Monday, November 8, 2021

Cape Town Indian Fish Curry & Malaysian Recipes

During an unforgettable nine-day adventure in South Africa, I experienced moments that felt like pure magic. Cape Town, with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant spirit, was an absolute highlight (CAPE TOWN: THE NATURE STUNNER). One evening, while soaking up the rich cultural atmosphere of a local show, I struck up a conversation with a South African Indian lady beside me. As we shared stories and laughter, she unveiled her treasured recipe for South African Fish Curry (PRETORIA MOMENTS & INSIGHTS) - a dish that beautifully echoes the flavors of Indian cuisine (EGG CURRY TRIO).

 

That recipe stayed with me, and years later, as I prepared fish - one of my husband’s favorite brain foods—I decided to recreate her South African Fish Curry with my own creative twists. But that's not all! I’m also excited to share another flavor-packed treasure: Malaysian Indian Fish Curry, a recipe from Ms. Nava. Join me on this culinary journey and try these delicious recipes that bridge continents and cultures.

Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Plant Based Breakfast Platters


Looks like I'm back in action! After a little break from this cozy corner of mine, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to sprinkle some culinary magic today. That's right - it's time to share some zen cooking tales with you all. Ta-da!

 

Alright, let's get real for a moment. While the URL (nava-k) remains the same (because who needs the hassle of buying a new one, am I right?), this space is now officially known as Nava’s Zen. Why the change, you ask? Well, it's all part of my new journey as I dive into starting my own business. Currently, it's undergoing some renovation and sprucing up, all while expanding my urban gardening efforts under the Nava’s Zen banner. But don't worry, my dear friends, I'm still here to spill the beans on all my culinary secrets.

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Vegetarian/Plant Based Bak Kut Teh: Veggie Bliss Feast


Hey there, beautiful souls! I hope you're all doing splendidly. Me? Well, I just celebrated my 57th birthday a few days back. Can you believe it? How does it feel? Let me tell you, it feels absolutely fantastic. Unlike when I hit the big 5-0 seven years ago, feeling like the world was crashing down on me because, you know, half a century and all. Back then, I was filled with this unnecessary dread, all thanks to the voices around me whispering that life post-50 is just about serving your family. You know, the whole shebang about being the devoted wife and mother.

Those whispers? They came from everywhere - from my mum, my aunts, my in-laws, and even from random encounters. It seemed like everyone had the same script: an Indian woman's destiny is to be married off and become a selfless servant to her husband and kids. But you know what? Over the years, I've learned that I don't have to conform to those outdated notions. I'm breaking free and forging my own path (VEGETARIAN BAYAM MASAK LEMAK).

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Indonesian Potato Recipes: Taucu, Masak Kicap, & Sambal Goreng

Keeping your culinary journey vibrant and exciting is key to discovering new flavors that delight your taste buds. While comfort food holds a special place in our hearts, embracing the diversity of global cuisines can open up a world of gastronomic pleasure. For me, Indonesian cuisine (URAP KANGKUNG) stands out as a personal favorite, rich with bold flavors and aromatic spices that always leave me craving more (BOROBUDUR ETERNAL LEGEND).

 

Indonesian cuisine (YOGYAKARTA CUISINE) isn't just about meat dishes; it offers a plethora of vegetarian options that are equally satisfying. Take, for instance, Indonesian Potato Tauhu (Kentang Tauchu), a dish that exemplifies this culinary versatility. It's a creation born out of my perpetual quest to innovate in the kitchen, blending potatoes with chili tauhu (fermented soybean paste) to create a dish that's hearty and full of savory goodness.

Wednesday, February 24, 2021

Urap Kangkung (Water Spinach Salad) - Vegetarian


When you think of kangkung, also known as water spinach, Kangkung Belacan probably comes to mind. It's a beloved dish among Malaysians and a staple in Chinese restaurants. This tasty treat is also a hit in Indonesia, where it's called "Kangkung Tumis Belacan" or "Cah Kangkung Terasi." Terasi, the Indonesian version of belacan, is something I've learned from my Indonesian friends, and I'll share that recipe with you too.

In both Malaysia and Indonesia (MOUNT MERAPI JEEP RIDE), kangkung is enjoyed as a raw salad, boiled and paired with sambal belacan. During my time in Indonesia, I discovered Urap Kangkung and brought the idea back to Malaysia, creating my own vegetarian version. This will be the highlight of today's recipe (YOGYAKARTA TASTES). But don't worry, I'll also share my tried-and-true Kangkung Belacan recipe. Let's kick things off with Urap Kangkung, the vegetarian version (VEGETARIAN BAYAM MASAK LEMAK).

Monday, February 15, 2021

Nava K's Palak Paneer & Spinach Tofu Variations

Paneer, made from milk, is more of an occasional treat for me. Unlike in India (CHENNAI DISCOVERY & NEW DELHI REVELATION), where paneer is very popular, tofu, made from soybeans, is my go-to as a Malaysian Indian. It's a favorite in my house, no matter what dish it’s used in. In India, as far as I know, people make paneer at home. I did try making paneer once, but considering the time involved, why bother when you can buy paneer from Indian grocers? We can debate until the cows come home about whether store-bought or homemade paneer is better. You do you! For me, cooking is about saving time, not impressing others.

Know anyone who loves to show off their cooking skills? Or are you one of them? Go ahead and impress others, but for people like Ms. Nava, it’s all about a home-cooked meal (CHINESE CHILLI CASHEW VEGGIE STIR FRY).

Monday, January 25, 2021

Chinese Chill Cashew Veggie Stir-Fry: Two Crunchy Recipes

No matter how many times I've attempted to master Chinese-style stir-fried veggies, the results have been less than stellar. Sure, they’re edible, but they lack that restaurant-quality crunch and flavor. Ever wondered why? Here’s the secret: in Chinese restaurants (CHINESE HERBAL SOUP), vegetables are stir-fried over blazing high heat, a technique known as "wok hei" or "the breath of the wok." This involves constant stirring and tossing, which imparts a distinctive flavor and keeps the veggies crisp. They also use large cast iron woks and the right seasonings to achieve this perfection.

This is why the stir-fried veggies you savor at Chinese restaurants or mixed rice stalls maintain their delightful crunchiness.

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Ponnanganni Keerai/Sessile Joyweed: Three Tasty Ways


In an era where healthy living is front and center, embracing nutritious home-cooked meals (MUGHLAI VEGETARIAN KORMA) is more crucial than ever. Growing your own food not only enhances your diet but also connects you with the earth. Yet, surprisingly, many people are too busy to indulge in urban gardening - even for something as simple as Ponnanganni Keerai, also known as Alternanthera Sessilis or Dwarf Copperleaf. This green, which thrives effortlessly from stems planted in soil or pots, is a perfect candidate for your home garden. The ones I’ve replanted are flourishing joyfully among my Zen garden’s veggies and herbs.

 

Nothing rivals the freshness of a home-harvested vegetable, even over Ayurvedic supplements claiming to deliver nature’s best.(VEGETARIAN BAYAM MASAK LEMAK). This raises a question: are Ayurvedic products truly 100% natural?

Monday, December 14, 2020

Easy Vegetable Kurma Recipe

Vegetable kurma curry served in a traditional Indian pot
With the rise of Indian stores, the abundance of spices and ready-made products has made cooking a breeze. Recently, I picked up a box of Mughlai spice mix and decided to whip up a Kurma curry. The recipe, conveniently printed on the box, allows for versatile vegetable options like potatoes, carrots, or beans.

The preparation is straightforward yet packed with flavor. Crispy fried shallots, crushed and added to the curry, lend a rich golden hue. Yogurt adds a creamy texture, while ghee imparts a nutty, caramelized depth. Prefer a milder taste? Simply adjust the chili levels to suit your palate.

 

I’ve named this recipe Easy Vegetable Kurma - a no-fuss way to savor bold and satisfying flavors.

Monday, December 7, 2020

Vegetarian Bayam Masak Lemak (Spinach Coconut Stew)

Close-up of vegetarian bayam masak lemak, spinach and coconut milk stew
Isn’t it amazing how Ms. Nava can transform traditional Malay dishes into delicious vegetarian versions? While many Malay dishes traditionally include dried shrimp, anchovies, or eggs, like in masak lemak, there’s still plenty of room for vegetarian adaptations (VEGETARIAN ASAM PEDAS). The Malay community enjoys raw salads with sambal belacan, which I absolutely love too.

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

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.

Thursday, August 13, 2020

Vegetarian Asam Pedas (Asam Pedas Sayur)

Vegetarian asam pedas beautifully presented in a bowl
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!!

Tuesday, August 4, 2020

Tamarind Fried Fish/Ikan Goreng Asam Resep

Ikan goreng asam paired with a no-cook spicy soy dip

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.

Thursday, May 28, 2020

Egg Curry Recipes: Indian Style

Close-up of coconut milk egg potato curry in a pan
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.

Sunday, April 5, 2020

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.

Friday, April 3, 2020

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.

Ylang Ylang: Cananga Odorata Uses and Benefits

(Updated Version) Ylang-ylang, a beloved part of Nava's Zen, fits perfectly with our Zen yoga and nature therapy approach, much like the...