This isn’t your ordinary fish head curry either. For a unique tang, I’ve used belimbing buluh, a small variety of starfruit. Can’t find belimbing buluh? No worries - just substitute it with a mix of tomatoes and tamarind juice (STEAMED FISH - THAI STYLE).
For a Malaysian like me, chillies are one of the
most significant ingredients in cooking. Be it noodles, fried rice, or even
sambal, chillies are a staple that brings the much-loved kick of spiciness to
our meals. While I can’t speak for every Malaysian, I know that many of us need
our daily dose of spiciness.
Incorporating chillies into my zen blooming urban gardening (LEMONGRASS - GROWING & LEMONGRASS DRINK) has been an amazing learning curve. I’ve been growing chillies for the longest time, and I’d love to share my tried-and-tested tips with you, especially if you live in an Asian climate where these plants thrive.
A timeless classic. The easiest egg fried rice, forever etched in my memory. Growing up in a humble family, this Chinese-style (CHINESE PORK CHOPS) fried rice was a true treat. Eggs, back then, were a luxury for us, but my late mum, with her unending love, always found a way to bring them into our meals. She knew how much we adored eggs and, despite our limited means, made it a point to buy them with the little money she had (EASY, SIMPLE & QUICK EGG RECIPES)
The list of ingredients may seem a bit long, but trust me, it’s worth every effort. Here's a handy tip (PENGAT DURIAN/DURIAN SWEET PORRIDGE): you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer. In other words, cook the chicken on the stove with the herb mixture first. Then, when you're ready, simply thaw and fry for a quick, flavorful meal.
This recipe features spinach, coconut milk, and
spices - simple yet flavorful. With minimal ingredients, it’s easy to prepare
using what you likely have in your kitchen (EASY CHICKPEA SPINACH CURRY WITH COCONUT MILK). You can adjust the amount of
ingredients to suit your taste. A perfect dish for those who enjoy simplicity
without sacrificing deliciousness.
As always, my recipes focus on making cooking effortless and mouthwateringly good. Spinach is one of the many things we grow at Nava’s Zen (CLAYPOT EGGPLANT CURRY)- organic, pesticide-free, and available in various varieties. Thinking of starting your own garden? You can grow spinach in pots too.
We were actually looking for another coffee shop in Rimbayu, but despite using WhatsApp, mmm, we couldn’t locate it. Assumingly, it doesn’t exist anymore. At that juncture, as we took a turn, the road led us to a place where the signboard of Bee Ho Ho Steamboat caught our attention. It must be a steamboat spot during the later part of the day, but in the earlier hours, it operates as a kopitiam-style eatery, featuring a variety of hawker food fare (CHINESE CHICKEN GINGSENG SOUP RECIPE).
Ylang-ylang, a beloved part of Nava's Zen, fits
perfectly with our Zen yoga and nature therapy approach, much like the herbs (CILANTRO VS CULANTRO: HEALTH TIPS),
veggies, and fruit trees we grow. As the gardener at Nava's Zen, I made sure to
include this plant from the start. Over time, it has grown tall, and I
carefully trim it to maintain its shape and size, allowing it to thrive in our
peaceful Zen.
The
Beauty and Scent of Ylang-Ylang
Ylang-ylang is admired for its vibrant yellow flowers and captivating fragrance. These blooms not only brighten the garden but also create an atmosphere of tranquility. To enhance the experience, I sometimes place the fresh flowers in our rainwater barrel, where they float gently on the surface. The subtle infusion of their scent into the water adds an extra layer of relaxation to the space.
Hands Off, Please.
First things first - always wash your hands before touching your face. If you don’t, you’re transferring dirt, oils, and germs right onto your skin. No wonder it feels dull, lifeless, or even breaks out. Clean hands = clean skin. Simple, but vital.
One thing to note, especially for those who aren’t vegetarian or vegan and love the traditional fish broth-based Asam Laksa: this version won’t replicate that (ASAM LAKSA: NYONYA STYLE). But rest assured, it will still surprise and delight your taste buds. Now, let's dive into the recipe.
Cooking prawns is a fun adventure, and with Zen Cuisine, it’s all about creativity (CHINESE PRAWN RECIPES). Today, I’m sharing two crispy prawn recipes that bring a perfect balance of oats and cereal - Crispy Fried Oats-Coated Prawns and Crispy Fried Prawns with Cereal. These dishes are the ultimate crunch, delivering happiness with every bite. After all, food is more than just sustenance - it’s a little moment of joy on a plate (FRIED PRAWN WANTON)
We’ve talked about foot creams before, and I’ve mentioned that I’d introduce a truly affordable option (FOOT CREAMS: HONEST REVIEWS). But before anything else, let’s take a moment to think about your feet. Have you been taking good care of them? If not, now might be a great time to start. A quick reminder: neglecting your feet can lead to discomfort and even more serious issues like cracked or bleeding heels. Taking just a few minutes each day to moisturize and care for them can save you from a lot of pain down the road (LOREAL PARIS BRIGHT GLOWING CREAM SPF).
Despite its numerous health benefits, this superfood is gradually disappearing from our diets, replaced by processed foods. Easy to prepare and perfect for stir-fries (EASY QUICK EGG RECIPES) and curries, banana blossom is a wholesome ingredient that deserves a spot in your kitchen.
Night creams, on the other hand, are richer and focus on repairing and nourishing your skin. They often contain ingredients like retinol and peptides to restore and rejuvenate your skin overnight, without SPF since sun protection is unnecessary during sleep.
Honestly, I’ve never made pizza dough in my entire
life. I personally feel it’s not worth the time, but when I have bread slices
that are going to expire, I turn them into bread pizza. See? Quick and fast
pizza (EASY MANGO STICKY RICE). I can assure you that your kids or even your older family members will
love it. Here are some tips I feel are worth sharing with all of you.
Make It Healthy
Include veggies and choose affordable ones, like Brazilian spinach, which is super easy to grow, or local spinach, frozen veggies, or tomatoes. I used daun kaduk (Thai betel leaves), which I grow in Nava’s Zen.
Hot Flashes
Sweating for no apparent reason is an unavoidable part of menopause. It’s like feeling the heat surge unexpectedly - even under air conditioning or during a scorching hot day. This is due to hormonal fluctuations that trigger hot flashes.
Stress can also arise from accumulated tension, lack of physical movement, or not taking time to relax. One of the quickest ways to ease stress is through chair yoga. With simple stretches, leg lifts, and mindful breathing, chair yoga can help release tight muscles and quiet the mind. In just five minutes, it allows you to step away from the noise and reconnect with yourself (YOGA BENEFITS FOR ALL: YOGA DANCE).
I’m stepping away from the usual curried crab and exploring something different (NAVA'S MASALA CRAB) - Thai-style crab. While cooking Thai dishes isn’t new to me, this time it’s Black Pepper Crab, Thai Style, and Green Curry Crab, Thai Style. The one ingredient that makes a world of difference in both dishes is Thai Basil, which you can grow effortlessly. The aroma of this famous herb is invigorating and adds a delightful depth to both dishes (THAI RED CURRIES).
The Black Pepper Crab offers a bold, savory flavor with tender crab meat coated in a fragrant, spicy black pepper sauce. Likewise, the aroma of Thai basil enhances the thick green curry, elevating the dish and the tender crab to new heights.
While Bentong was once a peaceful town, it has now grown with more visitors and activity. Even on a weekday, the traffic was busy, and finding a parking spot was a bit tricky. After finally parking, we began our stroll through the town to check out the coffee shops.
Excuses Hold You Back
It’s easy to say, “I don’t have time,” or “I’m not into physical activity,” or “I’m happy with how I look, or my weight doesn’t bother me.” But these excuses keep you stuck in the same cycle. The first step to weight loss is recognizing these mental blocks and overcoming them. Accept the fact that change takes effort, and stop hiding behind excuses.
If you're a fan of Chinese cuisine, this sweet and sour tofu recipe is a must-try. Tofu (TASTY TOFU DISHES), with its delicate texture, pairs perfectly with a tangy, savory sweet and sour sauce, creating a dish that's both satisfying and full of flavor. Whether you're a seasoned vegetarian or new to tofu, this Chinese-style sweet and sour tofu is the perfect dish to try (DELICIOUS VEGETARIAN TOFU RECIPES).
The best part? It's easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Add fresh vegetables or your favorite spices to make it your own. So, grab some tofu, whip up the sauce, and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal that's bursting with Chinese flavors.
Note
For a firmer bottom layer, bake a little longer.
To keep the
bottom flaky, store the bars in the fridge to avoid moisture.
When zesting, make sure to only grate the outer layer of the lemon peel to keep it sweet and fresh (EGGLESS MOLTEN LAVA CAKE).
Abstract
This article explores the challenges faced by privileged young urban
Malaysians, focusing on their mental health struggles amidst societal
expectations and parental pressures. Despite their access to resources, these
individuals often grapple with emotional neglect, overprotective parenting, and
an overwhelming need for validation. The pervasive influence of social media
exacerbates feelings of isolation and inadequacy, leading to mental health
issues such as anxiety and depression. In this context, yoga emerges as a
powerful, yet underappreciated, tool for fostering mental well-being. By
integrating yoga into their lives, young urban Malaysians can cultivate
mindfulness, emotional resilience, and coping mechanisms for stress, ultimately
addressing their mental health challenges in a holistic manner. This article
advocates for a shift in parental perspectives, emphasizing the importance of
nurturing emotional needs alongside academic and extracurricular achievements.
Oh, hello
crispy magic! Fried prawn wantons - are you ready for this crunch-fest? Picture
this: golden, crispy parcels of joy, stuffed with succulent prawns, popping out
of the wok, and straight into our eager bellies. Yup, that’s right - some
didn’t even make it to the plate! They were swiftly devoured by our famished
tummies. Whether you’re indulging them solo or giving them a dip in some zesty
chili sauce, you’re in for a treat. These little beauties go fast, so better
make a lot.
Now, if you’re wondering how to whip up these crunchy gems, let’s dive into the recipe. Fair warning: peeling and de-veining prawns (EXQUISITE CHINESE PRAWN DISHES) can be a bit of a chore, but the delicious reward is worth it. And while prawns might not be your everyday fave, trust me, these fried wantons are so irresistible that even the non-prawn fans will be coming back for more (HONG KONG WANTON NOODLE SOUP).
The ancient practice of yoga is here to stay. In fact, it’s more important now than ever in the 21st century, as society grapples with numerous challenges due to the fast-paced hustle of modern life. With the constant presence of social media, many face mental health issues and physical health concerns. Even slowing down to breathe can feel difficult.
Many people put on a brave front as a coping mechanism while quietly struggling. Sadly, the 21st century often feels like a stage where everyone is pretending to cope well. This is precisely why yoga is much needed, offering a path to holistic wellness that is essential in today’s world.
The first look at the photos of Spicy Eggplant is sure to make your mouth water (TOM YUM SOUP RECIPES)! It’s true—this is a Thai vegetarian version that’s not only beautiful but also effortless to prepare. This dish is simple and uncomplicated, making it easy for anyone to whip up. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful side dish. Additionally, I’m offering an alternative option that includes Thai basil leaves for added flavor (THAI RED CURRY RECIPES).
At first glance, the list of ingredients may seem intimidating, but let Ms. Nava assure you: take a closer look, and you’ll realize that these ingredients are not only easy to find but that you likely have some of them at home already. That’s right, folks! These are the flavors that will awaken your taste buds in an instant. The Best Pickled Fish/Fish Pickle (EASY SOUTH INDIAN FISH CURRY RECIPES) can be prepared in advance and even stored in the freezer, offering the convenience we all crave in the fast-paced 21st century.
With this recipe, you can
have delicious food ready to warm up or even bring out of the freezer, allowing
it to reach room temperature at a moment’s notice.
Wait, I have two recipes of pickled fish/fish pickle in video form, which I am attaching. Ah! Doesn’t it feel good that we have options? Don’t miss out on this opportunity—give it a try, and you’ll see for yourself why it’s considered the best (TANDOORI SALMON).
Its not the conventional style Chinese steamed fish, its actually elevated to another level or higher up style (TAMARIND/ASAM FRIED FISH). But the cooking technic is still simplicity, as always, steaming fish is not anything complicated and steaming is actually one of the best Zen style style for healthiness. Even making the sauce is also uncomplicated, just that it requires other ingredients compared to the conventional Chinese steamed fish ginger and scallions.
We in Malaysia actually are more accustomed to calling scallions as spring onion, which is grown in Nava’s Zen. The sauce is a revelation of mouth popping and mouth watering super deliciousness and one which is made from our usual kitchen staples, and pantry and fridge friendly ingredients (CANNED SARDINE RECIPES). All in in, Ms. Nava’s Chinese Steamed Fish with the spicy, tangy and aromatic sauce is a treasure to the mouth. Pop-Up!
Fish head curry lovers, rejoice! Here’s an easy Malaysian-style fish head curry recipe. Why easy, you ask? Because there’s no grinding or po...
