Saturday, December 23, 2023
Summerset Cafe: Love-Bonding with the Influence of Digital Marketing
Thursday, December 21, 2023
The Grand Mapillai Restaurant Culinary Adventure
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Easy Savory Pumpkin Stir-Fry Recipes: Spicy and Aromatic
We’ve gotten to know pumpkin, haven’t we? Yes, we
have. (INDIAN PUMPKIN CURRIES). But there’s more to pumpkin than just its culinary uses. Have you ever
stopped to consider the zen wellness benefits pumpkin offers? Beyond its
versatility in the kitchen, pumpkin is a nutritional powerhouse with a range of Zen benefits:
Rich in Nutrients
Pumpkin is packed with vitamins A, C, and E, which support immune function, skin health, and vision.
Monday, December 11, 2023
Indian Pumpkin Curries: Fish and Salted Fish Recipes
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Easy Potato Sambal: Vegetarian Potato Sambal Recipes
Looking back, I’m amazed at the number of
vegetarian potato sambal recipes I’ve managed to retrieve. (DRUMSTICK/MURUNGAI POTATO CURRY). Different styles of
cooking vary, but the core ingredients are:
Chili Paste: Made from dried chillies, red
chillies, or a combination of both, blended.
Shallots or Onions
Garlic
Lime Juice (or tamarind juice; I always prefer lime
juice for potato sambal)
Salt
Oil
Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Chinese Pork Chops: Spicy, Oriental & Sausage Recipes
(Updated Version)
Hi Pork Lovers,
Ms. Nava is back with more pork recipes (PORK BELLY WITH SALTED FISH). Many of my
clients often ask if pork is a healthy meat, and here’s my reply: Pork can be a
nutritious addition to a balanced diet, providing high-quality protein and
essential nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and iron. However, it's important to
choose lean cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin and prepare them using
healthier methods like grilling or baking to reduce fat and calorie intake. Be
cautious with processed pork products like bacon and sausages, which are often
high in sodium and saturated fats. Moderation is key, and balancing pork
consumption with a variety of other protein sources, vegetables, fruits, and
whole grains is essential for overall health.
Of course, not everyone eats pork due to religious reasons, lack of exposure, or personal preferences. And that’s perfectly fine - our goal isn’t to change others but to share our love for cooking (MALAYSIAN WILDBOAR CURRY).
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Kerala Pepper Chicken Curry (Kurumulaku Kozhi Curry)
I mostly travel solo, (JAIPUR MAGIC & TAJ MAHAL AGRA) though there have been times I've joined tours with familiar faces or traveled with a married couple who are older than me. I prefer solo adventures, whether it's joining group tours in countries with language barriers or when safety is a concern. I also always sleep alone, even on tours with people I know or don’t know. This approach has taken me to a good number of countries, driven by a passion for visiting legendary sites and tasting diverse foods.
Friday, October 27, 2023
Inner Peace or Happiness: A Personal Choice
Inner Peace: The Calm Harbor
People who like inner peace find it comforting. It's like an emotional anchor that keeps them steady. No matter how crazy the world gets, they feel stable inside. It's all about feeling relaxed and in harmony with themselves. Inner peace doesn't go away when things get tough. It's always there to lean on. It's like a friend who stays with you, even when times are hard (Intriguing Mindfulness).
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Murungai (Moringa) Potato Curry: Vegetarian Recipe
Murungai, known as drumstick in English and moringa
in health contexts, is highly valued for both its fruits and leaves. In North
India, it's often called sahjan, and in some English-speaking regions, it's
referred to as moringa pods. My love for cooking with murungai is boundless, whether
simmering its fruits in a spicy curry or stir-frying the leaves with dried red
chilies, black mustard seeds, and grated coconut, each dish bursts with flavor
and nutrition.
Moringa is a powerhouse of health benefits. Its leaves are packed with essential vitamins A, C, E, calcium, and iron, while its pods are nutrient-dense, supporting bone health and providing a good source of protein. The incorporation of powerful spices in today's recipe not only elevates the dish's taste but also enhances digestion, making it an excellent remedy for digestive discomfort.
Thursday, October 19, 2023
How To Design A Vegetarian Dinner Party Menu
Throwing a dinner party is the kind of thing you definitely want to get right, and it’s really something of an art because there’s so much planning and hard work to put into making sure everything goes off smoothly. However, when you get it right, and everyone has a good time, you’ll feel great and proud of what you’ve done, and your guests will have a positive and memorable experience.
If you have a vegetarian guest, it isn’t always easy to make one dish just for them, and what could be an easier option is to design an entirely vegetarian menu. Not only does this make things easier for you, but it’s probably not something your veggie guest has ever experienced before, so they’ll love it. Plus, if you choose the right food and cook it well, your other guests will enjoy it too, and it might even show them what can be done when meat’s off the menu. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you design a vegetarian menu for your dinner party.
Sunday, October 15, 2023
Quick Ways to Destress
Stress is unavoidable, but there are quick ways to tackle it and regain your rhythm without resorting to venting or complaining. Let’s explore how to manage stress effectively before it takes a toll on your breath, body, mind, and soul.
Identify Stress
The first step is awareness. Take a moment to sit with a pen and paper, and write down what’s troubling you. Be honest and genuine - this isn’t about blaming others but about taking ownership of your stressors.
Sunday, October 8, 2023
World Mental Health Day: Embrace Silence, Nurture Kindness
Monday, October 2, 2023
Sri Lankan Fish Curry/Malu Hodhi - Boosting Mental Health with Tradition
Ms. Nava presents a cherished Sri Lankan dish - Malu Hodhi/fish curry (MIRIS MALU/SRI LANKAN CLAYPOT FISH CURRY) While she may not be a culinary hero in the traditional sense, her passion for cooking and dedication to preserving authentic flavors shine through in every dish she prepares. Cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s about nourishing the body, mind, and soul. Did you know that the food we eat plays a significant role in our mental well-being, subtly influencing our mood and overall health?
Curries, rich in spices like turmeric, ginger, and chili peppers, offer more than just a burst of flavor- they’re also believed to support mental well-being. These spices have long been appreciated for their comforting qualities, making curries a popular choice for those seeking warmth and balance. When it comes to fish curry, the benefits are even more pronounced. Fish, especially when simmered in a spicy, aromatic curry, is known for its nourishing properties, helping to uplift both mind and body.
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Embracing the Fiery Passion: The Indispensable Chillies in Malaysian Cuisine and Gardening
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Indian Kachumber Salad: Zen Wellness with Creative Variants
I’m a huge fan of salads - how about you? I enjoy a variety of salads (AVOCADO TOFU SALAD), but Indian salads are truly the epitome of Zen Wellness. They’re refreshing, crunchy, spicy, and tangy - all the qualities that define Zen Cuisine. While salads, in general, are healthy, Indian salads take it up a notch. When I used to host gatherings, Indian salads were always a hit because they’re so easy to prepare: just slice or cut the ingredients, which are both accessible and affordable. You can prepare them in advance, store them in the fridge, and serve them chilled or at room temperature. Isn’t that a fantastic way to entertain, rather than spending hours stir-frying vegetables (ZESTY MALAY OKRA SALAD).
Crispy Fried Prawns Recipes: Oats & Cereal Coated
(Updated Version) Cooking prawns is a fun adventure, and with Zen Cuisine, it’s all about creativity ( CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES ). Today, I...
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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 ...