Rice congee, or bubur nasi as we call it in Bahasa, is essentially rice cooked with extra water, creating a soft, diluted form of rice. I’m a huge fan of rice congee – how about you? On chilly days, nothing beats the comfort of a warm bowl of it. Now, let’s dive into making rice congee and explore some delightful additions to enhance the experience.
I have a wealth of stories, and one I'm excited to
share involves my journey with jellies. When I first launched Nava K, now known
as Nava’s Zen, 14 years ago, I started making desserts, and jellies made with
agar-agar were among the simplest to create. I'll be sharing these recipes, but
the standout is undoubtedly Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Jelly. Although it's a
traditional Chinese jelly, I was surprised to find that even many Chinese
people were unfamiliar with this style. It left me quite speechless!
Goji berries are a staple in my kitchen, often used in Chinese soups and noodle dishes (CHINESE VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP). I also regularly make chrysanthemum tea. With these ingredients always on hand, what more can I add?
The establishment exudes a cozy atmosphere, enhanced by sunlight streaming through the surrounding glass walls, creating a comfortable and inviting space. After perusing a menu that boasts an impressive variety, we made our selections. Notably, desserts require a visit to the counter to choose from an enticing display.
Rasam, a Zen nutritious Indian spiced soup, is already a powerhouse on its own (EASY INSTANT RASAM RECIPE). Now, imagine adding crab claws (often called crab legs) to it - transforming it into what’s known as Indian Crab Soup or Nandu Rasam. Crab Rasam is also a Zen natural remedy for cold, flu, and congestion - have you tried it?
Miris malu is a cherished Sri Lankan dish (SRI LANKAN CARROT SAMBOLA), celebrated for its bold flavors and spicy essence. The name "miris malu" translates to "spicy fish" in Sinhalese, and this curry lives up to its name with fresh fish simmered in a rich, aromatic gravy. In Ms. Nava’s traditional version, a touch of green mango adds a unique twist. As a Malaysian Indian, this familiar ingredient introduces a natural tang that beautifully complements the thick, spicy curry, resulting in a dish with tender fish pieces immersed in a flavorful sauce. Although I had the pleasure of tasting some of Sri Lanka’s finest fish curries during my visit (KATARAGAMA SACRED TRIALS), I did not encounter one with mango. I wonder why that is (COLOMBO DISCOVERY).
I’m about to share how you can transform Chilli Chicken (MALAY CHICKEN RECIPES) into something entirely new, while keeping chillies and chicken as the stars of the show. Whether you prefer fresh red chillies or dried ones, this versatile dish is all about bold flavors and personal touches. For a typical Malaysian like me, chillies are essential, adding that spicy kick I can’t live without.
Passions
Of Kerala (Taman Brown, Gelugor)
As the name suggests, Passions Of Kerala serves up traditional Kerala cuisine, made from scratch. For lunch, the obvious choice is a banana leaf meal. Along with rice, you'll get curries, chutney, pickle, and side dishes. We also added fried fish, mutton parathal, and chicken parathal. As we dug in, we agreed it was a decent meal. However, the bold flavors didn’t really wake up our taste buds or leave a lasting impression.
Let
me take you on a journey into the world of Kuih Gula Melaka, a delightful
Malaysian treat that holds a special spot in my heart. Originating from Melaka (MALACCA FOOD FIESTA),
it's also known as Ondeh-Ondeh in some parts of the country. Imagine this - small, sticky rice balls filled with palm sugar syrup, all coated in fragrant
grated coconut. It's a heavenly mix of sweetness and texture that always leaves
me craving for more.
Now, if you're thinking of trying your hand at making Kuih Gula Melaka, let me share some tips I've picked up along the way. It's been a while since I last whipped up a batch, but every time I do, it feels like reconnecting with an old friend. First things first, make sure your dough isn't too sticky - trust me, you don't want a gooey mess on your hands. Wetting your palms can make shaping the balls a breeze. And whatever you do, resist the temptation to stuff too much palm sugar inside. Overdoing it can lead to cracked balls, and nobody wants that. Oh, and don't forget to chop the palm sugar (WAJIK PULUT/GLUTINOUS RICE CAKES) into tiny pieces for maximum sweetness in every bite.
Did you know there are so many recipes you can create with cauliflower? It used to be quite expensive, but over the years, it has become more affordable. Traditionally, cauliflower is stir-fried with spices in Indian recipes or added to curries—both of which are included in this sharing. But that's not all! I’ll also share other exciting dishes you can make with cauliflower.
A wedding is among the most important days in your life, and particularly because of its significance, this event can bring considerable str...
