Showing posts with label Zen Cuisine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zen Cuisine. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Best Teriyaki Salmon Recipe

Close-up of spicy fried salmon in a soy-based sauce, garnished with fresh spring onions and white sesame seeds.
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.

Friday, January 17, 2025

Easy Pumpkin Soup Recipe

Pumpkin soup made with onions, garlic, milk, butter, water, salt, and pepper, served in a shallow bowl.
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). 

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Best Chicken Soup - Indian Style

Close-up view of a single person serving of chicken soup, made with Indian spices, fresh coriander leaves, salt, oil and pepper.
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.

Sunday, January 12, 2025

Easy Veggie Fried Rice: Malaysian Style

A scoop of spicy fried rice with chili paste, potatoes, green peas, spring onion, and shallots.
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.

Friday, January 10, 2025

Creamy Buttery Mashed Potatoes - Italian Recipe

Creamy buttery Italian mashed potatoes served in a shallow round plate.
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).

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Ginger Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

A scoop of ginger rice topped with ginger strips, served on a banana leaf, accompanied by a stem of a ginger plant.
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.

Sunday, January 5, 2025

Stir-Fried Luncheon Meat Recipe: Korean Style

Luncheon meat cubes stir-fried with zucchini, soy sauce, honey, chili flakes, ginger, garlic, black sesame seeds, and spring onions.
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.

Saturday, January 4, 2025

Soto Ayam/Malaysian Chicken Noodle Soup

Broth made from chicken bones, herbs, & spices, ladled over blanched rice noodles, garnished with spring onions, coriander leaves, red chilies & crispy shallots.
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)

Friday, January 3, 2025

Crispy Potato Cutlet Recipe: Aloo Tikki

10 medium-sized, crispy on the outside and soft inside, with the aroma of cumin seeds and coriander leaves.
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.

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Spiced Pumpkin Masala Recipe - Indian Style

Coated in a thick vibrant spicy masala mix with dried fenugreek seeds, soft and tender pumpkin pieces without skin.
(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). 

Friday, December 20, 2024

Easy Fish Head Curry - Malaysian Style

A deep round plate with tender fish head pieces in a thick coconut milk curry made with spices and small starfruits
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). 

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Easiest Egg Fried Rice Recipe - Chinese Style

Egg fried rice, fried with eggs, chopped garlic & spring onion, seasoned with salt and pepper. Served in an small oriental Chinese bowl
(Updated Version)

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)

Ayam Goreng Berempah (Malay Spiced Fried Chicken)

Crispy on the outside and soft tender bite inside, Malaysian spiced fried chicken, served with lime wedges
(Updated Version)

Here's a beloved Malay chicken recipe for you today: Ayam Goreng Berempah, also known as Spiced Fried Chicken. This dish is a true favorite, bursting with the flavors of our local Malay herbs and spices. The chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside, with tender, juicy bites inside (4 CHILLI CHICKEN RECPES). 

 

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.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Coconut Creamed Spinach Recipe

Close-up of vibrant Coconut Creamed Spinach in a white bowl
(Updated Version)

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.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Easy and Quick Fried Rice Recipe: Tom Yum

A plate of Tom Yum Fried Rice topped with a fried egg, simple and flavorful
With time being a valuable resource today, let's simplify cooking and avoid spending more time than necessary (SPICY LEMONGRASS STEAMED FISH: THAI STYLE). Fried rice, a quick and easy dish, is perfect for those moments when you need a meal in a jiffy. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked white rice, promoting sustainable cooking. Additionally, growing your own ingredients, like we do at Navas' Zen, can save time on grocery trips.

Friday, December 6, 2024

Easy Grilled Turmeric Tofu Recipes

Grilled turmeric tofu with tempeh and a refreshing raw salad, served on banana leaves for a rustic, flavorful meal
Turmeric, with its vibrant yellow-orange hue, is as calming to the mind as it is versatile in the kitchen. Renowned for its health benefits, turmeric is anti-inflammatory, rich in antioxidants, supports digestion, boosts immunity, and promotes heart and brain health.

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Asam Laksa Recipe: Vegetarian & Vegan

Close-up view of vegetarian Asam Laksa with noodles, thick broth, and garnishes
Curious about a vegetarian and vegan version of Asam Laksa? I’m sure it piques your interest! And why not? However, let me be honest, as always - this vegetarian and vegan Asam Laksa is a recipe I created myself. No copying here, just some thoughts and experimentation, and out came this dish (HOMEMADE VEGETARIAN CURRY LAKSA & CURRY MEE).

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.

Monday, December 2, 2024

Crispy Fried Prawns Recipes: Oats & Cereal Coated

Close-up view of crispy oats-coated prawns
(Updated Version)

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)

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Easy Banana Blossom/Flower Recipes: Stir-Fry & Curry

A bowl of stir-fried banana blossom cooked to perfection, served as a traditional Indian dish
(Updated Version)

Banana blossom, or banana flower, is the nutritious (SWEET SOUR TOFU CHINESE STYLE), often-overlooked flower of the banana tree. While it remains a staple in traditional home kitchens, especially in Indian households, it's rarely seen in modern recipes or restaurants - likely due to the meticulous cleaning process. 

Handling banana blossom can leave sticky residue on your hands, but you can prevent this by applying a bit of oil, using gloves, or washing with lemon juice afterward.

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.

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Spicy Lemongrass Steamed Fish: Thai Style

Close-up of spicy lemongrass steamed fish
Ah, the irresistible taste of Thai cuisine - spicy, fragrant, and full of bold flavors. Let’s dive into this recipe for Spicy Lemongrass Steamed Fish. It’s not the quickest dish to prepare, but the effort is well worth it for the incredible flavors. Although it requires a bit of preparation and cooking, the end result is a mouthwatering dish (THAI STEAMED FISH WITH CHILLI & LIME).

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 flav...