and meat, tasty Indian-style Mutton Dalcha.

What makes this Mutton Dalcha, or Mutton with Lentils Curry, stand out? It’s the cooking technique. Pressure-cooking the mutton softens the tough meat. The flavor is enhanced by store-bought spice powders instead of making masala from scratch.

 

Add the creamy richness of natural yogurt and the aromatic touch of curry leaves and coriander, and the curry is full of depth and aroma (INDIAN LAMB SOUP).

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