Nasi Goreng Tom Yam Ayam (Tom Yam Chicken Fried Rice)

This thing to cooking sometimes can wreck my life. Yes. It can. What to cook is the main dilemma and then, what about the ingredients? When I can't really decide or I really don't have the time to think so hard, I will decide. I decide on Fried Rice (Kampung Fried Rice, Lamb Fried Rice & Belacan Fried Rice). Remember, I told you before? Anything goes? Anything literally. Any ingredient and as long as you have cooked rice on standby (Anchovies Long Beans Fried Rice)? In my house, I should say there is no short of cooked rice (Malaysian Fried Rice & Anchovies Fried Rice). Well, what can you expect when both of us just so and must have rice daily?  Of course, a Thai style fried rice is appreciated too (Tom Yum Prawn Fried Rice). Who wouldn't especially us typical Malaysians? We so love those, pretty much, about the same, more or less tastes like our Malaysian dishes? Especially spiciness and aroma (Thai Green Fish Curry, Spicy Thai Noodles, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Thai Chicken Green Curry, Thai Carrot Soup, Thai Vegetable Curry & Shrimp Pad Thai Salad). Nasi Goreng Tom Yam Ayam/Tom Yam Chicken Fried Rice? Have I not said enough before (Seafood Tom Yum Soup, Tom Yam Chicken & Tom Yam Fried Mee Hoon)? Tom Yam. The wonder to Thai cuisine. The ever loved tom yam paste for chicken and leftover cooked rice frying. Oh, of course, chillies, shallots, kaffir lime leaves, fish sauce and French beans for this Tom Yam Chicken Fried Rice. 

Tari Wale Aloo

I wish. I sincerely wish I don't have to make curries as regularly as I do. Then again, when you are married to a typical Indian man who will most probably flip and flop if curies are not part of his meal almost daily, I guess then (Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu, Drumstick Sambar & Cauliflower Curry)? Do I have to say anything more? I don't have to right? When marriage and food love are a concern, I think most of us women will go with the flow? We generally and usually give in to what pleases our husbands? Potentially. Thank god on the other hand my other half-half does not mind a vegetarian curry which by far I am don't mind because such a curry logically pretty much can be paired alongside many other sides for a full house meal (Vegetable Biryani, Chloe Masala, Carrot Poriyal & Eggplant Tikka Masala). And potatoes which you can cook in millions of ways are always a favourite (Indian Potato Balls, Bonda, Aloo Gobi, Chilli Aloo & Dum Aloo)? Today, ladies and gentlemen, it is this Tari Wale Aloo, or Vegan Potato Curry (Egg Potato Curry). Some like automatically walking inside the curry, plus, obviously, potato is the central ingredient and the rest of the ingredients, trust me, nothing out of this world. Coconut milk of course as you know or don't, does bountiful of creaminess and deliciousness and ghee is the other for a North Indian, Tari Wale Aloo. 

Kenchin Jiru

Quite an achievement I have to say. So far so good with Japanese dishes. After three dishes (Japanesse Eggplant Saute, Simmered Daikon & Teppanyaki Salmon)? Look, I am not saying I know it all nor I am pro. But I have picked up the vital Japanese cooking tips by myself and I must credit those tv cooking programs as well. Then again, what can different for a Japanese soup but those customary Japanese ingredients? You tell me. Don't you think the ingredients potentially can be either miso paste, mirin, dashi stock/powder and sake? Or even Japanese soy sauce, garlic and ginger which took a back step for this Kenchin Jiru Soup. Kenchin Jiru Soup by the way is a vegetable soup (Onion Soup & Lentil Vegetable Soup) and obviously the Japanese way to a vegetarian soup (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup & Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup). 

Shrimp Pad Thai Salad

Honestly guys, I don't know what else should I say when Thai cuisine is our food card. I think much we have already spoken about before? In my previous recipes (Thai Vegetable Curry)? I sincerely believe so because I have been taking you back and forth, to and fro, from Thailand and back to our mother land (Thai Carrot Soup & Seafood Tom Yum Soup). Today, lemme share with you this Shrimp Pad Thai Salad (Shrimp Pho). Obviously a noodle dish and one which I made due to I still had some spaghetti in hand after making Lamb Spaghetti. Of course, you can use, please go ahead and use other type of noodles. As you wish, as for your pleasure or as what's already available at home (Tom Yam Fried Mee Hoon, Spicy Thai Noodles & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). In fact, when we speak about home cooked meals, there is no right and wrong. Its you basically and you don't even have to replicate recipes as they are. That's how it is for me personally. Shrimp Pad Thai Salad? So easy. In fact, just a tiny fraction of cooking. Simmering the prawns in water just for a minute or two, and then, toss all the ingredients together. In a jiffy meal and trust me, Shrimp Pad Thai Salad  (Thai Mee Hoon Salad) will not let you down. I sincerely reckon each and everyone of you will joyously tuck in. Succulent prawns, spiciness from green chillies, aroma of kaffir lime leaves, fresh burst from ginger and tat tinge of saltiness and tanginess from fish sauce and lime juice.

Phuket, Thailand (Super Star Libra Cruise) - My Solo Cruising

Disappointing. Disappointed. Disappointment. Phuket shore excursion (Super Star Libra Cruise Solo Cruising) didn’t take off until after 1.00pm. Due to magic show at the poolside. Actually, magic action was inside the pool itself. All locked key locked up magician eventually emerging from water for proving his critical success factors. How did it go with me? Dang! Neh! I basically out of no choice was amongst the hundreds who seemingly were all excited, trilled and frilled. I, in fact wasn’t even aware that magic show is gonna be part and parcel of this cruise holiday. Honestly, such a waste of my time. I would have actually appreciated Phuket sightseeing. Then again? Lunch too by 12.00pm didn’t go down with me. Just two hours ago, I had tucked into breakfast, and food again? Of course, without a doubt, there were still aplenty takers for the buffet lunch. I on the other hand just nibbled some side dishes. Thank god, an hour later, the moment I have been patiently waiting arrived. Phuket sightseeing. The same procedure, the same way out of ship and the same coach driven journey (Krabi Shore Excursion).  

Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu

What should I possibly say about pavakkai, aka, bitter gourd? Healthiness of course right? Bitterness for healthiness? Certainly. Then again, getting kids to tuck into bitter gourd. Can be quite a thing right? We adults on the other hand once we realise we need bitter gourd especially when age catches up mostly? I know. I too have not been a been fan of bitter gourd when I was younger, but now I am appreciated it for also keeping my other half-half's diabetes in control (Bitter Gourd Sambar & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry). Today ladies and gentlemen, I bring you this Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu. In other words, bitter gourd sour or tangy curry. A vegetarian version indeed (Indian Tofu Curry, Vegetarian Mutton Stir Fry, Indian Mango Chutney, Eggplant Tikka Masala & Thai Vegetable Curry) and for elevating it further, I added potatoes. Potatoes. No harm done right? Of course. In fact, potatoes cutting through for mellowing bitter gourd's bitterness. Pavakkai Puli Kuzhambu? Trust me, unforgettable. I bet you will love it to every drip and drop. 

Krabi, Thailand (Super Star Libra Cruise) - My Solo Cruising

Thank god I slept well. I actually managed, can you believe it? Regardless of sea water rocking and shaking and me actually a person who have a problem sleeping in a new place. Thanks to my lucky stars as well I didn't throw up due ship moving left and right throughout the night. Up from bed in the morning, I showered, I tucked into breakfast and just at this juncture broadcast news (Super Star Libra - My Solo Cruising) came flashing. For informing us that we must gather at the specific section and in our respective groups for our different shore excursions we have opted for. Mine was Krabi sightseeing. Heading over to that particular section and standing alongside the rest, we were briefed on the do’s and don’ts. Particularly we must carry our passport and we must return to ship,  by hook or crook, 9.00pm. For me, I don't think the time part of it will matter because I'll just stick with whatever is scheduled for my Krabi tour and I will return with the rest. After all, what am I going to do alone in Krabi? I wouldn't dare anyway (Halong Bay Cruising). 

Thai Vegetable Curry

Shall we return back to Thailand? Not as in taking the flight to Thailand, but pretty much, or should I say we bringing Thailand closer for a Thai dish (Tom Yum Prawn Fried Rice & Seafood Tom Yum Soup)? Why not? I have no qualms, I hope you are agreeing as well? Thailand, Thai cuisine and Thai quintessential ingredients (Spicy Thai Noodles & Thai Carrot Soup) for the rupturing and explosion of big, bold, punchy and kicky tastes (Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Thai Mee Hoon Salad). Right. Shall we now move on to making another Thai curry (Thai Green Fish Curry, Thai Yellow Chicken Curry & Thai Chicken Green Curry).  Sure. Home made Thai curry paste, made from those aromatic herbs and we also need coconut milk for creaminess and a couple of vegetables. Packing a major punch as the mover and shaker on our palates? Thai Vegetable Curry! 

Lamb Spaghetti

Oh my lamb. Mary had a little lamb! Lamb. We don't mind. We sometimes take a break from mutton which of course is forever our favorite (Devil's Curry & Easy Mutton Curry). Then again, lamb sort can be the substitute as well. Actually, come to think of it, we are not really particular. Lamb usually the call for curries (Lamb Rogan Josh & Lamb Kofta Curry), of course every now and then, me and my thinking cap for a different kinda lamb dish (Malaysian Lamb Stew & Lamb Fried Rice). In fact, I can proudly say that lamb has been the star ingredients for other dishes as well (Lamb Pho & Lamb Burgers). And right now, lemme introduce to you Lamb Spaghetti. Not to say there are not other lamb spaghetti recipes, but this one, is my Malaysian Asian version (Shrimp Pho). My style, my way, my food story and my dish for my convenience. Spaghetti and spinach in a scented by bay leaves and fresh rosemary sauce, a tiny bit of spiciness from paprika and cheese atop. A winner? Would you agree or you don't? Yeh or neh?

Super Star Libra Cruise - My Solo Cruising

Remember, I told you (Perth Australia Part 1)? The unexpected, least I expected trip to Perth (Perth Australia Part 2)? Actually, the main reason being knowledge thirsting. Of course, why shouldn't I miss out on sightseeing if I can? Sure. And after returning from Perth within a month, I took off again. Again? Yep. Me embarking on a cruise trip and one which in fact I had already booked and paired for even before heading to Perth. Guess then? Another travelling story of mine and another solo mine. Solo Nava on her own again (Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City) and my first ever full blown cruise. Three nights of sleeping on board and sightseeing during the day. Cruise by itself? Done it before, but this will be, lemme repeat myself again. A complete package instead of like those cruises included as a small fraction of the itinerary (Bangkok Thailand).   

Shrimp Pho

Alright guys, what's with me and cooking lately? Honestly, been quite a thing. Mostly, quick and easy fix meals and like I have told you before, generally, our Malaysian and Indian dishes. For a change, I decided. I decided I should do a bowl food or noodle dish, but the question was which one. Of course, if not millions, there are literally hundreds and hundreds of recipes for a noodle dish. Still, back to the same question. Which noodle dish (Bee Hoon Soup). After like, maybe within the next 20 minutes, as usual, me taking a hard peep into my fridge, I sort of was confident I can put up a Vietnamese noodle dish (Lamb Pho). Obviously, not something new to me. Thus, I knew. I can come up with another version and how far further can we run when a Vietnamese noodle dish is a concern (Vietnamese Fish Soup)? If not all, some of the ingredients can be Malaysian found and grown (Penang Hokkien Mee), especially herbs and fish sauce is a regularity for us as well. Henceforth, coming into our food picture on this particular day was Shrimp Pho (Prawn Noodle Soup). Shrimps obviously are the central ingredient (Prawn Cocktail, Chinese Prawn Fritters, Grilled Spicy Prawns & Bitter Gourd Prawn Curry), in fact more important for the broth and then we need the rest of the ingredients as listed below. But if you are expecting a traditional Shrimp Pho, I think you will be disappointed. Mine is a modernised tweeted version and instead of incorporating chillies inside, I made a chilli dip. Of course, for diving into Shrimp Pho (Fried Shrimp Wanton, Sambal Udang & Devilled Prawns) alongside?

Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup

Lentils and us Indians? What should I possibly say? Lentils or dal, one of those ingredients we can't forget about or shall I say we must stock up? But no, it can't be the same lentil/dal showcasing always right (Mysore Sambar)? In the same type of gravy, though relatively sometimes it does trend ugh sometimes that's the case (Dhal Rice)? Of course, sambar is one of it for showcasing lentils (Drumstick Sambar, Fish Sambar & Plain Sambar), and I think we must include dalca as well (Mutton Dalca). Then again, I think sometimes we must allow our food invention to wonder for popping up (Bitter Gourd Sambar) a different kinda lentil dish? Usually, somehow lentils for me must be associated with a vegetarian dish. Don't know why, seemingly that's how my thinking has been programmed (Indian Vegetable Curry, Vegetable Kurma, Vegetable Raita  & Vegetable Biryani). Obviously then, I couldn't think of none next except Mulligatawny Soup. Akin a royal soup treat by far and, an East Indian soup and due to its popularity in England during British India. If I am not mistaken, there is also the meat added variant, but like I have also told you, this is the absolute Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup. A combo of veggies and as usual, whatever I had at home, plus spices, yogurt and scented by coriander leaves. Indeed, really a pleasing and pleasant Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup (Turmeric Tomato Soup & Tomato Spinach Soup). 

Japanese Eggplant Saute

Like this for me. When I have particularly invested in certain ingredients for a particular dish, I must make sure the balance of the ingredients must be used up. Otherwise, such a waste to our money right? Moreover, Japanese dishes are not a regular call in my house, but since those ingredients are already there, I should right? Remember I told you before (Simmered Daikon)? Logically, another dish popping up on our dining table (Teppanyaki Salmon). Cooked by yours truly Nava K. Can't be by my other half-half, though I am still trying to get him. So far, its the same story, regardless, let's see what the future holds. Now, coming back to the recipe of the day, Japanese Eggplant Saute, a vegetarian or meatless version, what should I say. Eggplant (Eggplant Tikka Masala & Brinjal Stir Fry) and capsicum cooked and coated in tadbit of spicy and salty sauce, atop sprinkled roasted white sesame seeds and spring onion garnished. Not bad right? Nava K and her Japanese Eggplant Saute?

Sambal Ayam Serai (Chicken In Lemongrass Sauce)

I love my serai, aka, lemongrass. In fact, I must proudly profess that serai one of my favourite local herbs. I think I told you before? Unless and until, I want to spend on imported ingredients which by far is only seldom or every now and then (Baked Lemon Chicken). Otherwise, its all about our easily grown, even in our small plot of land or in pots local herbs. The easiest, shall I say is lemongrass?  Most probably. So, for this sambal dish, yep, me and my sambal, do I have to say, its serai again (Sambal Udang Petai, Curry Chicken Noodles, Laksam Kelantan & Easy Chicken Kebab). Crushed or smashed serai cooked alongside a chilli based gravy and in which you will find juicy and succulent chicken pieces (Ayam Goreng Berempah, Rendang Ayam & Asam Pedas Ikan). Mouthwatering and such a pride to our eyes right? You tell me.

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 Young, Chinese 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.