Friday, August 2, 2013

Tofu Manchurian and More: Tasty Tofu Dishes

(Updated Version)

I’m all about that tofu life! What about you? If you're as much of a tofu enthusiast as I am, you're in for a treat with the tofu recipes I'll be sharing, starting with the crowd-favorite Tofu Manchurian. Funny thing is, I’ve whipped up this dish a few times without realizing it had such a fancy name - I used to call it 'masala tofu' or 'spicy tofu' or whatever came to mind. But now, I proudly embrace its rightful name: Tofu Manchurian.

For those who don’t know, Tofu Manchurian is a star in Indo-Chinese cuisine, a vegetarian twist on the classic Chicken Manchurian, born from the fusion of Chinese and Indian flavors back in the 1970s, courtesy of Chinese immigrants in Kolkata. It’s a culinary blend that’s become a beloved staple across India. But here’s the twist - my version has a Malaysian flair. How’s that for a fusion?

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Singapore Laksa: Ms. Nava's Version

Confession time: This Singapore Laksa may not be the original, authentic version. Although I've tasted what is claimed to be Singapore Laksa here and there, I must admit that I've never actually been to Singapore. Strange, right? Despite a few plans, nothing ever materialized for me to visit our neighboring country. So, I’ve never tasted Singapore Laksa in Singapore. But here's the thing - I’m a huge fan of laksa. Whether it's the curry or asam version, I've enjoyed it countless times. 

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Nyonya Lam Mee: Hearty and Nourishing Choice

(Updated Version)

Noodles (MALACCA'S NYONYA FOOD FIESTA) are a delightful culinary experience, offering a welcome break from the routine of rice-based meals. Particularly enjoyable during wet and chilly weather, noodles provide warmth and satisfaction to the palate. Among the various noodle dishes I've explored, my preference often leans toward the soupy varieties. Soups, after all, are not only nourishing but also filling, making them an excellent choice for those mindful of their weight. The key is to opt for soups rich in proteins and loaded with vegetables, steering clear of heavy, calorie-laden options. 

 

When you desire more substance in your meal, incorporating noodles into your soup is a fantastic option. Today, the market offers a wide range of healthier noodle choices, making it easier to align your meals with your wellness goals.

Saturday, April 6, 2013

Crispy Bitter Gourd Chips & Sri Lankan Karavila Salad Recipes

(Updated Version)

Growing bitter gourd has been a deeply fulfilling experience, perfectly aligning with Nava’s Zen philosophy. The glossy, dark green fruits are visually stunning, but unfortunately, they don’t last long. This means the cycle of growing must continue. Despite initial setbacks and pauses for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, I’m now ready to start growing again.

Cultivating bitter gourd is quite simple. You can either dry the seeds before planting or plant them directly after using them in your cooking. To my delight, the seeds from my kitchen produced new plants.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Indian Masala Chicken Curries & Dry Style Recipes

(Updated Version)

Let's get started, and let me tell you this - making masala chicken curry is absolutely doable! Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. Even if your first attempt doesn’t turn out perfect, trust me, with practice, you'll master it. Cooking is all about learning from mistakes, and as Ms. Nava, a lecturer for 22 years, would say, experience is the best teacher. So here’s a big dose of encouragement from her: You've got this. I truly believe you'll do a fantastic job cooking (PORTUGUESE CHICKEN DEVIL CURRY).

Now, here's what to keep in mind about Masala Chicken

Masala simply means curry paste or spice mix - sounds fancy, but it's really not that complicated.


There are different types of masalas, and it’s all about combining spices to create unique flavors (CHINESE CHILLI CHICKEN RECIPES).

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Author Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the C...