Coconut Stew with Spinach (Bayam Masak Lemak)

Coconut stew with spinach, or the longer version, coconut milk with spinach, is a popular dish enjoyed by people from various walks of life. There’s the Indian version, the Western version, and so on. How about a Malay version, known as Bayam Masak Lemak? Yes, that’s precisely the recipe I’m sharing today. It’s a vegetarian version, and the vibrant red and yellow hue comes from fresh turmeric and red chillies. Scented with lemongrass, these two herbs are staples in Malay cuisine (VEGETARIAN ASAM PEDAS). 

 

Vegetarian coconut stew with spinach, or Bayam Masak Lemak, is a dish that brings the warmth of thick, aromatic, and vibrant coconut milk with soft, tender spinach inside.

  

Ingredients

1 bunch spinach - washed, rinsed, leaves plucked, stems sliced

1 ½ cups thick coconut milk

2 turmeric leaves - sliced

3 tbsp oil

Salt to taste

For blending

1 large red onion
1 inch fresh turmeric
1 lemongrass
Fresh red chilies - as needed

Method:

Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat and add the blended/pounded ingredients. Fry until fragrant.

Pour in 1 cup of water and bring to a simmer.

Add the prepared spinach and cook until wilted.

Pour in the coconut milk and add salt to taste. Simmer gently until the spinach is fully cooked and the flavors are well combined.
Turn off the heat and stir in the sliced turmeric leaf. 

Chinese Herbal Pork Soup

Are you thinking, "An Indian lady cooking Chinese Herbal Pork Soup?" Yes, she does! I'm one of those Indians who loves pork, even though my husband doesn't. He doesn't mind me cooking it for myself. What's better than a Chinese soup packed with nourishment and goodness? Chinese Herbal Pork Soup sounds fabulous, don't you agree? Plus, it's super easy to cook. I usually use pre-packed herbs from the store, and wow, there are so many choices these days. Just pick your favorite, and let's cook up some soup! I also have a recipe for Chinese Pork Old Cucumber Soup, but let's start with this one - Chinese Herbal Pork Soup.

Vegetarian Asam Pedas (Asam Pedas Sayur)

Let's clear the air before we get cooking. People love to judge at first sight - some see me as a lady of leisure, a glamour queen, and the ultimate non-cook. After I got married, every time I walked into my in-laws' gatherings and mentioned cooking, I'd get sly smiles and those nasty, scrutinizing looks as if they were checking up on my culinary skills. Oh, the expressions on their faces - priceless! Apparently, my appearance didn't fit their cooking connoisseur checklist. How should a lady who cooks look? If only I resembled them, right? Weeeeeee!!

Tamarind Fried Fish/Ikan Goreng Asam Resep

Have you tried Tamarind Fried Fish? It’s a fascinating dish where fish is soaked in tangy tamarind juice before being fried to perfection. If you love zesty flavors, this dish is a must-try. I’m a big fan of such vibrant tastes, and Tamarind Fried Fish, with its lively kick, hits the spot. Even if you’re not usually into zesty foods, pairing this fried fish with a spicy soy dip might just open your taste buds to new flavors (EASY FISH HEAD CURRY).

 

You can use any type of fish for this recipe. I’m featuring two varieties: torpedo scad (cencaru) and mackerel (kembung). Each type of fish (CRISPY FRIED PRAWNS) comes with its own unique dip, making both versions of this Tamarind Fried Fish equally delightful and easy to prepare.

Egg Curry Recipes: Indian Style

Something that I repeat regularly is that I love eggs. They sort of complete my meals. Enough said, I suppose, because I have nothing more to say about eggs, and today, eggs will be featured in curries. I will share with you two types of egg curries, both with potatoes. These recipes are nothing complicated - recipes with pantry-friendly ingredients.

Surakarta (Solo): Heartbeat of Central Java

The final day of my 5-day, 4-night escapade has arrived (BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND & YOGYAKARTA REGAL WONDERS). Tomorrow morning, I’ll  be heading back to reality, back to the daily grind. As much as I'd love to keep traveling forever, the truth is, it's time to return home. But not before I embark on my last adventure in Surakarta, also known as Solo.

My day began with a delightful hotel buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi. The spread was a feast for the senses, especially the array of local traditional dishes that tantalized my  taste buds. Satisfied and ready for the day, we set off  (COLOMBO DREAMS & SEOUL THROUGH MY EYES) for Surakarta.

Yogyakarta: Regal Wonders and Indonesian Tastes

It's time to talk about the buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi, and trust me, you're in for a treat! I haven't yet introduced you to this culinary delight, and now is the perfect moment (JOGYAKARTA EXPOSURE). By now, you probably know how much I adore Indonesian cuisine and our local Malay Malaysian food. Oh, yes, please! The buffet breakfast at Harper Mangkubumi was a feast for the senses during my stay (COLOMBO DISCOVERY & NEW DELHI REVELATION). 

The variety was astounding, even featuring different Jamu concoctions, those traditional herbal drinks. Although I’m not a big eater and not usually a breakfast person, I couldn't resist sampling the array of dishes. Such a sensational meal, including the desserts that left me in awe. I know I'll miss this breakfast spread (HOKKAIDO WANDERLUST) once I leave, and I'm sure you'll agree with me after seeing it for yourself.