In Malaysia, bay leaves are somewhat unfamiliar,
with many people unsure of their appearance or uses. Some wonder if these are
the same leaves used in biryani rice - referring to the dried ones commonly found
in stores. It might seem surprising, but bay leaves offer a wealth of health
benefits, making them a valuable addition to any pantry (GROWING SPRING ONIONS IN URBAN GARDENS).
Health Benefits
of Bay Leaves
Here are some
key health benefits of bay leaves:
Heart Health
Bay leaves help
lower bad cholesterol levels and strengthen blood vessels, reducing heart
disease risk.
How do salads come to life in my kitchen? It all
starts with a quick scan of my fridge and pantry - spotting veggies and fruits
that might not last much longer. Waste is something I’m mindful of, so I
prioritize ingredients that need to be used up soon. For me, this approach is
part of mindful living (INDIAN VEGETARIAN SALADS).
The vegetarian
salad recipes I’m sharing are incredibly easy and adaptable. They incorporate
what are traditionally considered Western ingredients, which have become
staples in Asian kitchens, including here in Malaysia (TURMERIC EGGS).
(Updated Version) Most
of the time, we continue with habits without considering their consequences.
These habits, often picked up unknowingly, can harm our planet if we don't
change. Take a moment now, less than 5 minutes, to consider these eco-friendly
habits. You’ll thank Ms. Nava later.
Walk Instead of Drive
Next time you're heading somewhere nearby, walk instead of driving. Driving
emits toxic gases that pollute the air and speed up climate change. Every trip
adds more CO2 to the atmosphere, draining our planet’s resources. Walking, on
the other hand, boosts your health and reduces pollution. It’s not just about
saving the planet; it’s about improving your own well-being. I enjoy my slow
walks to the shops - it’s a way to stretch my eyes and appreciate the
surroundings (SIMPLE MENTAL HEALTH TIPS).
Mental health is one of the most significant
challenges of modern life. While it’s a topic frequently discussed, addressing
mental health requires more than just talking about it - it begins with
ourselves. When you feel well mentally, you naturally spread positivity, love,
and kindness to those around you.
But where do we
start? A good question indeed. Keep reading, as you’ll discover how a few
simple mental health tips can make a meaningful difference in your life.
Tofu has long been a favorite in my household - loved
for its versatility, affordability, and ability to satisfy vegetarians, vegans,
and even meat lovers. Widely used in Japan and Korea ((KOREA THROUGH MY EYES, HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST & OSAKA SUNSETS). tofu has become a global
favorite, with endless possibilities for simple yet satisfying dishes.
Today, tofu is
easily available, from traditional markets to high-end stores, offering many
varieties. While I appreciate all types, my go-to is the soft, organic Japanese
tofu, free of preservatives. Its mild flavor may seem simple, but it’s perfect
for absorbing the bold, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors of Malaysian and Asian
cooking.
What makes
these recipes even more special is that many of the ingredients come from my
own garden at Nava’s Zen - chilies, basil, and spring onions that I carefully
grow.
(Vibrant Sabah chillies in purple, red, and green,
grown fresh in Nava's Zen garden)
These tofu recipes are healthy, vegetarian, vegan and ideal for anyone looking
for quick, flavorful plant-based meals.
Thai-Style Vegetarian Tofu
Steam or
microwave tofu for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
Transfer the
tofu to a plate and top with chopped or sliced cucumber, tomato, and chilies.
Drizzle with
lime juice and sprinkle with Thai basil leaves and salt to taste.
Steamed Tofu with Soy Sauce Steam or
microwave tofu until warmed.
Garnish with
crushed peanuts, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, chilies, salt, and fresh
cilantro.
Steamd Tofu with Oyster Sauce Steam white tofu and place on a plate.
Tip atop vegetarian oyster sauce, some crispy fried shallots and sliced spring onions.
When
my breakfast crew suggested heading to Klang's Chong Kok Kopitiam for another
morning feast, I, being the enthusiastic foodie, readily agreed. I heard tales
of this Kopitiam being a stroll down heritage lane from years back, adding to
the allure. As we negotiated the usual challenge of finding parking in Klang,
we eventually secured a spot in one of the backlanes.As we crossed the road in
front of Chong Kok Kopitiam, a sudden realization hit me - I've been here before.
While I couldn't recall the name initially, revisiting the same eatery posed no
issue.
Yet
another Sunday dedicated to our food explorations, and this time, we stayed
local in Kota Kemuning (Asian Fusion Seafood & Kalyana Virunthu Cafe). Our destination was the recently opened "Bharat
Spice," a fresh addition that has taken over the space formerly known as
Saffron Spice. Surprisingly, not much has changed - the ambiance retains its
familiar feel, and even the menu seems to be a recycled version of the one from
Saffron Spice.
