Easy Pickled Brinjal/Eggplant Recipe

Pickled brinjal (or eggplant), also known as brinjal vinaigrette, is a dish you can make ahead and store in the fridge (HOMEMADE EASY MANGO CHUTNEY). Just be sure to use a clean, dry spoon each time you scoop some out. Enjoy it as a side, an accompaniment, or even layered in a burger (NO-COOK CHICKEN SALAD).

This easy, no-fuss pickle works with brinjal, eggplant, or aubergine. At Nava’s Zen, we use homegrown bird’s eye chilies and bay leaves (BAY LEAVES: HEALTH BENEFITS & COOKING USES) - because why grow your own food if not to cook with it? But no worries if you don’t have fresh bay leaves - dried ones work just fine.

Vegetarian Spaghetti Recipe - Malaysian Style

This spicy, creamy Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti is a flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite. Have you tried making vegetarian spaghetti (VEGETARIAN NOODLE SOUP) before? Whether you're a pro or a first-timer, this Malaysian-style vegetarian spaghetti recipe is a must-try! It's spicy, creamy, tangy, and aromatic - a flavor explosion you won’t find anywhere else (MEE GORENG/FRIED MEE).

This special recipe is created by Ms. Nava, founder of Nava’s Zen, blending Malaysian flavors with a pasta favorite. The ingredients are easy to find and budget-friendly - except for the cheese, which can be a splurge. But don’t worry, the flavors hold up even without it.

Homemade Easy Mango Chutney Recipe

Is mango chutney a favorite? This spicy, tangy, and sweet delight often makes its way onto Indian vegetarian meal spreads or appears during special religious and cultural festivals. Traditionally, it's made with chili powder, giving it a deep reddish hue. (BEST MANGO CURRY RECIPE).

 

But this version? It’s truly unique and outstanding - a bright, vibrant yellow mango chutney made with simple kitchen staples. Our chilies and curry leaves come straight from Nava's Zen garden, and the mango? A kind gift from our neighbor (MANGO PICKLES & MANGO SALAD RECIPES).

 

Let’s cook, foodies!

Easy Lamb in Soy Sauce Recipe | Flavorful & Quick to Make

Mutton is usually the go-to in my household (MUTTON & LAMB RENDANG RECIPES), but every now and then, lamb takes the spotlight. Wondering what sets them apart? Lamb comes from young sheep, making it tender and mild, while mutton, from older sheep, has a richer, gamier taste and requires longer cooking. That said, I prefer pressure-cooking lamb - it speeds up the process while ensuring soft, succulent meat (SIMPLE & HEARTY LAMB SOUP RECIPE).

Easy Pumpkin Barley Dessert Recipe

Back in the day, I loved baking and making all sorts of desserts. But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate simplicity - desserts that don’t take hours to prepare (DURIAN SWEET PORRIDGE). More importantly, I want something that can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, ready whenever I crave a little sweetness.

It’s hard to resist desserts (CHINESE EASY DESSERT - LENG CHEE KANG), but making them yourself means you control the sugar - whether you prefer a little, none at all, or just the natural sweetness from ingredients like pumpkin. Pumpkin Barley Dessert, or Barley Pumpkin (EASY PUMPKIN SOUP), is all about simplicity. With just a few budget-friendly ingredients and a gentle simmer, you’ll have a comforting, effortless treat.

No-Cook Easy Chicken Salad & Salsa: Healthy Recipes

Looking for a quick, healthy, and no-cook meal? We’ve got two easy chicken salad recipes for you - both perfect for repurposing leftover chicken, whether it’s roasted, steamed, or fried. You can even use chicken from a curry. Instead of letting leftovers go to waste, turn them into a delicious, protein-packed dish in minutes (NO-COOK BOILED PEANUT SALAD).

Both recipes are essentially chicken salad, but the first one, with its fresh and zesty twist, can also be considered Chicken Salsa - which is why we’ve given it a name of its own . You can check out the attached YouTube video for a step-by-step guide. The second is a classic Chicken Salad - simple, nutritious, and just as delicious (COCONUT CHICKEN CURRY)

Spicy Eggs Recipe: Resepi Telur Balado Indonesia

Eggs again? Why not! This time, let’s spice things up with Telur Balado, an Indonesian-style spicy egg dish. Think of it as a sambal-infused delight - bold, fiery, and packed with flavor (EGG SAMBAL RECIPE). But of course, Ms. Nava’s twist makes it even better.

The star here is the Balado sauce, a versatile Indonesian sambal that works beyond just eggs (EASIEST EGG FRIED RICE RECIPE). Use it to stir-fry veggies, coat crispy fried fish, or even jazz up poultry. Got more ideas? Go for it (SURAKARTA - INDONESIA'S HEARBEAT TRAVEL).

No-Cook Boiled Peanut Salad Recipe

Isn’t this such a refreshing, eye-catching, and mouthwatering salad? It absolutely is! The best part? No cooking required - just a handful of simple ingredients and a quick toss, and you have a salad bursting with flavor (MANGO SALAD RECIPE). Boiled peanuts, also known as braised peanuts, add a soft, nutty bite, while fresh tomatoes, cucumber, shallots, and chilies bring in crunch and a refreshing contrast.

Salted Fish Sambal Recipe: Sambal Ikan Asin

Sambal Ikan Asin, or salted fish sambal, is a cherished Malaysian classic. This flavorful dish is a staple for those who enjoy rice meals, with salted fish sambal serving as the ideal side or accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Simple yet incredibly rewarding, the recipe calls for just a few pantry-friendly ingredients. While there are numerous variations, the core ingredients remain unchanged (PRAWN SAMBAL RECIPE).

Best Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Why is this the Best Teriyaki Salmon Recipe, you ask? Well, it’s my very own kitchen invention - a unique fusion of Indian and Japanese flavors. The secret lies in the combination of familiar kitchen staples, which I’m sure you already have on hand.

Here’s the twist: the salmon (TANDOORI SALMON RECIPE) is first fried to crispy, spicy perfection before being topped with a luscious teriyaki sauce. Can you imagine the taste? Think spicy, crispy salmon with a delightful balance of saltiness and tanginess, garnished with the fresh aroma of spring onions (EASY TIPS FOR GROWING SPRING ONIONS) and the satisfying crunch of sesame seeds.

Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Just 8 ingredients to make this Easy Pumpkin Soup! Except for buying the pumpkin, chances are you already have the rest of the ingredients in your pantry? This thick, creamy, and velvety pumpkin soup is perfect for chilly weather and makes a great family dish - even the kids will love it! Serve it as a light dinner on its own, pair it with toast, or sprinkle some croutons for added texture (CHINESE GINSENG CHICKEN SOUP). 

Best Chicken Soup - Indian Style

What comes to mind when you think of Indian Chicken Soup? Surely, it’s the magical role of spices that add much-loved enhancement, wouldn’t you agree (SIMPLE AND HEARTY LAMB SOUP)? Making soups can be simplified, but if you enjoy grinding and pounding spices, I salute you. 

For the rest of us, like Ms. Nava, no worries! We have the convenience of spice powders, readily available from various brands at shops or grocers. Trust me, these powdered spices are no less flavorful - I’ve been using them for years and love trying different brands.

Easy Veggie Fried Rice: Malaysian Style

No, not your ordinary fried rice. It is the easy and ultimate Malaysian Fried Rice. Why not ordinary? Because potatoes are one of the ingredients, which I believe is not a usual for fried rice? Correct me if I am wrong?

Why Malaysian Fried Rice, must be your next question? Because dried chilli paste, which is a popular ingredient for our Malaysian especially sambal dishes, is the other ingredient. Considering also, how much Malaysians love spiciness in food (QUICK TOM YUM FRIED RICE).  Let alone, we Malaysians love our rice. Anytime meal of the day.  Pretty much it sums up, why this Malaysian Ms, Nava, made a Malaysian version fried rice.

Creamy Buttery Mashed Potatoes - Italian Recipe

Nothing beats the luscious, super smooth texture of mashed potatoes - especially when you’re generous with milk and butter. This is an Italian-style recipe. Surprised? I picked up the technique during my time in Italy, tasting and coaxing hints from restaurant owners who were reluctant to share their secrets but offered enough clues to get me started (THINGS TO DO IN LAKE COMO, LUGANO & MILAN).

Ginger Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

If not the whole world, countless voices have already extolled the benefits of ginger. So, I’m not here to be another parrot. What makes my ginger rice special? It’s made with freshly harvested ginger from Nava’s Zen - specifically, the prized Bentong Ginger variety (WHAT TO DO IN BENTONG). By the way, anyone can grow ginger. There’s no rigid rulebook for it. The same goes for making ginger rice. But a gentle reminder - too much ginger can increase body heat, so moderation is key to reaping its benefits.

Stir-Fried Luncheon Meat Recipe: Korean Style

Are you a fan of luncheon meat? Then this recipe is for you! Even if you're not, why not give it a shot? Before diving into the recipe, let's clear up the difference between Spam and luncheon meat.

Spam is a specific brand of canned, cooked pork, while luncheon meat is a more generic term for similar products that come in various types, including pork (PORK CHOP RECIPE), chicken, beef, or turkey. Though some criticize luncheon meat for being unhealthy, there are now higher-quality options available.

Soto Ayam/Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup

The best food for rainy, chilly weather is undoubtedly comfort food. For me, comfort food means a hearty bowl of noodle soup - a wholesome, satisfying meal. Over time, I’ve made various types of chicken noodle soup, but this time I chose to prepare Soto Ayam, a Malay Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup (VEGETABLE STEW/MASAK LODEH PUTIH). 

Crispy Potato Cutlet Recipe: Aloo Tikki

One thing I've learned about cooking is that simplicity and minimal ingredients go a long way. In today's fast-paced world, a well-stocked pantry can make cooking dishes like crispy potato cutlets, or aloo tikki, a breeze. While the potatoes simmer, gather the rest of the ingredients. Once mashed, simply combine everything, shape into balls, flatten, and fry until golden.

Spiced Pumpkin Masala Recipe - Indian Style

(Updated Version)

The sweetness of pumpkin, cooked in a rich spiced masala paste. This is a pumpkin dish revelation - a true delight for your taste buds. For those who cook regularly, these ingredients are likely staples in your pantry (EASY PUMPKIN COCONUT MILK CURRY). Grab a small pumpkin or a quarter of a medium-sized one, and let’s get started. Spiced Pumpkin Masala will awaken your senses and leave you craving more - one dish you’ll surely make again and again (BEST INDIAN NO COOK SALAD RECIPES). 

Easy Fish Head Curry - Malaysian Style

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 pounding involved—just store-bought spice powders for the curry base.

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).