Thursday, March 7, 2013

Mutton Bone Marrow Curry

This thing about cooking mutton during weekends? I really can't compute why only during weekends. Maybe from back then? During my growing up years and mutton can only come into our food picture during weekends? I think so. Back then, for a poor family like mine, in fact, mutton dish is only once a month. Basically because mum had to stretch her dollars and cents. Mutton not affordable for us. Maybe that's why its like an automatic tuning till this day that I too decide on mutton dish for weekends. Potentially and possibly. On this particular weekend, I couldn't think of none except a thick, spicy and really bang-on Mutton Bone Marrow Curry (Mutton Parathal, Indian Mutton Meatball Curry, Mutton Soup & Mutton Kurma). Not really very much different within the context of ingredients as in for the rest of the mutton dishes I have cooked before (Dalcha, Mutton Keema, Pepper Mutton Curry & Mutton Varuval). Then again, what can be potentially different for an Indian mutton curry or even lamb curry (Lamb Rogan Josh & Lamb Kofta Curry) regardless where it originates from. Am I wrong? I don't think so. We just vary the spices and ingredients to our taste or for fitting mutton as another Indian dish style (Mutton Pepper Masala & Easy Mutton Curry)? Mutton Bone Marrow Curry? Wouldn't you agree is an absolute winning temptation? Just so inviting and packing major punches of Indian quintessential bold tastes? 

Monday, February 25, 2013

Thai Steamed Fish

Honestly, I actually am appreciating the steaming style to cooking (Hong Kong Style Steamed Fish, Teowchew Steamed Fish & Nyonya Steam Fish). I won't say quick and easy, but potentially, don't you think the healthiness and can be quite a basic cooking technic? I reckon. And when Thai dishes are a concern, us being the Malaysians who love Thai food (Tom Yum Fried Rice, Thai Green Fish Curry, Seafood Tom Yum Soup & Thai Fish Noodle Soup)? Pretty much nothing much should I say? Moreover, most of the staples already at home when you cook Thai food every now and then? I believe so (Thai Chicken Green Curry, Thai Carrot Soup, Thai Vegetable Curry & Shrimp Pad Thai). So, how do we go about making this Thai Steamed Fish? Not as straightforward as those simplified versions because there's two levels. Firstly steaming the fish alongside eggplant and then making the sauce before tipping onto fish. Still, I believe Thai Steamed Fish is rather achievable. I mean not a brain cracker if you follow this nava-k's recipe. Thai Steamed Fish. Steamed to a perfect texture seabass and seated in a spicy, tangy and aromatic sauce/gravy, garnished with coriander leaves and chilli curls.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Dalcha (Dhal Mutton Curry)

You know what? I made another version of Dalcha. Remember the previous? Dalca - Mutton Dhal Curry? That's right. But before you jump the gun, lemme assure you that its not the same. Not similar basically. Another, the other side of mutton and dhal being celebrated as the two core ingredients. Mutton of course, as you know or don't, I won't deny is one of those we long for every now and then until, the various types of mutton dishes I have already shared with all of you (Mutton ParathalIndian Mutton Meatball Soup, Mutton Soup, Mutton Kurma, Masala Mutton Curry, Mutton Keema & Devil's Curry) speaks for themselves. In fact, if you are asking me, you can go ahead and use lamb as well (Lamb Kofta Curry & Lamb Spaghetti) for dalcha or maybe beef or you think chicken it can be? Of course, like I have already told you, lentils or dhal for our Indian cooking undeniably? You tell me (Mysore SambarDhal Rice, Drumstick Sambar, Fish Sambar & Bitter Gourd Sambar). So, how do we make Dalcha? Listed below are the ingredients. Dhal, mutton, spices, veggies and for the creamy touch, instead of coconut milk, I added yogurt (Vegetarian Mulligatawny Soup).

Monday, January 28, 2013

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 SambarCauliflower 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. 

Monday, January 21, 2013

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.

Monday, December 31, 2012

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.

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). 

Monday, July 16, 2012

Vegetarian Fried Bee Hoon

Ingredients
150g (2 slabs) mee hoon - soak in water to soften.
4 shiitake (Chinese black) mushroom - soak in hot water to soften and slice into long pieces.
1/2 (about 250g) cabbage - shred/slice
7 garlic - chopped
2 tbsp fermented black bean paste (tauchu)
1 tbsp blended/grounded dried red chilies
2 stalks spring onion - cut into 1 inch length
4-5 tbsp oil
Salt for taste

Method
Heat oil in a large wok and when heated, add garlic and blended/grounded chilies.
Fry until oil splits.
Add fermented bean paste/taucu and mushroom.
Stir, add mee hoon and season with salt (use sparingly as bean paste is already salty)
Fry and stir to combine all ingredients together.
(Note - sprinkle some water if needed to soften mee hoon)
Off the heat and stir in cabbage and spring onion.

Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu (Field Beans Salted Fish Curry)

As I peer into the earthen pot , brimming with the flavorful Mochakottai Karuvadu Kulumbu, my appetite awakens. I must admit, I have a so...