Monday, April 26, 2021

Malaysian Rasam. Quick & Easy Rasam/Instant Indian Healthy Pepper Soup

Oh-Dear-My-Nava K! My blog. Blog of mine. This blog of mine. Obviously? Been neglected. My last blog pitching? 16th April (Som Tam/Thai Green Papaya Salad). Right now, you must be asking me why I have not been updated my blog right? No worries. I'll spill the beans right now and the beans will lead to? My yoga journey. Journey which has started very promisingly and this journey has been keeping me on my toes. Apart from the pressure I have been putting on myself, in finishing up my International Yoga Instructor Course. Plus, my thesis for my Master Of Science Yoga. Yes. I have to. Clock is ticking. Time is running out, and time is running really fast. Furthermore, not to forget about my home affairs chores. The cooking, washing, cleaning, as well as I am an avid home gardener and other things that I need to balance at home. Pretty much summing up or down? Why blog has been neglected. 

Friday, April 16, 2021

Som Tam (Thai Green Papaya Salad)

Green Papaya Salad. Oh yes. Quite a popularity in Asia. Apart from the Thai version, like this one I am sharing, you can chance upon green papaya salad in Cambodia (Bok Lahong/Cambodian Green Papaya Salad, Cambodian Vegetarian Green Papaya Salad & Cambodian Sour Fish Soupand in Malaysia as well. Oh yes please. Our Malaysian version to a green papaya salad, mostly the Malay style version and pretty much? Thai Green Papaya Salad or Som Tam can be devoured into, in Thai restaurants and Thai stalls situated in coffee shop, in Malaysia. Indeed a familiarity for Malaysians. My Thai green papaya salad knowing upon of course originated in Malaysia. As well as during my Thailand solo travelling adventures. Thailand! Yes, I did it. From right from the borders of Malaysia (Betong, Phuket/Krabi, Ayutthaya & Chonburi) and all the way till I even crossed over from Chiang Rai (The Golden Triangle Boat Ride) to Myanmar (Myanmar - Across The Border). Tadaa!!

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Indonesian Potato Tauhu/Kentang Tauchu Indonesia (Vegetarian)

Keep your food journey interesting. Keep your food love exciting. And keep your food happiness trilling, frilling and sexciting. Why not? After all, food is the primary reason why we work. For a decent meal on our table, for our hunger and for the ultimate satisfaction to our palates. Of course, we can prefer familiarity. I mean, we may be inclined to our comfort food. But if you are an adventurous foodie or food lover like me, we do have options to other cuisines from all around the globe. And food from the Asian continent personally for me, is my utmost food love . Take for example Indonesian food. Aha! Me! The food hero to Indonesian food and you know what? You can effortlessly convert Indonesian dishes to a vegetarian food trail (Urap Kangkung/Water Spinach Salad, Tempeh Orek/Spicy Fermented Soy Bean & Terong Balado/Spicy Sweet Brinjal). Like this Indonesian Potato Tauhu/Kentang Tauchu Indonesia. Where did the recipe spring from? The mind of this “The Crazy Lover”. Enough said, to the recipe now please.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken (Ga Chien Sa Ot)

In the previous recipe pitching, Bok Lahong/Cambodian Green Papaya Salad and today, aha, crossing over from Cambodia to Vietnam (Hu Tieu Nam Vang/Phnom Penh Noodle Soup) for showcasing Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken. Trust me, such a wonderful, wondrous dish from a the land which has gone through major battering and bruising due to the world know and historically significant Vietnam War. Vietnam War. Oh yes! No trip of yours to Vietnam (Ca Hap Gung Hanh/Vietnamese Steam Fish) will be complete or can be considerate as wholesomeness without visiting all the historical sites which showcases the years of the Vietnam War (Ho Chi Minh City & Hanoi). Followed by the also the aftermath of the brutal war. All of these. The pain, the misery, the suffering, the deaths, so on and so forth. Now, how about Vietnamese Food? Oh-My-Love! Simply spectacular. The freshest salads on earth, plus, a must when in Vietnam, apart from Vietnamese Pho (Shrimp Pho, Lamb Pho/Vietnamese Noodle Soup & Vietnamese Fish Soup) are the other dishes, known for their big, bold thundering tastes. A mix bag of spiciness, sourness and sweetness. Including the dish of the day I am sharing. Vietnamese Spicy Lemongrass Chicken. Shall we now head to the recipe? Of course. We shall. 

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Bok Lahong (Cambodian Green Papaya Salad)

Bok Lahong. Aka, Cambodian Green Papaya Salad. Indeed. Green papaya from my garden into this, various role play and interlinking, big bold tasting Cambodian Salad. A raw salad by the way. In other words, there is no cooking involved and for a fact, such a papaya salad is also a popularity in other Asian countries as well. Including in Malaysia. Known as Kerabu Betik and suffice to say, you can actually replace green papaya with mangoes (Malaysian Mango Salad) too (Cambodian Green Mango Salad). Ingredients for this kinda papaya salad from whichever part of Asia? Including for this version or variety from Cambodia ? As far as I know, pretty much the commonality. The common Asian ingredients for the burst of spiciness, sourness, sweetness and every now and then, saltiness as well. Now, you must be curious in finding out, how come I know the nooks and crannies in making Cambodian Green Papaya Salad? Aha! On my palates. Not once but a couple of times during my trip to Cambodia (Cambodian Sour Fish Soup) in year 2012. Having said that, I tweeted the recipe to suit and fit those ingredients available locally in Malaysia and those ingredients I couldn’t get a hold on to? Eliminated. Plus, even the cooking technic. Simplified. Which you can see and hear from my YouTube cooking video. Whereby I have spoken in great length on other related and of course, since I like to talk a lot, other correlated matters. All of it, as a package for my version of Bok Lahong. 

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Urap Kangkung (Water Spinach Salad) - Vegetarian

It’s always been my absolute, my moment to my pleasure to tweeting recipes. Recipes I pick up via my travelling meaningfulness. In other words, at each part of the world I am, I make sure I somehow or rather, either slyly or demurely ask for the recipes at the places I dine or pack food. Including at the streets. Or worst come to worst, I taste the food and figure out for myself what could possibly be the ingredients for those dishes. Of course, suffice to say, there are kind people in any part of the world who won’t mind sharing their recipes. Whereas, I believe it is a known fact that, there are also people who do or die, will safeguard, protect and defend their recipes like nobody’s business. Nevermind. Does not really matter. Because as a foodie adventurous person and someone who have been cooking various types of dishes from various continents for donkey years, furthermore, thanks to my hard earned money which has enabled me to travel to a number of countries as well, I am quite a hero in figuring out the ingredients for the dishes. My food love will without a doubt forever be Asian dishes, but that does not mean I shun away from Western dishes. Indonesian food (Tempe Orek Vegetarian & Terong Belado Masam Manis) particularly for me. Oh my-my and during my trip to Indonesia a couple of years ago (Surakarta & Yogyakarta), I managed to dive into Urap Kangkung, aka, Water Spinach Salad and here’s to the vegetarian version (Sayur Lodeh). Of course, recipe by yours truly, and recipe, ah, from the mind of Nava K.  

Monday, February 15, 2021

Nava K's Palak Paneer (Spinach Indian Cottage Cheese)

Hi Darlings, 
Recipe of the day? Nava K’s Palak Paneer. Palak? Spinach (Spinach Coconut Milk Stew, Spinach Potato & Spinach Chickpea). Paneer?  Indian cottage cheese, which for a fact, you can make at home and homemade paneer without a doubt, is the best. Still, there is such a thing as store bought paneer. Supposedly, homemade, home style paneer you can pick up at the Indian stores for the matter of “convenience for cooking”. Not to say I have not had my hands-on experience to making paneer in my kitchen, yet, these days, since I prefer least time to cooking, I usually settle for the store bought ones. The store ones too, by far, are a great choice. Furthermore, these days, considering that such ingredients have travelled and are still travelling around the globe due to global trading, you get ample choices to various types of paneer at the Indian stores. Including in Malaysia, those made, sealed, embossed and transported from India. For this, my version to palak paneer, yea, store bought, a couple of dollars paneer. To the recipe now darlings. Indian cottage cheese, spinach (Spinach Tofu & Spinach Dal), yogurt and spices for this delightful Nava K’s Palak Paneer.

Monday, January 25, 2021

Chilli Cashew Stir Fried Veggies

I'm still like a yo-yo. Up-down, down-up, back and forth, and to and fro. My colorful life as usual. The things I juggle, remember I told and in case you have not read, click on this link Nurish Organiq Face Essence please. Alright. So much only I want to speak about "MyFiftySixLife" today and without wasting anymore time, let's zoom into the recipe for the day now. Chilli Cashew Stir Fried Veggies. The Chinese cooking style (Chinese Style Eggplant, Stir Fried Oyster Mushroom, Jiu Hu Char, Bitter Gourd Omelette & Mapo Tofu) to a vegetarian Chinese vegetable dish and cashew nuts by far? As far as I know and as far as my cooking skills are a concern, Indians use cashew nuts as a thickening agent for curries or gravy dishes, whichever and whatever dish it may be. Whereas, for the Chinese, cashews are one of the ingredients for their stir fries. Okay. I'm done with the intro pitching for this recipe, because I got to get back to some the pending things I have to complete and one of those things I actually indulge in is, gardening. Not only gardening, but also, what I do with the supply of my gardening supply. Aha! pandan leaves/screwpine leaves for my interior. Watch this video of mine and you will know what I mean. Of course, recipe to Chilli Cashew Stir Fried Veggies will be laid out next. Take care lovings. We will catch up sooner or later. Bye!

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal (Sessile Joyweed/Dwarf Copperleaf Stir-Fry)

Ponnanganni Keerai? Mmmm! Honest to goodness, if I am to translate this leafy green veggie to English, or to another understandable language? I will fail. Fail massively. On the other hand otherwise, after reading from the visual world, which I did of course prior to pitching this recipe, I will crown myself as a  hero. Aha! Ponnanganni Keerai! Known as Alternanthera Sessilis, also as, Sessile Joyweed and Dwarf Copperleaf. You know what? To make this matter easier, later on, if, if, if, if at all you watch me in the video, you will get a clearer, better and easier picture on which leafy veggie is Ponnanganni Keerai. Ponanganni Keerai! The absolute to packing aplenty nutrients. So as well other vegetable dishes I have shared before (Beans Turmeric, Spinach Potato, Murungai Keerai Poriyal, Vazha Koombu Thoran/Banana Blossom Fry, Bitter Gourd Chips & Spinach Tofu) and this veggie, particularly and specifically, oh-my, the valuable nutrients to our eyes. Furthermore, you don’t big bundles of ingredients for this simply, easy to go, easy style to cooking this delicious Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Ah! Sincerely, faithfully and truly appetizing and just cooked rice will be the best soulmate for Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Of course, you can mix and match with other dishes for a fact (Malaysian Sodhi, Tomato Rasam & Udupi Sambar). Please yourself. Whichever and however you want to devour or demure into Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal. Anything else I want to say? Nothing really. Clock is ticking, time is most precious because I’ve a whole lot of things lined up to do. Signing off and you guys take care. Lots of love.

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Malaysian Sodhi (Indian Coconut Milk Stew)


Sodhi. Coconut milk infused and laced (Shrimp Coconut Milk) Indian coconut stew. In fact, sodhi is the branching of  Masak Lemak (Vegetarian Malay Spinach Coconut Stew), or vice-versa or whichever. Sodhi is definitely a popularity amongst the Indians and without a doubt, in my house as well. Sodhi is usually drenched over rice, and eaten alongside side dishes. Trust me, nothing like sodhi soaking or flooding up your rice and then, using your hands for mushy-mushy diving inside eating style. Sodhi. Like, every once a week in my house. In other words, a regularity and it is a dish that can be put up effortlessly. Needless to say, easy cooking and mind you, there are other variances of sodhi too, which I have already shared before (Malu Kirata, Kiri Hodi, Prawn Sodhi & Cabbage Sodhi). This latest sodhi? Basically, the humble, basic simplicity, but why a Malaysian Sodhi? Well, Cooked by this “The Crazy Lover” who is a typical, true and true Malaysian, and cooked in her, most of the time stuffy, hot, and can cause me to sweat unlimited buckets and buckets Malaysian kitchen. Furthermore, I wanted to give the humble sodhi a new lease of life, considering also I’ve made somewhat a similar sodhi before. The pairing for Malaysian Sodhi? Spicy dishes for a traditional Malaysian Indian vegetarian (Indian Vegetarian Brinjal) or non-vegetarian (Mutton Potato) meal, plus do not discount any type of fish dish (Tamarind Fried Fish, Meen Puttu, & Chilli Sardine) for enhancing and enlivening your meal. Okay. Story over and time for the recipe now……………Oh, oh, before I forget, perhaps you would like to have a look at the video attached below on interior decorating your house with galangal leaves/daun lengkuas? Have fun. Take care everyone!!

Monday, December 14, 2020

Mughlai Style Vegetarian Korma

And so? Every now and then, or every often, we yearn for a different cooking style of the same dish. Of course. The same goes in my house. I mean, it can’t be the same cooking style for the same dishes all the time? No. It can’t be. This time, instead of my regularity to a similar Korma, or Kurma Gravy, or Curry, I did a different kinda Korma. Korma or Kurma (Navratan Korma, Vegetable Kurma & Mutton Kurma), I reckon is a popularity amongst the Indian community and perhaps, throughout the sub-continents of India (Hyderabadi Biryani & Vegetable Kadhi), also, other parts of the world. After all, food likings, food delights and food cooking from various part of the world, has, without a doubt, travelled throughout the globe. Therefore, the food of one country is the availability in other countries, and also, cooked by people like me in Malaysia who like to keep their food life interesting, trilling and aha, sex-citing as well. Sex-citing! Aha! If you are a true and true foodie, you will know what I mean. The rest of you? Go figure and I bet you will agree.

Monday, December 7, 2020

Vegetarian Bayam Masak Lemak (Spinach Coconut Stew)

Hi all you amazing and wonderful people.  
How have you been? Hope all is well and extremely positively good. Me? What about me? I am doing good as well. Oh-well! It’s not all perfection, rosy and sunshiny all the time. But, I keep going positively. Even if things go wrong. Even if, every once a while or every now and then I feel the world has collapsed on my head. My life! Hah! A colourful life. Yea. I like to keep my life colourful.Always. The latest colors pop-yea-yea in my life? “Karthigai Deepam” Hindu religious festival. Also known as the “Festival Of Lights”, specifically the lights of Lord Shiva’s enlightenment and this festival, celebrated over a period of three days is about lighting the earthen lamps. For me, been like, in fact, I can’t even recall when was the last time I ushered this festival of lights. Most probably, I think, most probably, 30 over years ago. That too, during my growing up years in Brickfields when I was single and available. This year! Aha!. I just felt vibes. The vibes to lighting the earthen lamps. On the first day, 31 lights lighted up, second day, 51 lights and on the third day, wow, 101 earthen lamps lighted up in my garden. My garden. My pride and joy, and of course, I am the gardener. Gardening. My stress buster and one of those which is part of my colourful life.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Sweet Durian Porridge & Steamed Glutinous Rice (Serawa Durian & Pulut Kukus)

The typical, traditional, authentic Malaysian Malay dessert. Sweet Durian Porridge & Steamed Glutinous Rice, aka, Serawa Durian & Pulut Kukus. My-my! Durian lovers! You will love, love this absolutely delicious mouth watering, our Malaysian dessert. Yes. You will. Take it from this “The Crazy Lover”. What about the rest? The rest who are not so fancy frilly over the smell and tastes of durian? Why not? Try. You must. After all. Unless you try, you never know right? Furthermore, don’t discriminate food. Any kinda. Be adventurous. Be a joy and love to food of all walks of life. Including, of course, our Malaysian food is still the best and our desserts, ahhhh, they are such  a major delight (Pulut Inti & Wajik Pulut). Best in the world. Best out of the rest. Precisely. But, in any case, you have tried durian and durian is still a no go to? Replace durian with jackfruit or whatever and whichever fruit you believe can take the place of durian.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Tempe Orek (Indonesian Spicy Fermented Soy Beans)

Indonesian Food (Ikan Cabe Ijo). Indonesian Cuisine (Terong Balado Pedas Manis). Indonesian Cooking (Sayur Lodeh). Yes I am. I am the star. The number one, glittering, shining star. The star as an avid, number one fan of Indonesian food or Indonesian cuisine. I am also the glossy, twinkling and lighted up star as well to Indonesian cooking (Sambal Goreng Teri). Of course. I know. Self praise is a disgrace. Then again? Who cares? I don't because if you don't praise yourself, like what? You are waiting for others to praise you? Oh please. Cut the crab. Anyway, I am without a doubt, the cooking star in my kitchen. In my own ways as the Indonesian chef in my house. But not like kinda, I have cooked a whole, long stretch of Indonesian dishes. The essentials though. The most probably, famed ones though (Ikan Balado) and my trip to Indonesia a couple of years ago? Oh-My-My-Love (Surakarta/Solo). The daily food love affair to Indonesian food happiness, which included the various types of tempe dishes (Yogyakarta Indonesia).

Monday, November 9, 2020

Sambal Style Sardine Fry

This sardine cooking story in my house? Always, forever and I am absolutely certain will go on, and on. Either every now and then, or for a fact, I reckon, every often like a rapid fire or towering inferno. What's with sardines in my house if your curiousity is killing you? In other words, why sardines are one of our food prides? Actually, you know what? I really don't have an absolute answer for you. Perhaps better be said as, because fish is sort of a favourite in my house (Western Style Pan Grilled Spicy SalmonNyonya Fish Curry & Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa), and sardines, especially, since our local catch, they are pretty, really affordable and mind you, tastiness as well. Regardless, whether the fresh ones or canned sardines (Sardine Varuval & Sardine Peratal). Sardines! Yea. There will always be the favourites to sardines like sardine curries (Nadan Fish Curry), or the Malaysian, our chilli based and chilli cooked sardine side dishes. For me personally, the craziness and madness will forever be our Malay style gravy style sardines dishes (Tempoyak Masak Lemak Sardine & Sardine Masak Cili Padi). Those spicy (Sardine Sambal), salty and tadbit of sweetness, the Malay or Malaysian revelation of mouth-popping, yippie-yeh-yeh tastiness (Nyonya Acar Fish).

Sunday, October 25, 2020

Sabah (East Malaysia) - Nava K's Discovery (Part 3)

Day 5 in Sabah. Off for another two, facing the beach sight viewing (Sabah Part 2 & Sabah Part 1). How did it go? By this day. Hah! I somehow managed to put the Sabah jigsaw puzzle into perspective for getting a clearer picture of what is going on. Without a doubt. My smartness. Yea. Mine alright. My smartness concluded that, my so called advisers didn't do their homework about any damn thing in Sabah. Apart from wrong projections on land prices, they had almost nil knowledge about land transactions, nor any clue what soever about the business indicators in Sabah. Damnit! On the contrary, I must thank some of the good people I came in contact with. They actually making it a point in sharing their expertise unselfishly on the hidden, unspoken and nitty-gritty business insights in Sabah. Furthermore, aha, I had also done my fair share of homework before leaving home, particularly on native land purchasing and how complicated it can be. Anyway. Anyhow. As frustrated as I was. I felt like a hero for my learning curve and knowledge on how, to a certain extent, doing business in Sabah can be complicated. Done. Over. Full stop. By day 5, I knew. I must give up. Either temporary or permanently on my future vision and mission in Sabah.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Western Style Pan Grilled Spicy Salmon

Salmon! Of course. Why not? Salmon. I must admit, is a favorite in my house. Furthermore, when its a matter of mind over matter for cooking salmon, oh yes, easy cooking and cooked in a jiffy. Salmon also, on the whole is tastiness by itself and just a couple of ingredients will do the job as well (Grilled Salmon). Of course, if you want to elevate the tastes of salmon further to another higher level for other dishes? You can and you should (Burmese Biryani & Thai Fish Noodle Soup). What about how much will you pay for salmon? Definitely higher compared to our Malaysian local catch, yet, I don't mind spending the extra. Not always, but every now and then will do (Indian Spiced Salmon). Furthermore, even if its fresh salmon, the frozen ones can be a perfect fit for any dish you have on mind. Me and salmon? Certainly. Absolutely. Without a doubt (Tandoori Salmon & Lemon Butter Salmon).  

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Sabah (East Malaysia) - Nava K's Discovery (Part 2)

Day 3 in Sabah (Sabah Part 1). Hello Kota Kinabalu by 6.30am. Well! Oh well, well, well! Sleeping in a hotel room. Even if its the best room in the world? Even how tired I am. Never been like the best sleep, because, the best sleep for me, has to be my humble bed at home. Furthermore. Over the last  year or so, I've developed the habit to, like some, or all of you, who believe in, early to rise, early to shine is the key to starting your day promisingly. Also, the first thing for me when I wake up. Even before brushing my teeth. Of course. After a glass of warm water. The health is wealth trend. Next will be. Has to be. Must be. The aroma and taste of a cuppa of coffee for a fabulous, positive happy morning start up. Folllowed by, least to least, one full circle and cycle of "Surya Namaskar (Yoga Sun Salutation) gratiifying gratitude to the morning sun. Therefore, this day starting off on the same note. Water, coffee culture, and me the yoga practitioner respecting the sun. Then of course shower, and out of the hotel by 9.30am, for a basic, simple and no frill breakfast. 

Friday, September 25, 2020

Burmese Masoor Dal. Burmese Dal Gravy.

Dal, or dhal. However you want to spell. Dal. One of the family members of legumes. Dal. Without a doubt, synonymous for Indian cooking, including for Nava K's Indian household cooking and I know that, dal is an appreciated ingredient for other types of cuisines as well. My dal recipes? Aha! Tadaa! Here we go (Udupi Sambar, Palakura Pappu, Andra Sambar & Punjabi Sabut Moong Dal). What about dal in Burma, now known as Myanmar? Absolutely. Down the memory lane of Indians from India and spreading their dal cultural cooking heritage in Myanmar. The question now is? How do I know about Burmese Masoor Dal? Hah! Been there. Done it. Been to Myanmar, and have tasted their dal dishes. My story. This is my story. My Burmese or Myanmar food story, alongside my dal cooking story (Mulligatawny Soup, Tanni Saar & Dal Rice). By the way, for your information. This Masoor Dal Gravy. Sure. Must be regarded as a close cousin, to the varies types of Indian Dal Curries or Gravies (Fish Sambar, Palak Sambar, Bitter Gourd Sambar, Drumstick Sambar, Simple Sambar & Mysore Sambar). Pretty much? Obviously? Of course. Like I have told you? The influence of Indians from India and spreading their dal cooking skills and knowledge, once and after they step foot in Myanmar back then. Alright. Shall we get to the recipe now please. We shall and, until the next pitching of mine, take care everyone. 

Monday, September 21, 2020

Sabah (East Malaysia) - Nava K's Discovery (Part 1)

Finally! Me and Sabah? Yes. Indeed. Me in Sabah at the earliest date in the month of February. Finally!! Yes. Can you believe it? After Nava K being on or in this earth for the last 56 years. Before. Even before, or whilst Covid 19 was getting upbeat and ready for showing its true colors, and before this virus crushing, crumbling and tumbling on my travelling life and style. Now, what's with me tripping in, on, over, above, under and about Sabah? Aha! The big dreams of mine. The future goals of mine. Which mind you, ending up as a major massive, thundering disappointment. To tell you the truth, I was utterly shattered. I was utterly broken into pieces. Until, I felt like, each and every part of me, including my inner wings of emotional strength, were like, torn and tattered into pieces. Duh! Doomer to whatever I wanted to achieve in Sabah for my future. 

Friday, September 11, 2020

Nyonya Fish Curry.

Nyonya Cuisine. Nyonya Food. Nyonya cooking and Nava K? Yes. Yes. Yes. Shouldn't I or should I proudly profess that I am a Nyonya food hero (Ikan Buah Keluak & Ayam Buah Keluak)? Why not? I know self praise can be a disgrace, then again? Don't we all, can't we all ought to be proud of our achievements? We must for a fact (Nyonya Mee SiamNyonya Curry Laksa & Nyonya Lam Mee). We absolutely should. Without doubting our capabilities and abilities. Furthermore. I am proud. Yes I am. My credentials in culinary arts. Though in the specific niche area of Bread Making and Patisserie. Of course, self learning can be regarded as learning as well? Building from the base of knowledge and learning curve we have obtained? Where has this learning curve led me to? Having cooked and still learning by improving my knowledge, skills and abilities by cooking various dishes from various contingents. Recipe of the day? For show casing my "know how" to Nyonya recipes? Nyonya Fish Curry, aka Nyonya Curry Fish. Splendidness and awesomeness. The revelation and role play of the true, authentic, sincere and genuine Nyonya tastes and flavours (Nyonya Fish SambalAyam Pongteh & Nyonya Steamed Fish). By the way, for your information, I've made a different version of Nyonya Fish Curry before. Known as Nyonya Assam Fish Curry. Let's say, this latest Nyonya Fish Curry style of mine is the updated, upgraded and rebooted version. Also, if you click on all the links I've linked, they will be the treasures to other Nyonya recipes too. Happy cooking everyone!

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Chinese Herbal Pork Soup

I love this, or the whole idea of making Chinese soups. Yes. I do. I do. I do. Mainly because? Chinese soups. They are such an easy Chinese style uncomplicated cooking. Furthermore. Chinese soups. On the whole. Nutritious, healthy, whether the vegetarian versions (Vegetarian Chinese Winter Melon Soup, Old Cucumber Soup, Chinese Tofu Soup & Burdock Root Soup) or non-vegetarian versions as well, and for me personally, Chinese soups, they are such a delightful appetizing food eating world. Basically, I simply adore Chinese soups. Love, love, love and all the loving loved loves in the food world for Chinese soups. Made before. Of course I have. I mean, it has to be when I am also an avid food fan of Chinese food overall. Including the various types of Chinese noodle soups too (Chinese Vegetarian Noodle Soup, Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup, Bee Hoon Soup & Sichuan Noodle Soup).

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Vegetarian Asam Pedas (Asam Pedas Sayur)

Masakan sayur-sayuran. Sayur sahaja. Betul tu. Sayur sahaja, dan takda, atau tanpa daging, tanpa ternakan, tanpa buruan dan tanpa ikan. Itulah resep kita hari ini. Boleh dikatakan sebagai, satu hidangan dengan sayur-sayuran and resepnya adalah Vegetarian Asam Pedas, atau Asam Pedas Sayur. Masakan sayur-sayuran, atau disebut sebagai vegetarian dishes, memang sudah ujuk berzaman-zaman dahulu dan sekarang, nampaknya, terdapat golongan yang memilih atau lebih gemar makan sayur sayur sahaja. Bukan setakat kaum India, tetapi kuam Cina, juga orang dinegara Barat dan kaum Melayu pun saya dengar berminat or memilih makanan sayur-sayuran sahaja. Apa sebabnya? Mungkin kerana kesihatan kut? Mungkin. Atau sebab-sebab peribadi mereka sendiri? Biar lah. Saya pun bukan-nya suka jaga tepi kain orang pun. Tapi, sudah jelas peminat peminat masakan berasa and berperisa sayur sayuran sudah popular. Vegetarian Asam Pedas/Asam Pedas Sayur ini? Memang disyurkan kepada sesiapa yang vegetarian or yang juga gemar makanan sayur-sayuran. Walau bagaimana pun, kalau nak juga hidangan ikan asam pedas or asam dengan ikan, inilah - Ikan Goreng Asam JawaAsam Pedas Ikan Bawal, Ikan Goreng Asam dan Assam Fish Curry

(Note: for those of you who can't read Bahasa Malaysia, please refer to the video attached right at the bottom for the recipe)

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa (Tamarind Fried Fish)

Hah! Memang kegemaran saya. Saya ini? Saya lah Nava K. Saya adalah salah seorang peminat setia and suci makanan Melayu. Semua pun boleh. Budu, tempoyak, jering, petai, sambal belacan, pucuk rebung dan lain-lain lagi. Termasuk Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa yang saya kongsi hari ini. Pernah masak berbilang-bilang kali. Tapi inilah kali pertama sebagai entri blog dan video youtube pun sudah sedia untuk petikan dan tuntunan anda semua. Video memasak Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa, atau, Tamarind Fried Fish sebenarnya dalam Bahasa Tamil and Bahasa Inggeris. Kira-nya, bilingual video. Kenapa ya? Sebab saya nak memperkenangkan masakan Melayu kepada kaum India, juga orang di negara Barat dan sesiapa saja, dimana saja, yang boleh faham Bahasa Tamil and Bahasa Inggeris. Dah cukup lah tu. Cerita panjang tak payah lah kan? Jom kita masak Ikan Goreng Asam Jawa atau Tamarind Fried Fish. Jumpa lagi ya, lain kali. 

Note: Those of you who don't speak, neither can read Bahasa Malaysia, recipe awaits you at my YouTube channel, and of course video is attached below as well. 

Thursday, July 23, 2020

Pulau Pangkor (Perak) - Masi Magam Thiruvalla 2020

Back from India by the first week of December, 2019 (New Delhi North India)? Of course. You know me? Me. The me, myself and I anytime me? Yea. Anytime. At any given time. Me? Always like, on your mark, ready, steady and go. Anything goes. As long as? Yessss!! Out of my home zone galloping again. Actually, I already have my plan in place. In the pipeline for this year, 2020. Two overseas trips. Confirmed and affirmed. Still? I wanted, a in between escape route beyond the borders and boundaries of my home. Anyway. Before anything else? Aha! Thaipusam, Lord Murugan and myself? Vel Vel Murugan for a different reason this year (Thaipusam Batu Caves 2020).

Friday, July 3, 2020

Thaipusam Batu Caves 2020 - Nava K & Her Service to Lord Murugan

Religionism and Nava K? Are we? We. The both of us. Are we the closest, cannot live without each other best friends? Yes. Why not. What about, can we be regarded as close cousins, or is there the strength, the strongest bond of love between us? Absolutely. Without a doubt. All the yesses! After all? Religionism and Nava K? This lady and her Hindu religion? She. Born and bred as a Hindu and she will remain as a Hindu for the years she has on this earth. Then again? You know what? Strange. Really strange. I only started learning about Hinduism just, about a year ago. Just a year ago. Can you believe it? Though, I thought, I knew my Hindu credentials at the back of my hand. Sadly. Very sad. Tragically so sad. Because? The reality has been otherwise. To a certain extent, I knew the gist of my religion. But after starting my journey. My journey to embracing Hatha Yoga, which is now part and parcel of my life, the desire in me towards my religion? Spiralled. Until, I started, learning on my own. From a stretch. The things I didn't know. The things I didn't understand. The things I am not aware about, basically, digging deepest for seeking answers about Hinduism.

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

New Delhi - North India (Day 2)

New Delhi. Day 2 (Delhi Part 1). Winter. Last winter. Winter. This winter. This first week of December winter specifically? Winterrrrrrrr! Oh-no! One hack of a winter. Winter, as if, getting ready for showing its true colors in full force. Full force lashing most probably by the next few days. Winter! Oh my god! Oh your god! Winter literally penetrating, pricking and needling me, deep, deep into my skin and further deeper into my tiny bones. You know what? I struggled. Massively. I had a hard time putting up with winter which was clinging on to me like a lost child. Furthermore, wouldn't just leave me alone. The breeze. Especially. Blowing up, down, and aha, even in between my legs. Until? Not only my fingers and toes were frozen, even inside my "Pussy Willow" and the pussy willow of mine, trembling quivering. Oh boy!

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Malaysian Egg Curry/Kari Telur Malaysia

Malaysian Egg Curry. Aka, Kari Telur Malaysia. Or Malaysian Muttai, or Kottai (opphs no!! Slip of the tongue is not the fault of the mind?) Kulambu. Now, is this Malaysian Egg Curry, made in Nava K's kitchen anything outstanding? Or out of this world? Or, anywhere close or closest to a Michelin star cooking? Nope. Not at all. I'm cock certain it is not. But? Aha? If you are looking for the most simplest, easy to put together, easy cooking style egg curry, this is it. This Malaysian Egg Curry by this, "The Crazy Lover". As the best fit for you and trust me. Rest assured. Without compromising on the much loved, quintessential, bolstering, thundering and rekindling your hunger profoundly curry. The best part of it all? Just a couple, yep, the coupling of the basic, pantry friendly ingredients, which most probably, you stock up at home?

Monday, May 11, 2020

New Delhi - North India (Winter Time)

Delhi. Old Delhi or New India? New. New Delhi. Two days in New Delhi, the morning after Agra (Agra & Jaipur Rajasthan). Delhi at our helms by 1.30pm, after, almost, 5 hours of road tripping. Delhi. The capital city of India, and Delhi, which was the landing right of ours as well. As in? Meaning? In other words? Delhi is where we landed on the first day, for kick starting this, North India tour of ours (Varanasi), and Delhi, yes, will be our closure too. Closure? Closure as in? Up, up in the air. Delhi sky high up. When night has fallen in Delhi. We will be flying sky high for grounding back, on the ground of our mother land or father land, Malaysia. Delhi. The city to messy massive traffic. What else, by the way, is new in other parts of India as well? Almost the same story (Chennai South India). Let alone, the honking that can literally rip your ears apart, plus, Oh-God-Oh-No. The sheer number of crowded congested human traffic in Delhi? Pretty much? Mmmm!! Welcome to the hustle and bustle, craziness of Delhi. The day in day out, life and style of Delhi.

On our itinerary? In the moment in time, upon stepping foot in Delhi? Of course. Food start up. Our first ever meal in Delhi. Basically, lunch in Delhi and lunch in Restaurant "Flavour Of Southvala" (Karol Bagh). By the travelling guide line of this tour, lunch to each our own concept, since meals are not covered. Me? Me. The, eating a bird person. Three of us to sharing. Paper Tosai and Non-Veg Thali Set. Wah! Good Food. Nice Food. Delicious food. Yummzii Food. Of course, how can not yours truly, she love, love, love and love India Made Bru Coffee.




Over. Lunch concluded. Thereafter? To Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. Goodness me! In the Indian snaking (opphs!!) queue. Long queue mind you, and winter on this particular day? Bang! Winter wild like me, winter wild coldness practically banging all around for quivering my bones. Huhhhhhh! Cold. Anyway, from the queue to the security check. Thorough checking for ensuring that none is carrying handphone or camera, and then, into Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi.

Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi
Opened 6th November 2005
Constructed by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS)
Inspired by HH Yogiji Maharaj (1892-1971 CE)
Created by His Holiness Pramukh Swami Maharaj
More than 300,000,000 volunteer hours went into making the complex
Over 8,000 volunteers from across the world participated in building it
Mandir built from intricately carved sandstone and marble 
Exhibitions on Hinduism, including Bhagwan Swaminarayan's life and teachings such as prayer, compassion, and non-violence.
Open gardens, water bodies and step-well styled courtyard 
(Picture credit - akshardham.com)

Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. Awww!! Amazing! The luxurious stunning master class piece. Damn nice. Yea. I am ranking Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi  as one of the prides of New Delhi and one which, I didn't honestly, know nuts or bolts about. Worth it. So worthy Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi. In fact, some of those in this tour commented that, Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi is as equal or even better status standing in comparison to Taj Mahal. Really? Should I agree? No. Not at all. Both Taj Mahal and Swaminarayan Akshardham New Delhi are a class to their own uniqueness. I won’t compare. I don’t think you should look at both of these and make a comparison. Just set them apart as they are please.  The end. 

End of sightseeing. In fact. The one and only, Day 1 New Delhi sightseeing. What about for the rest of the day? Late evening till whatever time you want to cap time? Shopping. Shopping in Karol Bagh. Shop, please go ahead, shop till you drop if you want in Karol Bagh. Karol Bagh! A major hype amongst tourist shopping district. Especially, our Malaysian Indians? Shopping on the whole in whichever part of India.  What about me? Did I shop or least to least, did my jaw drop? Oh please. Neh. To tell you the truth, Karol Bagh wasn’t a big deal or biggest deal for me. As it is, shopping is not at all the reason why I travel. Shopping by the way, has already long been abolished from my list. Furthermore, for someone like me who have been in and out of such shopping districts in other parts of the world? Like what? Like nothing I will die for. Having said that, in all fairness, I did my honor to seeing and exploring Karol Bagh. I mean, if you have come this far to New Delhi and you wouldn’t even want to leave your foot prints in Karol Bagh? What a shame. 


Almost an hour, in and out of a couple of boutiques, street shops and street stalls, enough. Enough of Karol Bagh. More than enough of aimlessly walking up and down. The logical choice then? To the hotel, located within a 15 minutes walking distance, But, ahhhhhhh! How frustrating. The two of us lost it. We got lost in the midst to the direction. Such a confusing matter it turned out to be. Imagine? You are in a carnival like busy street, surrounded and swarmed by hell of a lot of, mostly locals and making the matter worst, the chaotic traffic. Not to forget, the stares. Stares from of course the Delhi men, who were mind you, come to think of it, not bad looking. Yet, when they dare stare right into your eyes non-stop? Phew! Oh boy! Having no other choice, we braved ourselves in asking for the direction and. Thank god. Thank all the gods in Delhi. We made it one piece. Into the hotel and straight up to my room. Done! The end. Day 1 in Delhi.  







Thursday, April 23, 2020

Taj Mahal Agra - (North India)

And the journey. The journey of five and a half hours (More or less. Approximately). The journey from Jaipur (Jaipur The Love City & Jaipur Part 1) to Agra. The journey to, keeping my ass, staying put in my seat in the coach. Ahhhh! Ass. Ass literally. Fried up, down, under, above and inside. You know. This kind of long journeys. Especially for yours truly? Someone who can't keep her ass quiet. Hahaha!! She. Nava K. The hyper, fidgety, colors of "My Fifty Five Life" bright colors lively character, and tell me about my mouth. Mouth of mine? My big fat mouth which must battle wrestle out of me. The chatter box mouth of mine. Mmmmm!!!! Thank god. I had company. Company to a small number of liberal, happy go, lucky come ladies and guys in this tour (Varanasi Part 3). The bubbly and cheerful characters like me. We had fun. We giggling over silly jokes and of course, Nava K? The crowned glory to "Laughter Therapy Guru".

Zen Style Chronicles: The Serene Aura of Home Attire

In today's Zen Style spotlight, let's explore the serene world of home attire. Let's start with a simple question: What's yo...