Creamy Cucumber Yogurt Salad Recipe

Keep it uncomplicated in the kitchen, yet bold, tasty, and nutritious. Gone are the days when people spent hours cooking, except for specific occasions or individuals. For the rest of us, we want meals that are easy to put together. Wouldn’t you agree? Especially with takeaways and eating out trending. Yet, nothing comes close to the goodness of home-cooked meals.

Best Saffron Rice - Turkish Style

Saffron strands are among the most expensive spices in the world. Their cost depends on the grading or quality and their country of origin. That said, nothing compares to the premium ones for their stronger aroma, richer flavor, and vibrant color. You only need a pinch or two for a dish like this Turkish-style saffron rice.

Kota Kinabalu, North Borneo: Unmasking Food and Business

During my stay in Kota Kinabalu, I decided to step out of the hotel (RANAU ECO-TOURISM GEMS) in search of breakfast. After walking a bit, I found myself at a humble halal kopitiam that seemed to call out to me. To my surprise, the breakfast spread was more like a lunch buffet, with a tempting array of dishes. I savored, lost in the enjoyment of the food, but I forgot to jot down the name of the place. Classic case of being caught between hunger and the chaos of a wandering mind!

Things To Do in Sabah, Malaysia

Sabah, Malaysia’s second-largest state, is located on the northern tip of Borneo and is known for its unspoiled nature, from rich flora and fauna to highlands, beaches, jungles, and coastal towns. It easily wins the hearts of travellers from all over the world, especially nature lovers. With its cool weather and laid-back pace, there's much to discover and experience.

From landing in Kota Kinabalu to exploring places like Kuala Penyu and Kota Belud, don’t miss out on Ranau and Kundasang, two spots that should be on your travel checklist. Start in Ranau, then head up to Kundasang for the cool highlands experience (KOTA BELUD SABAH TRAVEL GUIDE).

Kota Belud Travel Guide, Sabah Malaysia

While Kuala Penyu (KUALA PENYU TRAVEL GUIDE) offers a quiet coastal escape, Kota Belud deserves equal attention on your Sabah itinerary. Located in the northwestern part of Sabah, it’s easily accessible whether you're travelling from Kuala Penyu (approximately a 2-hour drive via Putatan, Inanam, Suromboton, and Kampung Kobusak) or from Kota Kinabalu (about 1 hour via Inanam and Kg. Kelawat).

Along the drive, you’ll pass by small towns, rural stretches, and roadside stalls,  ideal for a short stop to enjoy local snacks or a meal before arriving in Kota Belud.

Kuala Penyu, Sabah Travel Guide

For those exploring Sabah, Kuala Penyu is often included as a quiet stop worth visiting. Sabah, fondly known as “The Land Below the Wind,” is all about nature, beaches, local life, and cultural heritage. While Kuala Penyu may not be packed with major attractions, it offers something many travellers crave, space to slow down and enjoy the moment (SURAKARTA INDONESIA TRAVEL).

Whether you're passing through or planning to stay overnight, Kuala Penyu, Sabah offers a peaceful escape. You can book a beach lodge, a simple villa, or a guesthouse near the coast. Even a short half-day visit is enough to appreciate the calm setting and laid-back atmosphere.

Easy Cumin Rice Recipe - Indian Jeera Rice

What about rice lovers? They crave rice daily, and instead of sticking to plain white rice, they elevate it with flavorful ingredients. Rice lovers are naturally creative, crafting various rice dishes that simplify the process while delivering a delightful taste - like cumin rice, with its subtle hint of spiciness. How do we prepare cumin rice or Indian jeera rice? Here’s the recipe.

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.

Vegetarian/Plant Based Bak Kut Teh Recipe

(Updated Version)

A Chinese herbal soup made with the quintessential Chinese herbs - this is Bak Kut Teh. If you're familiar with the variety of Chinese herbs, you can handpick them from Chinese grocers. Otherwise, they are always willing to help you choose the best herbs for Bak Kut Teh.

 

For me, I prefer to simplify things by opting for a ready-made Bak Kut Teh packet, which typically comes with two sachets. When it comes to making a Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh (MALAY VEGETARIAN SPINACH COCONUT), the foundation remains the same: the herbs. However, to bring it to life, vegetable stock is essential; without it, the taste will fall flat.

Water Spinach Salad Vegetarian - Indonesian Style

Water spinach, known as kangkung in Indonesia and Malaysia, is a leafy green veggie commonly stir-fried or added to fried rice. In Indonesia, I enjoyed it in a salad. As a fan of Indonesian cuisine, water spinach salad - known as Urap Kangkung Jawa or simply urab kangkong - delights my palate (MOUNT MERAPI JEEP TOUR). 

 

Back home, I’ve experimented with making it in various styles, including a vegetarian version. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that involves blanching the water spinach. For the kerisik (grated and pan-fried coconut), store-bought versions make cooking easy (YOGYAKARTA WONDERS & TASTES). 

Palak Paneer: Spinach with Indian Cottage Cheese

Unlike tofu, paneer or Indian cottage cheese is something I cook only once in a while. When making a dish with paneer, it’s the convenience of buying rather than making it at home. Honestly, I don’t see the need to go through the process of making paneer when Indian grocers offer so many choices. Buying and cooking saves a lot of time.

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.

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?

Easy Vegetable Kurma Recipe

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.

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.