Mapo Tofu

Mapo Tofu! As far as I know, Mapo Tofu is Sichuan coming and calling dish. Most probably. Me and Sichuan dishes (Sichuan Chilli Prawns & Sichuan Noodle Soup)? In fact, Chinese food on the whole for the matter (Fried Prawn Wanton) and do I have speak about tofu? A favourite in my house. Always and forever. Any which way will do for tofu which comes in different made these days (Tofu Manchurian, Tofu Green Beans Stir Fry & Tofu Scambled Eggs). For Mapo Tofu, I actually opted for Japanese Tofu instead of the white ones. Why, are you asking me? No particular reason. I just thought I want to show you that you can make Mapo Tofu from Japanese egg tofu (Tofu Katsu) and this my version is a totality on it own. Basically different and outstanding due to me wanting to use my at home ingredients instead of? Why buy ingredients when you can make do with what you already have stocked up? Potentially. Mapo Tofu? Tad bit of spiciness, tad bit of saltiness, spring onion garnished and soft tofu (Chinese Tofu Soup, Spinach Tofu Stir Fry & Indian Tofu Curry).

Thai Style Eggplant

Eggplant, aubergine or brinjal. All from the same family tree right? Except maybe their shapes and sizes and at times, color code as well. Eggplant in fact is a favourite in my house for all sorts of dishes, including in curries as well (Nadan Meen Curry). In fact, I can go on and on and speak about eggplant, but potentially it will be best I stick to this recipe for the day. Thai Style Eggplant. Thai cuisine and Nava K (Vegan Tom Yum Soup, Thai Fried Chicken & Lamb Massaman Curry)? Pretty much says it all and after,  and Thai Style Eggplant basically is fried eggplant in a spicy, tangy and kaffir lime leaves scented attractive gravy/sauce. Oh, a vegetarian variety too (Bengali Begun Bhaja, Baingan Bharta, Japanese Eggplant Saute, Eggplant Tikka & Brinjal Stir Fry).

Mathi Achar

Mathi Achar. Kerala Sardine Fish Achar or Kerala Sardine Fish Pickle. Says it all. Me and my love for fish achar (Nyonya Acar Fish) or even salted fish pickle (Pada Salt Fish Pickle & Salted Fish Pickle). And so, you think I would have had major kitchen struggle in making Mathi Achar? I don't think so because I have to some extent, mastered my cooking skills towards Kerala cuisine (Nadan Meen Curry, Fish Puttu, Tuna Thoran & Malabar Fish Curry & Kerala Fish Fry). Of course, I must admit I did refer to a couple of recipes, but at the end of it all, I decided I will stay true to my own Mathi Achar cooking invention and fish by themselves, do I have to repeat myself again and again (Fish Ball Noodle Soup, Malu Kirata/Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Stew, Indonesian Fish Balado, Mauritian Fish Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap)? Moreover, sardines are not only a popularity in Kerala, but here in Malaysia too. So, sardines they were. Masala enhanced fried sardines tipped into a spicy and full of utmost power packed vinaigrette. Oh-My! What a fish pleasure. Made ahead and having Mathi Achar as you wish whenever you yearn for, for your rice meals (Sardine Masak Lemak).

Singaporean Mee Siam

Ingredients

For the soup/gravy

3-4 dried red chillies

1/2 tbsp taucheo/salted bean paste

5 garlic

5 shallots

1/2 inch roasted belacan/shrimp paste

1 tbsp fish curry powder

** Blend/process to a thick paste with some water.

Other ingredients

10 medium size prawns

Rice noodles - as needed (blanch to soften)

Tofu pok/puffs 

1 handful of kucai/chives

Eggs - boiled

Lime leaves - tear into pieces.

Lime wedges

1 cup thick coconut milk

3 tbsp oil

Salt for taste 

Method

Simmer prawns with one cup of water till cooked.

Remove from heat.

Peel prawns; keep aside.

Also keep aside the stock (Please discard the heads and shells).

Heat oil and fry chili paste till aromatic and oil splits.

Pour in prawn stock and pour 2 cups of water.

Season with salt (use sparingly as taucheo is also salty) and let it simmer.

Once heated through, add lime leaves, tofu pok and pour coconut milk in.

Continue to simmer over low heat for another 3-4 mins.

Assemble noodles in a bowl with chives, prawns and boiled egg(s).

Pour soup over and serve with lime. 

Malaysian Fish Head Curry

Malaysian Fish Head Curry, aka Kari Kepala Ikan. Believe me, not the ordinary nor you should compare with those from the restaurants. Why are you asking me? Because this is a typical, authentic and most dangerously delicious, finger licking homemade Malaysian Fish Head Curry (Malaysian Fish Sambal, Nyonya Fish Noodle Soup, Malaysian Fried Mee Hoon & Malaysian Fish Curry) Yes, stop questioning me. Fish head curry cooked alongside belimbing buluh from our Malaysian grown trees, and belimbin buluh somewhat I think can be regarded as the other side to the coin to starfruit though these are oblong in shape and greenish and yellowish in color. Trust me please, due to this really mostly sour fruit, you don't have to think twice on tamarind juice and when fish head is cooked alongside the customary ingredients (Chilli Soy Fish, Spicy Stingray & Fish Noodle Soup) we need for any curry and also coconut milk, pow-wow (Asam Pedas Bawal, Salted Fish Bone Curry & Ikan Masak Kicap). Malaysian Fish Head Curry by Nava K? Unbeatable for rushing your mouth towards its spiciness and coconut milk creaminess.