Monday, June 19, 2023
Nava's Masala Crab & Nandu Rasam Tips
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Nature's Oasis: Transforming Spaces for Inner Peace and Wellness at Nava's Zen
Exploring the Versatility of Brazilian Spinach: A Hidden Gem in the Culinary World
Monday, June 12, 2023
Growing and Cooking with Butterfly Blue Pea Flowers
The Butterfly Blue Pea flower is versatile and has very few side effects, making it a great addition to your diet. However, it's important to enjoy it in moderation and check for any potential side effects, as what's good for one person might not work for another.
He Ju Kopitiam: A Culinary Adventure Through a Food Critic's Lens
We decided to check out a kopitiam, which has become quite popular lately. It seems that just using the word "kopitiam" in a restaurant's name attracts customers for different reasons. Kopitiams can be simple coffee shops serving Malaysian food or fancier places with nice decorations and air conditioning. The fancier ones may be a bit pricier, but they attract people with their tasty food and cozy atmosphere. The one we went to was somewhere in the middle, offering a variety of delicious dishes from both Malaysia and other countries on their menu.
Friday, June 9, 2023
My Weight Journey: Overcoming Setbacks and Rediscovering Self-Confidence
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Lemongrass: Natural Aromatherapy & Holistic Wellness Drinks
Lemongrass has a soothing, fresh, and clean fragrance, blending bright citrus notes with subtle herbal undertones. The aroma is a delicate balance of lemony zest with earthy sweetness, enriched by a hint of green freshness. It’s an invigorating scent that calms the mind and rejuvenates the spirit. Lemongrass is one of my favorite fragrances, and I often use it in my cooking (LEMONGRASS RICE). At Nava’s Zen, we grow lemongrass as part of our holistic wellness (CHINESE VEGETARIAN LONG BEANS STIR FRIED)approach, sharing it with our clients alongside urban gardening tips. For those interested in growing lemongrass, the process is simple: place a few stalks in water until roots appear, then plant them in soil. With time, the roots will take hold, and the plant will thrive.
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
Zesty Malay Okra Salad: A Veggie Delight
Okra, known locally as "bendi" in Malay and sometimes referred to as lady’s finger, is a versatile ingredient in Malaysian cuisine. It’s often used in curries and stir-fries, which are popular dishes here. However, Ms. Nava not only grows okra but also highlights it in traditional Malay recipes (TOFU RENDANG). Growing okra can be a challenge, especially during heavy rains when the plants don’t survive, requiring her to regrow them. She leaves a couple of okras on the plant to dry naturally, later harvesting the seeds for replanting.
Now, let's talk about Malay Okra Salad, or Kerabu Bendi. One key ingredient is kerisik, which is grated coconut that's dry-fried or pan-fried and then pounded. Sometimes, I make it from scratch, but for convenience, I also buy it. I’ve also created Turmeric Kerisik (NASI KUNYIT/TURMERIC RICE), where turmeric powder is added while frying the coconut, and it can be sprinkled over salads or used in stir-fries.
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
Restoran Top 1 Kopitiam: Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food Scene
Zen Blooming: Ylang-Ylang's Therapeutic Delights
Friday, June 2, 2023
Personalized Diet Plans: Your Unique Weight Loss Journey
Embrace Your Individuality
Every person's body is different, and what works for someone else may not necessarily work for you. It's essential to recognize and appreciate your individuality when it comes to your diet and weight loss goals. Your lifestyle, preferences, and specific needs should all be taken into account.
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Cultivating Convenient Gardening: Welcoming Nature's Splendor
Home gardening should be a convenient endeavour, where simplicity reigns supreme. It's about finding an approach that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle. The essentials revolve around watering your plants according to their needs, providing fertilizers when necessary, and repotting those that have outgrown their containers. However, it's important to recognize that not all plants can be saved, and sometimes letting go is the only option. Consider replacing them with similar varieties or exploring new possibilities. Remember, the size of your garden matters. The larger it is, the more time you'll need to allocate for its care. Don't overlook the importance of keeping your surroundings clean, even if you're gardening in pots. Regular cleaning and sweeping will ensure a tidy and inviting atmosphere. The time you invest will depend on the number of plants you have.
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Revealing Radiant Skin: Inside My Daily Skincare Routine
Friday, May 26, 2023
Pineapple Salted Fish Curry & Pineapple Recipe
I’m the ultimate foodie - always on the hunt for new flavors and never one to shy away from a culinary adventure (SZECHUAN LONG BEANS). From five-star restaurants to roadside stalls, you’ll find me indulging in just about anything. There's no "mudguard" mentality here; I'll eat wherever and whatever catches my fancy. But there’s a downside to this passion: the people in my life are fussy eaters with endless restrictions. “I don’t like this, “I can’t eat that,” and “Street food? No way!” - you get the idea.
Eating out with them is like replaying the same old song at the same eateries, ordering the same dishes. It’s become so monotonous that I’ve resorted to dining solo. Even my husband, bless him, has a laundry list of limitations - except when it comes to Indian food. Put a plate of curries in front of him, and he’s all smiles. It took me years to expand his culinary horizons (TOM YAM FISH), and while he’s gotten better, he’s still pretty reluctant to try new things. The funniest part? These folks won’t even try something before deciding they don’t like it. Funny, right?
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Blossoming Passion: A Journey of Gardening, Learning, and Perseverance
Step
into the tranquil beginnings of my journey in Kota Kemuning two decades ago,
where amidst the calm, a yearning for vitality stirred. With my spouse often
away, I craved solace and purpose. Balancing academia and domesticity, the idea
of crafting a blog and delving into culinary ventures beckoned.
Yet, it was the sight of the barren plot outside my home that ignited an insatiable desire for lush greenery. Having only dabbled in indoor plants before, the notion of gardening felt foreign. However, the vast potential of this newfound space sparked an intense passion within me.
Ghee Masala Mutton Roast Recipe: Authentic Mutton Ghee Roast
When it’s festive season among Indians in Malaysia, a mutton dish is always a must. Don’t you agree? I certainly do! Mutton dishes, especial...
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(Updated Version) Ever heard of a golden-hued coconut milk stew? For the Indian community in Malaysia, it's known as sodhi, a creamy, co...
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(Updated Version) Ever wondered how many urban dwellers are secretly urban gardeners? Well, I’m proud to say I’m one of them. In our lit...
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(Updated Version) As I reflect on my cooking routine ( SOUTH INDIAN STYLE FISH CURRY ), one dish stands out time and again - Salted Fish ...