Sun Dried Mango Curry/Maangai Vathal Kuzhambu

Challengers are challenging! Of course, without a doubt, and I guess, challengers are part and parcel of our life. Furthermore, say what you like, challengers are unavoidable, if we are want to positively move forward in achieving whatever we have set in our mind. Unless otherwise, for those who are contented, doing what you are doing currently, or maybe, not even doing anything, there will no challengers. How about me & my challengers? Remember, I told you before (Plant Based Masala Tofu)? No, no, don't get me wrong. I am not sulking, neither complaining. I take challengers as the stepping stone for my future goals and achievements (Lemongrass Rice & Balinese Fish Sambal).  

Lemongrass Rice (Nasi Serai)

Hi Darlings, Hope, all of you are doing well and good. After all, hope is life. As for me, as usual, the hustle-bustle, and rimmed back to back with my daily chores, including managing and running my fitness zen. Ah! Challenging as usual as well. Having said that, if there's a will, there is always a path in front of you. Of course. Oh, I also must tell you that, I have found another hobby, apart from gardening, for fulfilling my soul. The hobby? My dance videos, shared across the board in all my social media accounts. How has it been so far? Well, the good and the ugly. The ugliness of receiving flitty, ugly, dirty, bad, brutal and hammer house of horror comments. Comments like, I'm a lonely desperate woman, I'm looking for men on social media, I am a mental case, I am a shameless old lady, I am doing drunk dancing, and the list goes on. Nevermind, let it be and let them be, because I am least bothered, and I care least. On the other hand, there are people who appreciate my dancing videos. These are, the people who don't judge, who don't label, who don't assume, and they should also be known as the "beautiful souls". Thank you, stay blessed you great people.

Balinese Fish Sambal/Sambal Ikan Bali

Hi Loves, to blog or not to blog? Ah! What a mindboggling question. Seemingly blogging has taken a back step due to social media platforms. Still, there are bloggers who are continuing with blogging, taking it as a platform for sharing whatever they feel they should and want to share with all of you great souls. What about me? Well, sad if I let me blog die a natural death (Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad & Masala Tofu). By right, I should have switched to a website, considering I am now into my own fitness zen, fitness business and in the fitness industry. Then again, tell me about it? Cost? Seriously, I can't afford. Therefore, for me personally, although I'm not as active as I have been in blogging, I will still keep this previous space of mine, which I believe has reached 10 years mark. 

Turkish Carrot Yogurt Salad/Yogurtlu Havuc Salatasi

 Hi Darlings, 

Today, I bring you with lotsa love, happiness, peace, joy and laughter, another Turkish dish. Furthermore, its another salad dish. Turkish cuisine for me personally? Ah! Such a profound food joy and salad, of course, my food love as well. The question you are probably asking now, I'm assuming actually, must be, how does this Indian lady in Malaysia know about Turkish food? Is she pulling my legs, hands or any other part of my body, or she knows it? Darlings, the utter truth is, I have had my moment in time in Turkey and during this trip, I of course, being a foodie and home chef, I made sure I put my heart and soul in finding out about Turkish food (Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad, Turkish Saffron Rice & Chili Hummus). Literally, from wherever. From classy restaurants, and tasting street food too.  Alright, to the recipe now. Nothing complicated, nothing messy, neither a mind-wrecking matter. 

Plant Based Spinach Turmeric Stir Fry (Vegetarian)

Where did I disappear to? Nowhere. Why then no pitching in this space of mine? Well, not everyday is a day the mind is activated for writing, furthermore, some days its pure laziness to writing, and I have been preoccupied with other things as well. One of those things, if not all, some of you know that I founded my home based, fitness Zen. That's right. Nava's Zen. Henceforth, time taken up for marketing and managing my business. Having said that, cooking is still on my list, albeit there are days its food from outside. These days, the cooking style of mine, as and when time permits, let's say, least to least, twice a week? Pretty much clean eating, healthy eating, and of course, simplicity to cooking too. Today,  its another one of my simple cooking, specifically, plant based cooking, Plant based spinach turmeric stir fry! Spinach? Oh-yes, (Chloe Palak/Spinach Chickpea, Saag Aloo/Spinach Potato, Vegetarian Spinach Coconut Milk Stew & Palak Paneer/Spinach Indian Cottage Cheese)  one of the favorites and turmeric, part and parcel of healthy cooking (Malaysian Sodhi/Coconut Milk Stew). Right now, its best we just zoom and vroom into the recipe to - plant based spinach turmeric stir fry. 

Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad (Cacik)

Turkish Cucumber Yogurt Salad, known as "Cacik" in Turkish language and supposedly its a dip. I on the other hand, named Cacik as a salad. Obviously, as you would have already noticed? Yeh, no harm done I suppose? To each our own? We can modify recipe names, after adapting, realigning and modifying  the recipe? Honestly, I have no qualms,. If you do, well, nothing much I can do about your cooking thinking. Anyway, lets move on. You still remember my previous Turkish recipe? Sincerely I hope you do, in case you don't, here's the recipe - Turkish Saffron Rice, which is a wonder food pairing for Turkish (Chilli Hummus) Cucumber Yogurt Salad. Sure, why not as well? You want it as a salad, no one can stop you, including Nava K. Otherwise, if you like it as a dip, as your food wish for your food pleasure. To the recipe now please. 

Turkish Saffron Rice (Safranli Pilav)

Did this recipe, Turkish Saffron Rice, fly from high up, from the sky? No, of course not. I actually picked up it during my trip to Turkey (Istanbul, Turkey), 8 years ago, during one of my solo trips. This solo trip, for your information was one of those whereby I hopped in a fully-paid, all paid for tour, alongside unknown people. Plus, what a blessings, on our way out of Turkey (Topkapi Palace, Istanbul),  flight was delayed, and when we arrived in Dubai, our connecting flight to Kuala Lumpur has left. Henceforth, a free all paid for Dubai stay by the airline (Dubai). Tadaa! It was also during this trip, I sort of got a hold of Turkish Saffron Rice recipe. Somehow, I managed. Wasn't easy getting the recipe from the restaurant owner, where we dined in, still, yippie, I got it. Turkish Saffron Rice, nope, non-mind boggling, neither cooking complicated matter. Simple, easy-to-go-to, and taste-wise, ah, a wonder as a scented rice dish (Malaysian Cumin Rice, Vegetable Biryani & Rice Pilaf). Saffron? Yes, quite on a pricey side, but these days, you can get your hands to different types of saffron of different quality. See which you prefer and which you can afford, and let's get to the recipe now. 

Malaysian Cumin Rice

Yep. I have been slacking in my recipe sharing compartment. I know. Well, it is nothing more than wanting to pitch other lifestyle stories. Whatever said, no excuses, I believe I shouldn't let down those who have been faithfully following this precious space of mine, from the initial years, and till now, for my recipes. Henceforth, obviously, a recipe sharing today! Malaysian Cumin Rice. Another version to the previous Jeera Rice/Cumin Rice. You choose whichever you prefer. Of course, this version, Malaysian Cumin Rice is an updated version. Yea, even recipes need updating. In other words, I mean, to keep our food, recipes and eating colorful, alive and kicking, we can play around with the ingredients, for a latest version. Malaysian Cumin Rice. The minimalist, in the vegetarian food category, the uncomplicated rice cooker cooking technic (Mint Rice, Curry Leaves Rice, Dhal Rice & Coriander Rice). and all good to go (Rice Pilaf & Vegetarian Briyani), for pairing alongside, literally, any of our Malaysian dishes. Take care everyone. See you all again in the next pitching of mine. Take care. 

South African Fish Curry

South Africa! Hah! Won my heart, captivated every bit of my mind and soul. South Africa (Pretoria South Africa). One of the pricey travelling grams of mine. Still, worthy every bit. No regrets whatsoever. Amongst all in South Africa, Cape Town became the winner (Cape Town). Cape Town and coming with it, hills, valleys, slopes, beaches, sea, you name it, all of these as Cape Town’s nature pride. What about South African food? For those of you who know me, you know me not only as a liberal traveler, also, as a liberal foodie right? Of course, wherever I am, no matter where I go, apart from eating at the streets is not a big deal for me. Well, when your tummy is a well-trained Malaysian tummy, have no fear to food liberalization. Worst come to worst, let me give you a clue. In case of food mishaps, swallow the charcoal tablets and all will be good to go, or no go to toilet.   

Plant Based Breakfast Platters

Looks like I'm back in action! After a little break from this cozy corner of mine, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to sprinkle some culinary magic today. That's right - it's time to share some zen cooking tales with you all. Ta-da!

 

Alright, let's get real for a moment. While the URL (nava-k) remains the same (because who needs the hassle of buying a new one, am I right?), this space is now officially known as Nava’s Zen. Why the change, you ask? Well, it's all part of my new journey as I dive into starting my own business. Currently, it's undergoing some renovation and sprucing up, all while expanding my urban gardening efforts under the Nava’s Zen banner. But don't worry, my dear friends, I'm still here to spill the beans on all my culinary secrets.

Vegetarian/Plant Based Bak Kut Teh: Veggie Bliss Feast

Hey there, beautiful souls! I hope you're all doing splendidly. Me? Well, I just celebrated my 57th birthday a few days back. Can you believe it? How does it feel? Let me tell you, it feels absolutely fantastic. Unlike when I hit the big 5-0 seven years ago, feeling like the world was crashing down on me because, you know, half a century and all. Back then, I was filled with this unnecessary dread, all thanks to the voices around me whispering that life post-50 is just about serving your family. You know, the whole shebang about being the devoted wife and mother.

Those whispers? They came from everywhere - from my mum, my aunts, my in-laws, and even from random encounters. It seemed like everyone had the same script: an Indian woman's destiny is to be married off and become a selfless servant to her husband and kids. But you know what? Over the years, I've learned that I don't have to conform to those outdated notions. I'm breaking free and forging my own path.

Indonesian Potato Taucu/Kentang Tauchu Indonesia (Vegetarian)

Keeping your culinary journey vibrant and exciting is key to discovering new flavors that delight your taste buds. While comfort food holds a special place in our hearts, embracing the diversity of global cuisines can open up a world of gastronomic pleasure. For me, Indonesian cuisine (URAP KANGKUNG) stands out as a personal favorite, rich with bold flavors and aromatic spices that always leave me craving more.

 

Indonesian cuisine isn't just about meat dishes; it offers a plethora of vegetarian options that are equally satisfying. Take, for instance, Indonesian Potato Tauhu (Kentang Tauchu), a dish that exemplifies this culinary versatility. It's a creation born out of my perpetual quest to innovate in the kitchen, blending potatoes with chili tauhu (fermented soybean paste) to create a dish that's hearty and full of savory goodness.

Urap Kangkung (Water Spinach Salad) - Vegetarian

When you think of kangkung, also known as water spinach, Kangkung Belacan probably comes to mind. It's a beloved dish among Malaysians and a staple in Chinese restaurants. This tasty treat is also a hit in Indonesia, where it's called "Kangkung Tumis Belacan" or "Cah Kangkung Terasi." Terasi, the Indonesian version of belacan, is something I've learned from my Indonesian friends, and I'll share that recipe with you too.

In both Malaysia and Indonesia, kangkung is enjoyed as a raw salad, boiled and paired with sambal belacan. During my time in Indonesia, I discovered Urap Kangkung and brought the idea back to Malaysia, creating my own vegetarian version. This will be the highlight of today's recipe. But don't worry, I'll also share my tried-and-true Kangkung Belacan recipe. Let's kick things off with Urap Kangkung, the vegetarian version (VEGETARIAN BAYAM MASAK LEMAK).

Nava K's Palak Paneer (Spinach Indian Cottage Cheese)

Ah, Palak Paneer - a classic Indian dish that never fails to delight with its creamy spinach and tender paneer. While I appreciate the art of making homemade paneer, these days, I often opt for the convenience of store-bought paneer. It's readily available and saves me precious time in the kitchen, allowing me to enjoy this beloved dish more frequently.

Thanks to global trade, Indian stores around the world offer a variety of paneer options, including those imported from India to places like Malaysia (MUGHAI VEGETARIAN KORMA). This accessibility ensures that no matter where you are, you can still savor the authentic flavors of Palak Paneer with quality ingredients.

Chilli Cashew Stir Fried Veggies

Isn't it amazing how a Chinese-style stir-fried vegetable dish can be so divine? The vibrant colors alone uplift the senses, but did you know each hue signifies unique health benefits? From improved digestion to strengthened immunity and enhanced eye health, the colors of vegetables reflect their rich array of nutrients. Take, for instance, Chilli Cashew Stir-Fried Veggies - a dish that embodies holistic wellness. With its nutrient-packed ingredients, satisfying crunch, aromatic flavors, and a hint of heat, it delights the palate while nourishing the body (PONNANGANI KEERAI STIR FRY). Let's explore how this dish exemplifies the perfect blend of taste and nutrition.

Ponnanganni Keerai Poriyal (Sessile Joyweed/Dwarf Copperleaf Stir-Fry)

In a world that's increasingly focused on healthy living, eating nutritious meals is more important than ever. That's why I'm excited to share this recipe for Ponnanganni Keerai, also known as Alternanthera Sessilis, Sessile Joyweed, or Dwarf Copperleaf. This leafy green is a powerhouse of nutrients and a staple in Ayurvedic medicine.

 

If you're not familiar with Ponnanganni Keerai, you can see it in the attached video. This green is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent addition to your diet. It has a mild, earthy taste that doesn't require elaborate cooking methods (MUGHAI VEGETARIAN KORMA). In fact, the simpler, the better, to preserve its natural flavors.