Tandoori Chicken

Honestly guys, if you thinking that you can't make tandoori chicken at home because you don't own a tandoor oven, you are definitely outrightly wrong (Grilled Chicken Wings). Who told you so or you yourself have concluded? Ask me and I will tell you that you can bake tandoori chicken in your oven, (Baked Lemon Chicken) or grill over a BBQ pit, and for those of you can't possibly do both, you can use the portable over the stove grill. Yes you can. I know what I am saying. In fact, I initially thought I will use the grill, then again, unless you cut chicken to small pieces, most probably you will be spending much time in being concern if tandoori chicken is cooked inside, of course, the outside char won't be an issue. Alright, so much for the cooking technic (Moroccan Chicken Stew & Chilli Chicken), can we get down to the recipe. Sure.

Sarawak Laksa

Guys, I thought maybe for the time being, we will just stick to within our Malaysian recipes instead of humping and jumping to other countries around the globe and most probably, my last few recipes have indicated that I am staying put and standing on my Malaysian ground (Ayam Pongteh & Chicken Vindaloo). Of course, I am not denying that a gastronomical tour to other countries is definitely a food show for exposing us to the various types of cuisines (Singapore Laksa & Vietnamese Noodle Soup). Yet, to a certain extent, I think we must do our local food hunting as well. Trust me, I myself personally have not completed making noodles from our different states (Cantonese Yee Mee, Malaysian Sour Spicy Fish Noodle Soup & Penang Mee Yoke), though Curry Laksa, or Laksa Lemak or Curry Mee been trended in this space of mine (Nyonya Curry Laksa, Malaysian Lamb Curry Noodles & Penang Curry Mee) and back then, don't know how moons ago, I did make a trip to Sarawak whereby I tuck into their well known Sarawak Laksa.

Ayam Pongteh

Me and my Nyonya cooking. Guess there is no end and if you are asking me, I don't think I will put a bracket to Malacca or Penang calling and coming Nyonya dishes. We did speak about Nyonya cuisine in quite a length previously (Chicken Vindaloo, Kuih Buah Melaka & Penang Assam Laksa) and in other recipes as well? Henceforth, lets just put a stop to speaking further on the same thing over and over again (Devil's Curry, Dried Shrimp Sambal, Masak Lemak Ikan Asin Nenas & Nyonya Lam Mee) instead of getting to the gist of this Ayam Pongteh. What is Ayam Pongteh or Pongteh Chicken? Basically, chicken cooked alongside potatoes, taucheo/fermented soy paste, chilies, vinegar and other kitchen friendly user ingredients, and for the end result of broad and wide burst of spiciness, saltiness and and nuttiness (Ayam Masak Tiga Rasa, Chilli Chicken, Ayam Goreng Berempah, Ayam Masak Merah & Chicken Devil Curry).

Kuih Buah Melaka

Dessert day everyone! No ordinary dessert, but our Malaysian dessert (Bingka Pisang), or sweet treat, or sugar crush and rush kuih-muih or Malaysian delicacy, the best among the rest. Absolutely! Without a doubt compared to the rest of the desserts from other parts of the world and we must really, seriously and sincerely look up at our Malaysian kuih-muih because they can be made from our affordable and forever available Malaysian ingredients instead of paying more for imported ingredients. Remember, can you still recall the few Malaysians desserts I have already shared with all of you (Bubur Cha Cha, Honeydrew Sago, Bubur Kacang Hijau & Malaysian Panna Cotta)? And today, its another of our famed kuih-muih. Kuih Buah Melaka, aka ondeh ondeh, or onde onde or as the Indonesians call it, Klepon. Ingredients for Kuih Buah Melaka? Glutinous rice flour, Gula Melaka, fresh grated coconut, a tiny bit of all purpose flour and of course, our Malaysian kuih muih can't be completed without pandan leaves/screwpine leaves (Sago Gula Melaka & Pandan Coconut Milk Jelly). Kuih Buah Melaka? The pop and burst of Gula Melaka/palm sugar once you bite into these sticky and coated with fresh coconut balls.

Tandoori Salmon

For a change, its an imported fish. Indeed. One of the favourites for us is definitely salmon. Honestly, we just so love salmon, but considering how much I have to pay, I try to limit and as I have already told you before, I try to stay true to our local catch (Ikan Masak Kicap, Bengali Fish Croquettes, & Mauritian Fish Curry) even if the fish dish is from another any part of the globe). Of course, every now and then, I somehow wobble and give in to salmon. The healthy, no smell and easy to cook fish. In fact, just some salt and pepper will do (Grilled Salmon), but of course, we shouldn't limit salmon to just one standard style of cooking which shouldn't be the fish case  for other types of fish wherever they are swimming (Fish Sandwich, Spicy Grilled Fish, Batter Fried Fish, & Thai Crispy Fish). Alright. Let's get down to making Tandoori Salmon. You can, if you want to, use store bought Tandoori spice or for simplify, just follow this recipe of mine (Lemon Butter Salmon) Curry powder, ginger paste, garlic paste and spices (Indian-Spiced Salmon) marinated salmon, grilled in a non-stick over the stove grilling pan and for an appealing, vibrant (Teppanyaki Salmon) char on the outside and soft melting moment inside, paired alongside raw, refreshing, tangy mint yogurt chutney.

Aam ka Achaar

Aam Ka Achaar. What are we talking about, are you asking me right now? Guys, I thinks pictures have already spoken and connected you to this Mango Pickle, a Punjabi style achaar or pickle. Mouthwatering and you are salivating right now right? My favourite. Any kinda of pickle or chutney, or even sambal dip for the matter (Tamatar ki Chutney, Penang Acar & Sambal Terasi). Aam ka Achaar obviously showcases mango as the core ingredient and mango by far, I think a favourite among many of us (Prawn Mango Curry, Thai Mango Sticky Rice & Mango Mocktail)? This Punjabi style achaar is just plain and simple, but trust me, a perfect fab fit as a condiment for our rice meals (Vegetable Achar & Salted Fish Pickle), and you basically need a couple of ingredients listed below, unless you want to take it to the sky level by adding whatever other ingredients. Aam ka Achaar nava-k's style by the way is different (Indian Mango Chutney), or better for me to say as unique because I did it my way instead of the conventional method of following others. Aam ka Achaar? The burst of sour spicy notes in one.

Chicken Vindaloo

Don't you think this Chicken Vindaloo should join the rest of the Portuguese/Eurasian and most probably even those Nyonya dishes I have already shared with all of you (Devil's Curry, Chicken Devil Curry, Devilled Prawns & Pada Salt Fish Pickle)? If you are asking me, I am definitely not in denial and let me reassure you that Chicken Vindaloo must be listed alongside. Spices and herbs are the central ingredients for Portuguese/Eurasian and Nyonya dishes and we must also consider the Penang Nyonya (Penang Acar & Penang Curry Mee) clan as in Malacca, though I can't conclude on the rest two. Regardless, when we speak about cuisines from any of these clans, we must expect the big, bold and profound tastes.

Macher Chop (Bengali Style Fish Croquettes)

Just maybe three to four days of break from fish, and fish bounces back again in this space of mine. What? Are you going like what, fish again? Guys, hang in there before you jump the gun. It is not going to be a boring (Tofu Katsu, Cauliflower Pakora, Crispy Fried Okra & Mushroom Rolls) fish recipe (Malabar Fish Curry) I will assure you because we are heading towards this Macher Chop, aka Bengali Style Fish Croquettes (Bengali Fish Curry) and of course I must as usual, give you options to other fish recipes as well (Fish Soy Sauce & Lemon Butter Salmon). Macher Chop can also be known as fish cutlets (Tuna Cutlets) and most probably, if we are talking about the ingredients, basically, its ingredients from whichever part of India the recipe originated from? If you are asking me, yes and I went ahead with making a curd coriander chutney for dipping crispy on the outside and soft bite inside (Chinese Prawn Fritters, Lamb Patties, Lamb Kofta, Mushroom Veggie Patties & Tuna Patties) fish croquettes which I seriously believe you will love each and every bite, each and every pop, each and every crunch, and all of the deliciousness. Either as your snack, or appetizer, or starter, or paired alongside rice and other sides (Indian Potato Balls).  

Old Cucumber Soup

Old Cucumber, or some of you may like to call it as Matured Cucumber. Up to you. Its really up to you how you prefer to call this aged and also known as yellow gourd. And of course, it must be according to the Chinese (Chick Kut Teh, Chinese Black Vinegar Chicken & Salted Fish Bone Soup) because I don't think old cucumber is a familiarity to us Indians, unless maybe you are another Indian like me who love Chinese food (Chap Chai) and soups, old cucumber is hailed for its health benefits (Burdock Root Soup & Winter Melon Soup). Especially for those of you like me, me again right, who every and now then feel as though you are gutted by fire. In other words, you want to ditch aside heatiness from your body. Without a doubt, a familiarity for old cucumber soup is usually simmering it over low heat or in the slow cooker or some prefer double boiling, alongside pork bones or chicken (Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup) but this nava-k's version is a vegetarian and vegan slurpiness (Vegan Pumpkin Soup, Thai Tomato Soup, Portuguese Potato Soup & Japanese Lotus Root Soup). Furthermore, who on earth ever said making Chinese soups is a brain cracker? Not at all foodies. Anyone for the matter who has a stove and a pot can make. How do we make this Old Cucumber Soup? Old cucumber, wolf-berries and ginkgo nuts, plus our pantry staples and vegetable stock, just simmer please (Creamy Mushroom Soup, Chinese Tofu Soup, Lentil Vegetable Soup, Tomato Spinach Soup & Mixed Vegetable Soup).

Ikan Masak Kicap

I guess then? When we have exhausted our avenues for inventing new dishes, yet we still have to cook, I think the best will be flipping or looking back at our previous recipes (Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas, Teochew Steamed Fish, Spicy Grilled Fish & Fish Curry), and making some changes here and there for a different kinda? Wouldn't you agree (Steamed White Pompret, Fish Sambar & Belacan Fish), I hope you are agreeing with me that its not everyday we feel like being a mover and shaker in our kitchen? There will be days we just drag ourselves for entering our kitchen and sometimes that means we can ditch the pots and pans for eating out. Anywhere for the matter, of course affordable according to our budget can be hawker stalls (Grilled Fish In Banana Leaf, Grilled Fish Sambal Stuffed & Ikan Pari/Stingray Sambal) or we still put up a dish at home and a dish which does not rely on many ingredients. Ikan Masak Kicap. Soy Sauce Fish. Is always possible and when you grow your own lemongrass/serai, plus you already have the needed ingredients? Right. In my house, like I have repeated myself, I don't know how many times, fish is the brain food for my other half-half and I? Okay for me and usually, I settle for our local catch. So, ikan kembung lathered/gently lathered alongside turmeric powder and salt, and fried (Crispy Chilli Fish), thereafter, tip into soy sauce, fish sauce and lemongrass scented sauce and finally spring onion garnished (Chilli Soy Fish & Chilli Lime Fish), known as Ikan Masak Kicap was the outcome. Our satisfying Malaysian fish dish which will never let us down and trust me, adding fish sauce and lemongrass does add another food loving dimension to Ikan Masak Kicap. 

Andhra Sambar

Sambar. Indian dal curry. Do I have to like say anything? Indians and sambar, or dal curry and us Indians? I am actually lost for words. But one thing is certain. I have been making, and making and making, and I have not stopped because if sambar is not one of the dishes in my house at least once a week, my other half-half's food life is not complete. Says it all and pretty much the logic to my sambar story, and I don't think my sambar story will ever stop. Of course, me being like a small time home chef, I try to vary sambar each time I make (Palakura Pappu, Mulligatawny Soup, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Drumstick Sambar & Simple Sambar). More or less, or less or more, for celebrating lentils/dal (Dhal Rice & Mysore Sambar) and thank god for the various types. This Andhra Sambar is the outcome of moong dal/green gram and tempering cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves in ghee I must say infused an amazing and wonderful aroma (Fish Sambar, Palak Sambar & Tanni Saar).

Khasi Ko Masu ((Nepalese Mutton Curry)

I have been searching. Searching for new recipes and just then, I couldn't help but notice the varieties of Nepalese style mutton curries. Ohhhhh! What a food joy for testing my cooking skills to Nepalese cuisine. Recipes checked through and digested, in fact, most of them sounding like the mutton curries I have already made before. To tell you the truth, I didn't really notice much difference in the ingredients. Nevertheless, I felt good I actually found out that Nepalese Mutton Curry is known as Khasi Ko Masu. Did I plagiarise those recipes? I don't think I did and like I have already told previously (Moo Gook/Korean Radish Soup), remember, I have already showcased recipes from other parts of the world (Cari Poisson/Mauritian Fish Curry, Kiri Hodi/Sri Lankan Coconut Gravy, Moroccan Chicken Stew, Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani, Malabar Fish Curry, Tofu Manchurian & Goan Prawn Curry), and me having quite an experience in making mutton curries, what would have been the possibilities, you tell me? Honestly guys, I didn't feel any pressure in making Khasi Ko Masu. Yet, I decided I will stick to my style of cooking. Making the wholesome curry paste instead of adding spices individually and also for simplifying cooking by itself, and opting specifically mutton bone marrow (Mutton Bone Marrow Curry). The outcome and result? This delectable, zesty and appealing Khasi Ko Masu/Nepalese Mutton Curry (Aloo Gosht, Shahi Mutton Curry, Rogan Josh, Masala Mutton Curry, Mutton Keema & Mutton Varuval). 

Khao Niaow Ma Muang

I think I must start off by mentioning the Thai savoury dishes I have already shared with all of you. Quite a variety mind you. From the non-vegetarian and vegetarian various types (Thai Crispy Fish, Tom Kha Gai, Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Tomato Soup & Thai Vegetable Curry) and believe me, the list is on-going. Nevertheless, this is my time I am sharing a Thai dessert, of course a Thai drink has already taken its spot (Thai Lemonade) and on the whole when its a sweet Thai pleasure, how can we not do this Khao Niaow Ma Muang? Thai Mango Sticky Rice, aka Thai Glutinous Rice Mango. So easy. So simple. So uncomplicated. Steam Glutinous rice alongside pandan leaves/screwpine leaves (Pandan Coconut Jelly) till plump, and obviously you need sweet mangoes (Mango Salad, Mango Mocktail & Mango Cucumber Salad) and I think we did speak about coconut milk for Asian desserts previously (Sago Gula Melaka). My version of Khao Niaow Ma Muang if you have noticed is served as separate compartments. Meaning, steamed glutinous rice by itself, palm sugar syrup by itself, coconut milk by itself and mango by itself, but as one delight. Why, are you asking me? Well, let's tuck into Khao Niaow Ma Muang as we wish. We decide on how much of sugar, coconut milk and mango we want alongside glutinous rice. Regardless, I must stress that this version of mine Thai Mango Sticky Rice is still a proud and pride sweet pleasure in your mouth (Baked Rice Pudding, Watermelon Sorbet, Saffron Poached Pears & Pineapple Bread Pudding).

Moo Gook (Korean Radish Soup)

We are going places, are we not, or should I say that I am actually the one taking you all over the world for home cooking food trail? I think I am. Pretty much we have been food travelling together, obviously in the virtual world, we can be at home and still head to all the different food destinations in any part of the world? Shall we now recall where we have gone so far? Of course everything must begin in our home ground Malaysia (Chinese Mixed Vegetable Stew, Onion Soup, Lentil Vegetable Soup & Burdock Root Soup) and particularly for soups, we did head to other countries as well. More or less (Vietnamese Fish Soup, Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup & Tom Yum Goong), then again, with cooking invention and cooking thinking, anything is possibly? I mean, the marrying of cooking technics and ingredients from different parts of the world (Salted Fish Bone Soup) and in Malaysia by itself, there's not only the three main races? In fact, there is no short of, you name it, the various types of food from the rest of the ethnic community? Furthermore, when we speak about vegetarianism, vegetarianism in our country and elsewhere too (Vegetarian Pumpkin Soup, Portuguese Caldo Verde Soup, Thai Tomato Soup, Japanese Vegetable Soup & Chinese Tofu Soup). What about this Moo Gook, aka Korean Radish Soup? A vegetarian soup, or if you really feel you like to convert it to a non-vegetarian soup, I think beef is the meat you should add. Otherwise, just stick to my version of vegetarian Moo Gook. Moo Gook, aka Korean Radish Soup? Super smooth utter satisfaction by our home affairs common ingredients, except for buying Korean radish and Korean soy sauce. 

Cari Poisson

Cari Poisson! Are you going like, where is this fish curry from? Well, from the shores of Mauritius. Cari Poisson/Mauritian Fish Curry, as I have already told you, is the fish curry made in Mauritius. Of course when we speak about fish curry of Indian descent, obviously spices will lead the way, wouldn't you agree (Bengali Fish Curry, Malaysian Indian Fish Curry & Malabar Fish Curry). In fact, spices are generally the needed ingredients for most Indian curry dishes throughout the world (Goan Prawn Curry, Devil's Curry, Sura Meem Kulambu & Indian Okra Curry) and shouldn't we include chillies as well? Chillies alongside spices in the curry paste or mixture, or chillies as in other Asian dishes (Ikan Balado, Thai Green Fish Curry, Fish Sambar & Kerala Fish Fry). We in Malaysian are also not short of spices and our spice roots originating from Straits of Malacca? My this version of Cari Poisson? I opted for ikan kembung, our affordable local catch and instead of aubergine, brinjals are also spectacular for the outcome of this thick,scrumptious and waking up your palates immediately Mauritian Fish Curry (Indian Spiced Salmon, Unagi Kabayaki & Vietnamese Fish).