Burmese Biryani

Confession before I speak furthermore. Curiosity kicked in and began my quest in searching for biryani recipes, though I think you know it as well? I am not left far behind when biryani is a concern or even the much more easy to put together or maybe requiring extra ingredients and time rice dishes (Hyderabadi Biryani & Vegetable Biryani)? Pretty much says it all (Rice Pilaf). Nevertheless, checking through a couple of the Burmese Biryani recipes and mostly popping up Burmese Chicken Biryani, oh-boy glad I was. Burmese Biryani Biryani and more or less due to my Indian heritage (Fish Puttu, Indian Spiced Salmon & Ghee Rice) and possibly Chinese (Teochew Steamed Fish) and Thai influences (Thai Crispy Fish) too? Yet I had to opt for fish because, like I have already told you before, my other half-half and his taboo towards chicken (Indonesian Grilled Fish & Mauritian Fish Curry). Having said that, I must confidently say this my version must trended so close behind any authentic and traditional Burmese Biryani. Attractive bright yellow hue (Turmeric Rice & Lemon Cashew Rice) from saffron strands, spices and all things nice from the aroma and richness of ghee, and coriander leaves (Coriander Rice) scented, cooked in the rice cooker (Curry Leaves Rice & Dhal Rice) biryani. Teamed alongside masala pan fried salmon,  raw vegetable yogurt salad (Vegetable Raita) and boiled egg(s). Wholesome, filling and fab Burmese Biryani. 

Indonesian Grilled Fish

Indonesian Grilled Fish or Ikan Bakar Indonesia. Sounds mouthwatering right? I know. Especially if you are spicy food lover like me and if you love all those traditional Indonesian tastes, including sourness from lime juice and saltiness from tauchu/fermented soy beans and terasi/belacan. Remember, can you still recall (Sambal Goreng Teri, Sambal Terasi & Ikan Belado? Plus, how can forget the rest of our Malaysian dishes? Cooked alongside almost similar ingredients and akin a spicy pop in our mouth (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Ikan Masak Kicap & Stingray Spicy Sauce). Also, maybe I should mention other fish recipes from our Asian continent which showcases spiciness, sourness and saltiness (Thai Crispy Fish, Hong Kong Steamed Fish, Cambodian Fish Soup & Vietnamese Fish Soup) too. Generally, as far as I know and as far as I have seen on cooking programs, quite a fair bit of ingredients are marinated or mixed alongside Indonesian Grilled Fish prior to grilling. But for my version, I kept it simple for grilling (Grilled Salmon), yet, when grilled fish is dipped into the accompanied Indonesian style sambal I made, trust me, nothing is compromised because its still a major revelation of the much loved boldness (Spicy Grilled Fish, Grilled Fish In Banana Leaf & Grilled Fish Sambal Stuffed).

Tomato Rice Pilaf

Rice and rice, and more rice please. I am not complaining, neither will I ever. Rice! Oh-god, without rice I have no food life. I basically love rice. In fact, I am an avid and number one rice lover which I think by far says it all about me the typical Malaysian. Albeit I stay away from rice in the morning (Nasi Lemak Sambal Udang). Of course every now and then I let go, and when its lunch next, not rice again or maybe I skip lunch because a rice meal by itself is filling for keeping your hunger throne in place for half a day or even 3/4 a day. Moreover, speak about those utterly wholesome rice dishes (Hyderabadi Vegetable Biryani, Vegetable Briyani, Cantonese Fried Rice & Malaysian Fried Rice). Regardless, we also have the rice dishes which are just one higher step to plain rice. The ones we tuck into alongside a main dish and other side dishes (Mint Rice, Curry Leaves Rice, Turmeric Rice, Coriander Rice & Cumin Rice). How about Tomato Rice Pilaf, are you asking me (Rice Pilaf & Tomato Rice)? Well, it can be the next door to simplicity or across to the other side, far end compatibility (Dhal Rice & Ghee Rice). How do we go about making Tomato Rice Pilaf?  Of course, you need tomatoes, otherwise, I don't know what to say and this is also another one of my cooked in the rice cooker rice dish. Buttery, garlic and rosemary scented and tadbit of sweetness and sourness from tomato (Tomato Soup & Tomato Chutney). Tomato Rice Pilaf? Let there be an ultimate rice food joy!   

Indian Yogurt Soup

We Indians, yes, I am one all right,  don't we love our Indian soups (Dhal Vegetable Soup & Indian Onion Soup & Spinach Tomato Soup)? Yes please. Of course. I can also strongly vouch that no other Indian soup can comparatively trend real close to our magical, healthy and nourishing Rasam/Indian Pepper Soup, I might as well include the healthy or not so healthy Sodhi/Indian Coconut Milk Stew. Indian soups by far, I think I may have told you before, though I can't exactly right now remember if I did, never mind, let me repeat myself again. No harm done. Indian soups are usually light and runny, for a typical Indian meal, we Indians actually prefer to drench our soups over rice. Akin a gravy dish for us, Indian soups I believe can stand at par alongside Chinese, Malay and Thai soup (Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup, Mushroom Yee Mee Soup, Old Cucumber Soup, Chinese Burdock Soup, Tom Yam Seafood Soup, Chinese Chicken Watercress Soup & Fish Bendi Soup), but I think better not be compared to Western style thick soups (Asian Green Peas Soup, Pumpkin Garlic Soup  & Basil Tomato Soup).

Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup

Roots, barks, herbs and chicken. Pretty much the centrality for Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup. Of course, we do have a choice to the high rank and grade Korean ginseng (Korean Radish Soup), but for me personally, its a big no due to its bitterness and strong content. I in fact have tasted Korean ginseng tea and soups which I really couldn't digest and trust me, I almost not only throw up, I actually felt as though my body is on fire. Chinese ginseng (Chinese Chicken Herbal Soup) on the other hand is mild even in soups and I also fancy those home made healthy and nutritious Chinese soups, including the vegetarian variants (Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup, Old Cucumber Soup, Chinese Tofu Soup & Burdock Root Soup). 

Sambal Goreng Teri

What is Sambal Goreng Teri? Sambal Goreng Teri basically is an Indonesian Ikan Bilis/Anchovies Sambal. That's right. Says it all right? The popularity of crunchy and dried in the sun, salty tiny fish in Indonesia (Sambal Terasi & Ikan Balado) and we Malaysians? Oh-my, ask this typical Malaysian and she will unveil all of it (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Asam Pedas Ikan & Sambal Sotong) on ikan teri, or ikan bilis and sambal too (Sambal Petai Ikan Bilis, Nasi Goreng Ikan Bilis, Ikan Bilis Mee Hoon & Sambal Udang Petai). Of course, even salted fish/ikan asin/ikan masin is an undisputed love for Malaysians and I think must be the love for Indonesians as well.  However, if you are expecting a typical Sambal Goreng Teri, either you will be disappointed or you will truly fall in love for my version. Different, unique and spicy power packed, some kacang panjang/long beans as well, and scented by serai/lemongrass Sambal Goreng Teri (Salted Fish Soup, Masak Lemak Ikan Masin & Sambal Kentang Ikan Asin). 

Siamese Laksa Lemak

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Not bad. My thinking capacity to cooking I believe is getting up and about, and higher, but seemingly Thai cuisine is a favorite. Why not? Why shouldn't I anywhere? What should potentially stop me when I have already mastered quite a whole list of dishes and Laksa by far has already been cooking conquered as well (Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Crispy Fish, Tom Yum Goong, Thai Carrot Soup & Thai Green Fish Curry). Laksa Lemak by the way is the marrying of Curry Laksa (Penang Curry Mee) and Assam Laksa (Nyonya Hot And Sour Fish Broth Noodle) regardless of the fact that there are various types of Laksa Lemak which can be made from chicken, pork, beef and seafood (Sarawak Laksa, Singapore Laksa, Nyonya Curry Laksa & Prawn Curry Laksa). But for this Siamese Laksa Lemak, the two central ingredients are fish and coconut milk (Thai Fish Noodle Soup & Laksam Kelantan). Also, you need to make the laksa paste which showcases the crucial Thai herbs and ingredients (Spicy Thai Noodle) for this joyous, sensational and mouth popping Siamese Laksa Lemak.

Siew Yoke (Roast Pork Belly)

So, it must be in tandem right? When you have already had your hands-on in making Char Siu/Chinese Barbecue Pork, the next course of action must be Siew Yoke? Most probably. I think so. I actually felt that way too and I've been toying with the idea for a while until I was ready to take Siew Yoke by its Pork Belly. Aplenty recipes mind you and I must look up at the Chinese for their variants. Of course, after all, Siew Yoke is like a historical dish in the Chinese community and not amongst the Indians. Perhaps, just saying, I may be the first Indian, or there have already been other Indians, yet I did feel good I made Siew Yoke. My version. My own and of course the best people to check for recipes were my Chinese friends. Crispy cracking on the outside and soft tender biting moment inside, slightly sinfulness salty by limited the use of salt Siew Yoke, paired alongside a home-style chilli ginger dip/sauce.  

Meen Puttu

Meen Puttu, aka Fish Puttu. What is Meen Puttu? Meen Puttu is basically fish simmered alongside turmeric powder and salt, thereafter shredded/flaked and stir fry with the customary or must have Indian ingredients. Of course when we refer to Indian cooking (Indian Spiced Salmon & Indian Fish Curry), chillies, spices and curry leaves are part and parcel of our cooking, and for meen puttu, we add fresh grated coconut. Pretty much that is the food cooking lingo for Meen Puttu and if you are asking me, I must admit there are other varieties to this fish dish which, do I have repeat myself is a popularity amongst us Indians? Furthermore, sura or shark (Sura Meen Kuzhambu/Shark Curry) is usually the choice, but nothing should stop you from using any other firm fish and even for the Kerala (Tuna Thoran, Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry) or Sri Lankan style (Sri Lankan Coconut Gravy) Meen Puttu, the ingredients are more or less similar. For my version, I opted for tenggiri/Indian mackerel which by far you shouldn't discount against for the outcome of a crumbled and a role play of the favourite Indian tastes Meen Puttu (Tandoori Salmon, Fish Head Curry, Bengali Fish Curry & Meen Kulambu).  

Classic Genoise

Me and baking again? Honestly, I really don't know what got into me. But seemingly, I was still gamed for baking (Mandarin Orange Cake & Oatmeal Raisin Cookies). I guess sometimes we don't have answers to what we do or badly want to do? Supposely! Nevertheless, the dilemma or deciding fact couldn't be none more except which kinda cake and out of somewhere, in fact after referring to my own recipes and one shared by my friend, my baking enthusiasm spiralled towards Classic Genoise. Which requires further whisking of eggs and sugar once they have been whisked till slightly warm and foamy over double boiler (water boiling in the bottom pan, eggs and sugar in a bowl atop). A prerequisite crucial technic before gently folding cake flour and corn flour, and alternating between warm melted better for the outcome of such a really soft, crumbly and heaven taking you Classic Genoise (Traditional Butter Cake, Milo Cake & Sujee Cake).

Singaporean Mee Siam

When you have already achieved your mile stone to an ordinary simply fried Mee Siam, the next course of action must be crossing beyond the Malaysian boundary for heading to the neighbouring country. Singapore or Singapura where there is no limits to noodle dishes (Char Kway Teow, Prawn Curry Laksa & Chinese Vegetable Noodle Soup) and of course, Singaporean Mee Siam inclusive. Honestly, will you believe me if I say I have not stepped into Singapore ever? I have not pretty much and don't ask me why or why not. I myself can't conclude despite planning and making a couple of attempts, but nothing took place. Regardless, I quite know about their noodles dishes. Of course, from tv programs and listening to friends who have worked or visited Singapore. Henceforth, I didn't have much trouble in coining this Singporean Mee Siam or Mee Siam Singapura (Singapore Laksa) and tell me please, how far different can the ingredients be (Sarawak Laksa, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon, Laksam Kelantan & Thai Fish Noodle Soup)? We still need the quintessential ingredients which by far, as far as I know, for this Thai origin and originality soupy noodle dish (Thai Mee Hoon Salad & Spicy Thai Noodles). Singapore Mee Siam. Perhaps not so close to other types of Mee Siam, yet its still rice noodles soaking in a spicy, aromatic, wondrous and tasty red hue gravy (Shrimp Pad Thai, Penang Curry Mee & Lamb Pho). 

Mandarin Orange Cake

The heat is one and the heat ignited for baking (Oatmeal Raisin Cookies & Chinese Peanut Cookies). Not something I planned actually, but when you receive loads of mandarin oranges during Chinese New Year from your Chinese friends despite telling them enough is enough, yet they won't stop. Honestly, I am not sure if the giving is out of goodwill or as a clearing stock by dumping on us, or for them receiving bounds and bounds of prosperity. Beats me and we on the other hand, just can't refuse because this oranges giving is supposedly like we are receiving gold in return. Oh-god! Wish the oranges will churn into real gold, but dream on and if you continue to gobble down as many oranges, cold and cough will end up being your best friend. Thus, tell me when. What should we possibly do? Of course, we can't offend our Chinese friends by refusing, but potentially we can use some for the oranges for this Mandarin Orange Cake. Sounds logical, isn't it? Easy-preasy and without having to use the cake mixer (Traditional Butter Cake & Sujee Cake), all you got to do is mixing and gently incorporating all the ingredients. Eggles  Mandarin Orange Cake? Sincerely a soft appreciated bliss in our mouth (Eggless Orange Cheesecake & Lemon Buttermilk Cake).

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The last draw. The final draw before me telling myself I should possibly put a stop to making cookies because I wanted to sit back and rest prior to returning to work in another three days time. One more on my cookie card go, I made these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies. Relatively the easiest I must say and conclude compared to those cookies I already felt good making. After all, unless you try, you never know and knowledge thirsting on cookie making, if you are asking me is no lost. Basically because people can't con you and you won't like open your mouth when they blow their own trumpets to their cookie expertise and you can in return tell them you also know it (Semperit Cookies, Vanilla Butter Cookies, Suji Cookies, Nyonya Pineapple Tarts & Chinese Peanut Cookies). Where did the recipe come from for these Oatmeal Raisin Cookie?  From a particular popular site which I am definitely not telling because it hit the back and front sack of disaster. Yes guys, another disaster. Beats me though why people share recipes that won't work, but we still get carried away with the attached beautiful visuals right? We do. Anyway, once I mixed the ingredients, dough was so sticky until I couldn't possibly pinch and roll out into small balls. Instead of throwing the dough away, I added extra oats and a little more flour which logically did the job. Thereafter, me literally squatting in front of my oven  and simultaneously keeping my fingers crossed. Thank god, the first batch came out and happiness was the moment of truth. Crunchy and natural burst of sweetness from honey and raisin, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies truly delighted my cookie making day. 

Semperit Cookies

My-my! Me and my baking. Still on-going.  Llike they say, when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. True enough. I wouldn't keep quiet and I got down to making Semperit Cookies from the family group of Malay cookies. Nothing more did stop me and all went on well (Vanilla Butter Cookies, Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, Nyonya Pineapple Tarts & Chinese Peanut Cookies) until I had to pipe out the dough from the stringent and short tight tunnel like cookie mold. Oh-hack! Such a time consuming thing for ensuring that the long piece of dough didn't break in between and crumble and I also had make sure the size and shape were in balance with each other. What a killer go. In the end regardless, these buttery and vanilla scented Semperit Cookies were worthiness. I am sure you are agreeing and the more you will agree once you make. 

Lamb Massaman Curry

Thai cooking and Thai cuisine for this lady? I quite know it all actually due to me and my cooking expertise and me having travelled around Thailand in a good bit. But I must confess I have never ever made Massaman Curry before. Of course there is always a first time and it all began by me peeping into a couple of recipe books and then, deciding on which ingredients will raise alongside each other in tandem for the big bold Thai profound tastes (Thai Tomato Soup, Thai Crispy Fish, Shrimp Pad Thai, Thai Yellow Curry, Thai Fish Noodle Soup, Thai Green Curry & Tom Yum Fried Rice). But considering that beef is generally the meat choice for Massaman Curry, I had to look for an alternative and lamb couldn't be by far the better or best. After all it's not mutton (Nepalese Mutton Curry), it has to be lamb for us (Lamb Spaghetti, Lamb Rogan Josh, Lamb Kofta Curry, Lamb Fried Rice, Malaysian Lamb Stew & Lamb Pho). Lamb Massaman Curry? A must try aromatic, peppery, spicy and delicious till its last drop, another from the Thai curry family tree.