Friday, September 20, 2024
Tasty Thai, Bukit Rimau: A Food Critic's Thai Bite
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Kerabu Taugeh: Veg & Non-Veg Options, Including Chicken Feet
(Updated Version)
I
absolutely love all things kerabu (NASI KERABU KELANTAN). This traditional Malaysian Malay salad is a
delightful fusion of flavors, combining the crunchy freshness of vegetables
with the bold, tangy notes of Malaysian cuisine. Among its many variations,
there's the fruity KERABU MANGGA (Mango Salad). What makes kerabu so appealing
is its simplicity - sometimes the veggies need a quick blanch, other times they
don't, but it's always about prepping the ingredients and giving them a quick
toss. Today, I’m sharing three kerabu recipes with you, starting with Kerabu
Taugeh, a vegetarian version that showcases the bold flavors Malaysians adore (KUANTAN ANA IKAN BAKAR KERABU MANGGA). Don't underestimate this vegetarian kerabu - it’s just as satisfying.
I’ve also got a non-vegetarian twist with Kerabu Tauge Ikan Bilis Goreng (Bean Sprout Fried Anchovy Salad), and another unique variation, Kerabu Kaki Ayam (Chicken Feet Salad). And as a final treat, I'll include a recipe for Tauge Goreng Telur (Bean Sprout Egg Fried). Ready to dive into these recipes? Let’s get started before we drool any further.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Peanut Cookies & Fa Sang Woo: Classic Treats with a Twist
(Updated Version)
No matter the festival in Malaysia, peanut cookies
are a beloved treat that everyone looks forward to. Whether it's Chinese New
Year, Hari Raya, or Deepavali, these cookies are a staple among the festive
offerings (NYONYA PINEAPPLE TARTS). Nowadays, buying peanut cookies is a breeze, with countless options
available, including homemade varieties.
I made peanut cookies for the first time during Chinese New Year, curious about the so-called "secret" recipes. After a couple of unsuccessful attempts with online recipes, I wondered if the impressive photos and popularity of these recipes were misleading. However, after some trial and error, my homemade cookies turned out fabulous (SUJI COOKIES).
Turkey's Must-See Sightseeing Spots
Çanakkale - Troy
Troy, one of the world's most renowned archaeological sites, boasts a history spanning 4,000 years and was unearthed in the 19th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient Troy is famed for its association with the legendary Trojan War. This pivotal Greek mythological tale, centered around Trojan prince Paris and his abduction of Helen, sparked a decade-long conflict.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Crispy Bitter Gourd Chips & Sri Lankan Karavila Salad Recipes
(Updated Version)
Growing bitter gourd has been a deeply fulfilling
experience, perfectly aligning with Nava’s Zen philosophy. The glossy, dark
green fruits are visually stunning, but unfortunately, they don’t last long.
This means the cycle of growing must continue. Despite initial setbacks and
pauses for reasons I can’t quite pinpoint, I’m now ready to start growing
again.
Cultivating bitter gourd is quite simple. You can either dry the seeds before planting or plant them directly after using them in your cooking. To my delight, the seeds from my kitchen produced new plants.
Monday, September 16, 2024
Suji Cookies: Sugee/Semolina Melt-In-Your-Mouth Bites
How can Deepavali be complete without Suji Cookies? For me, they're a beloved tradition. Growing up, baking Suji Cookies was a family event. We used an old round silver oven with a glass window to check on the cookies, but the round meter rarely worked - talk about old-school. Unlike today's high-tech ovens, that round one was all we could afford, and it did the job for our Deepavali baking. While Mom made the dough, the rest of us rolled, pinched, and added cherries before she popped the cookies in the oven. And yes, the raw dough was just too tempting (EGGLESS CAYENNE CHOCOLATE COOKIES).
Sambal Belacan: Fiery Guide to Malaysian & Indonesian
(Updated Version)
It's sambal belacan. Wowww! Who's a fan of sambal
belacan? If you are, we’re in the same sambal belacan tribe. My love for sambal
belacan began in my teens, and it's curious how I’m the only one in my family
who drools over it - neither my late dad, my late mum, nor my two brothers
share this passion. It’s a bit of a mystery.
Let’s start with belacan. Belacan is a fermented shrimp paste, widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA INDONESIAN TASTES), and Singapore. It’s made by fermenting tiny shrimp, often krill, which are salted and left to ferment for several weeks. After fermentation, the shrimp are sun-dried and ground into a paste, which is then formed into blocks or cakes and left to mature, developing a strong, pungent aroma. Belacan adds depth and umami to dishes and is often used in sambal belacan, curries, or stir-fries. It’s typically toasted before use to enhance its flavor (ASAM PEDAS IKAN BAWAL).
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Misdiagnosis of Depression in Menopause: Yoga for Relief
Author
Abstract
This
article examines the misdiagnosis of depression during menopause and the
potential benefits of yoga as a complementary treatment. It highlights the
limitations of conventional approaches that often oversimplify menopausal
symptoms by labeling them as depression. Through the author's personal
experiences, it is demonstrated how yoga can offer significant relief and
mental clarity beyond what is typically achieved with standard medical
treatments.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating yoga into mental health care, not only as a supplementary remedy but as a vital tool for enhancing overall well-being. The findings suggest that a more nuanced understanding of menopause-related mental health issues and the inclusion of yoga in treatment plans can lead to improved outcomes and greater self-reliance.
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Khao Niew Mamuang: Classic Thai Mango Sticky Rice
(Updated Version)
Khao Niew Mamuang, or Thai mango sticky rice, is a dessert loved across the globe (TAM TIM KROB: THAI RED RUBIES). "Khao Niew" means sticky or glutinous rice, and "Mamuang" means mango. I’ve had plenty of Thai Mango Sticky Rice, but trust me, not all are worth raving about. Even in Thailand (CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI), some were just average, and the worst were those sold in the evening but made in the morning. But when it’s good, it’s really good - like the street food version I had in Pattaya. I tried a few varieties, including Sticky Rice with Dried Shrimp Sugar, Sticky Rice with Custard, and of course, the traditional Sticky Rice with Mango. I couldn't resist packing back to my hotel, stashing them in the fridge, and enjoying them bit by bit.
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Nyonya Pineapple Tarts: Handcrafted, Buttery, and Crispy
This Indian lady is definitely a bit different. While most Indian women and men make pineapple tarts for Deepavali, I chose to bake them for Chinese New Year. Strange, right? It was just me using my semester break to make Nyonya Pineapple Tarts. I wanted to practice my baking skills (EASIEST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE) - after all, practice makes perfect. But I’m not looking to turn this into a business; it’s just a fun hobby for me (INDULGENT CHEESECAKE SWEET DELIGHTS).
Istanbul, Turkey: Discovering Through Timeless Travels
Monday, September 9, 2024
Pork Belly With Salted Fish: Steamed and Stir-Fried
(Updated Version)
Shhh, let’s keep this between us! Ms. Nava’s got a soft spot for pork—don’t let the holy rollers know! The ultra-religious crowd might bring out their Hinduism rulebook and wag their fingers at me. Yes, Hinduism emphasizes vegetarianism and non-violence, but nowhere in the sacred texts does it say pork is off-limits (MALAYSIAN WILDBOAR CURRY). Ah, Hindus - whether you’re all about pork, mutton, or are a part-time vegetarian (you know, on those countless Hindu holy days), there’s no express ticket to heaven based on what’s on your plate. So, let’s leave the judgment at the door, shall we? Zen Cuisine and Zen Wellness certainly don’t discriminate based on diet (EXQUISITE CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES).
Thai Red Curry: Prawn, Mutton & Egg Flavor Profiles
(Updated Version)
The vibrant, aromatic Thai Red Curry Paste is the heart of many delicious dishes. Once you've made this paste, you’re almost ready to whip up a flavorful Thai Red Prawn Curry. It’s a versatile paste, perfect for adding your choice of seafood, chicken, or pork. While I can't say for sure if it works with beef, I can definitely vouch for my Thai Red Mutton Curry. In fact, I’ve made it countless times, along with prawn and egg variations (THAI SPICY EGGPLANT).
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Sexual and Mental Affairs of Urbanites: Yoga for Body and Mind
Author
Abstract
In
the fast-paced urban environment, the pursuit of pleasure and emotional
fulfillment has led to an increased prevalence of sexual and mental affairs.
This article explores how the demands and dynamics of modern urban life have
shifted desires and behaviors, leading individuals to seek connections outside
traditional relationships. The article distinguishes between sexual and mental
affairs, highlighting how each serves different needs and reflects the
complexities of contemporary relationships. It also addresses how these affairs
are influenced by factors such as emotional loneliness, libido crises, lust
over love, wear and tear of relationship, also, trills of affairs, the quest for
personal fulfillment.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
Chinese Rice Congee: Best Accompaniments and Tips
(Updated Version)
Let me tell you about rice congee, also known as rice
porridge or in our local Bahasa Malaysia, Bubur Nasi. In Tamil, it’s called Arisi
Kanji, and in Mandarin, it's zhou1. Essentially, it's rice cooked with way more
water than usual, giving you a light, soupy version of rice. It’s also known as
“poor people’s food” - the ultimate hack for stretching out your rice supply.
And guess what? I’m still reppin’ that category - the "poor woman
club." I grew up in a poor family, and my mum? Oh, she was the queen of
stretching out that rice. Pair it with some wild spinach we’d pluck from
outside our government house, cook it up with a little garlic and ikan bilis
(anchovies), and boom. Soup’s on.
It’s a meal I still cherish to this day - congee and spinach anchovy soup (or soup bayam ikan bilis, for those in the know). Even today, it’s still seen as humble food. You won’t catch a "successful" Indian family serving it up because, let’s be real, it’s seen as an embarrassment. Congee and soup are considered beneath them, something only for those still on the struggle bus.
Friday, September 6, 2024
Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Jelly & More Zen Jellies
(Updated Version)
I have a wealth of stories, and one I'm excited to
share involves my journey with jellies. When I first launched Nava K, now known
as Nava’s Zen, 14 years ago, I started making desserts, and jellies made with
agar-agar were among the simplest to create. I'll be sharing these recipes, but
the standout is undoubtedly Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Jelly. Although it's a
traditional Chinese jelly, I was surprised to find that even many Chinese
people were unfamiliar with this style. It left me quite speechless!
Goji berries are a staple in my kitchen, often used in Chinese soups and noodle dishes (CHINESE VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP). I also regularly make chrysanthemum tea. With these ingredients always on hand, what more can I add?
One-Day Dubai Adventure: Must-See Attractions & Desert Safari
One of those unexpected twists turned into an adventure I didn’t see coming. After boarding my flight in Turkey ( TURKEY TRAVELGRAM: BEYOND ...
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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 ...