Thursday, December 27, 2012

Teochew Steamed Fish

Fish and steaming? Honestly, I wish I can do it often, but no (Hong Kong Style Steamed Fish). Not in my Indian house. Can't be regularly, I won't mind actually, but not for my Indian half-half and also, when we talk about fish and steaming, all of us must meal together. You can't steam fish and then pinch in and then leave the balance for the rest? Not to say you can't, but not a pleasant sight and you know right how it will be? Somehow the whole thing to steaming and fish must be something you tuck into right away? Of course, unless we are talking about other styles to cooking fish? Those we can cook ahead and tuck into when we feel like (Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal  & Chilli Lime Fish). But as far as I know, Chinese dishes on the whole must be eaten once they are cooked. That's why Chinese people cook twice a day unlike us Indians who generally cook once and we can tuck into the same food for dinner (Kailan Oyster Sauce). For the Chinese, there is no such a thing as keeping the leftovers, unless maybe if you are not particular (Chinese Winter Melon Soup, Egg Foo YoungChinese Fried Rice, Yong Tau Foo, Chow Mein & Tea Eggs). This Teochew Steamed Fish on this particular day? For a change for our dinner for the both of us. Actually, come to think of it, my other half-half didn't mind. Teochew Steamed Fish kicking in the big, bold and punchy tastes. Spiciness of course as usual, is not only his favorite, mine as well.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Vegetable Biryani

Rice? Yes rice (Baked Rice Pudding). What's with rice (Anchovies Long Beans Fried Rice) Remember, I have already told you (Turmeric Rice)? This Vegetable Biryani, I won't say will be a struggle, but as you would have noted and you will later, you need quite a list of ingredients. Nothing not within your reach or you will have a hard time buying, except maybe for the saffron strands. Otherwise, I think it will be sweep through for you. Getting the ingredients and the cooking aspect of it (Jeera/Cumin Rice, Coriander RiceLemon Cashew RiceNasi Lemak Sambal Udang). The vegetarian version. Why vegetarian or only vegetables? Personally, we don't fancy those meaty biryani. Unless maybe when we dine out. Nothing really personal as well if you are asking me. Just that, our preference. By itself a wholesome and filling meal (Tomato Rice & Dhal Rice), of course the pairing for Vegetable Biryani, can I say is endless or alongside certain types of sides? Its really up to you (Spicy Fried Wings, Lamb Rogan Josh, Vegetarian Mutton Stir Fry & Vegetable Raita). But you must believe me when I say that my style to cooking this Vegetable Biryani can be regardless as simplicity or even effortless. Rice cooker simplifying it and the aroma of Vegetable Biryani waffling in the air (Ghee Rice) when rice cooker is dong the cooking. My-my! May be a vegetarian version, but I can assure you that its rice exciting and trilling to our palates. Dang!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Devil's Curry

Another devil listing? Another devil dish? Obviously. Can you still recall my previous two devils (Chicken Devil Curry & Devilled Prawns)? I hope you can still remember. Otherwise, flip over to the recipes. I think you should before you jump the gun, thinking that this Devil's Curry is gonna be the same. No. It is not I must assure you. But still, from the same Eurasian and Portuguese family. Sort of similar (Mee Siam, Egg Vindaloo, Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang & Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal). For this round of Devil's Curry, I opted for mutton (Easy Mutton Curry). Of course, the choice is yours. Between lamb (Lamb Kofta Curry), between pork, chicken, beef and prawns. Not sure if we can use fish unless you have tried or you are willing to try (Belacan Fish Sambal)? What else should I say? Pretty much chilli based (Chilli Lime Fish, Sambal Sotong, Spicy Noodles & Grilled Spicy Prawns) and a combination of spices and herbs and vinegar, as well as dark soy sauce and black pepper (Black Pepper Crab) for the lovable and finger licking goodness of this Devil's Curry (Curry Chicken Noodle). 

Friday, December 14, 2012

Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal


The other, another favourite of mine (Rendang Ayam/Chicken Rendang), though the same can't be said about my other half-half. Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal (Black Pompret in Sour Spicy Gravy) without is a delight for me. Always and forever. Anytime in fact (Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Noodle Soup). Tell me about it if you are another person like me. Those who just so love our traditional Malay dishes (Sambal Udang Petai, Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin, Pucuk Ubi Sambal Belacan, Fish Stuffed Sambal, Nasi Dagang &  Laksam Kelantan). Sambal based and sour notes dishes. These tastes coming from our local and affordable ingredients. Pretty much, how far can we run when our Malaysian Malay dishes (Gado Gado) are a concern? Pretty much, more or less the same ingredients? Yep. Sour notes from tamarind or we are also fond of dried tamarind pieces (Asam Fish Curry, Penang Asam Laksa, Tamarind Prawn Curry & Nyonya Fish Sambal), also known as asam keping and the scent of our easily grown local ingredients into this Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal (Bawal Kicap/Pompret Soy Sauce). Bang on! I seriously think will punch wake up your palates. Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal? The pride of our country (Vietnamese Fish Soup, Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Batter Fried Fish). 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Simmered Daikon

Salmon, tofu, mushrooms, eggs and daikon, or radish (Malaysian Indian Fish Curry). Don't you think these are some of the favorite ingredients for Japanese cooking (Egg Fish Roll, Grilled Salmon, Mushroom Veggie Burger & Chinese Tofu Soup). If you are asking me, its a big yes from me to you. These ingredients are generally showcased in various ways in Japanese cuisine. Either by themselves or a combo alongside other ingredients (Yong Tau Foo, Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Winter Melon Soup) and of course, when Japanese food is a concern, we need those Japanese ingredients like dashi stock, Japanese soy sauce, mirin and sake, well, not a must if you don't fancy, but for the rest of of us who enjoy alcohol, I don't think we will have any qualms? Not me though. I love alcohol, though I find that sake is somewhat quite strong for me. Yet, I wouldn't mind a few sips and of course, why should I not add sake when its a Japanese dish in my house? For this Simmered Daikon? Oh yes. Quite a thing actually getting the Japanese ingredients which are rather pricey, but I guess if its once a while, we won't mind spending. Especially for a hardcore Malaysian who only believe in our local ingredients? Having said that, for the sake of Simmered Daikon? Soft, tender daikon in  tadbit of sauce made from the customary Japanese ingredients (Teppanyaki Salmon).

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Indian Mango Chutney

Ohlalala! Mango Chutney. What should I say? You tell me. As far as I know, a favourite? Am I right or you want to out-rightly tell me I am wrong? Up to you really. I am not in the mood for arguing or changing your opinion, but I think I am right. I believe I am. I know, unless for whatever reason, generally mango chutney is selleable (Mango Coconut Jelly, Mango Mocktail, Mango Cheesecake, Mango Cucumber Salad, Mango Prawn Curry & Mango Coconut Cake). Obviously, we Indians tend to make more often than others? For our vegetarian meals or why not? You can pair Mango Chutney alongside other many side dishes and mains (Beans Thoran, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Aloo Gobi, Tapioca Stir Fry & Lamb Kofta Curry). Alright. Let's make. Listed below are the ingredients for this tangy, spicy and much looked forward to Indian Mango Chutney.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Rendang Ayam

Rendang Ayam. Chicken Rendang. How can we possibly forget about rendang ayam. How we possibly don't pay attention to this our, Malaysian, forever famed (Kangkung Belacan, Ikan Pari Sambal, Mee Rojak, Sambal Udang Petai & Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang) and I think world known dish. Its like a customary and much looked forward to dish during our festivals, regardless which religion and race in Malaysia. Of course, without a doubt, the best rendang I must vouch are those made by our Malay friends (Laksam Kelantan & Gado Gado). Of course. We shouldn't doubt it. Then again, anyone for the matter can make and trust me, stop believing those who claim rendang ayam is so difficult to make and its recipe is a guarded secret. Oh please. I used to fall for those crappiness until I started making. Who said you can't? Its matter of practice and of course, you can make an over-the-top rendang or simplicity can be your call as well for rendang ayam (Ayam Goreng Berempah, Malaysian Chicken ChopAyam Masak Merah), and for a simplified simple version, perhaps my recipe? I don't know. Really up to you, but I can assure you that my rendang ayam, let me repeat myself again, our Malaysian popularity (Malaysian Fried Rice, Malaysian Sour Spicy Noodle Soup & Malaysian Chilli Crab) will not fail you. Our Malaysian herbs, kerisik and all the ingredients listed below for an appreciated and delightful rendang ayam/chicken rendang.

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