Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Pork Chops Recipe - Chinese Style

Two medium size flattened pork chops, in a dark brown sauce, with green peas and sliced red chillies, in a white oblong serving plate
(Updated Version)

I love pork to its core. I’m an ardent fan, though I don’t cook it regularly at home since my husband follows a pork-free diet. But when he’s not dining at home, I simply can’t resist the temptation of cooking pork (PORK BELLY WITH SALTED FISH).

 

One of the joys of making pork chops is the convenience. You can marinate the chops in advance, store them in the fridge, and have them ready to cook when needed. You can even freeze them, turning pork chops into an effortless meal option anytime.

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Coconut Chicken Curry Recipe - Indian Style

Creamy, peppery Indian coconut chicken curry, cooked with spices and curry leaves, featuring a vibrant yellow hue
(Updated Version)

Is Indian food Kerala food? Is Kerala cuisine also Indian cuisine? While you ponder, let’s get to the recipe. It’s a Kerala Indian coconut chicken curry (AUTHENTIC INDIAN CHICKEN CURRIES). How can a Kerala chicken curry be complete without coconut milk and a blend of spices for that punchy, spicy, and creamy thick curry with tender chicken pieces? Get your place of rice and a raw salad (BEST INDIAN NO COOK SALADS) and picture pouring Coconut Chicken Curry and enjoying it with your fingers and hands. Oh-Wow! 

Friday, October 27, 2023

The Habits of Unhappy People

Woman pushing the wall, symbolizing the struggle to overcome unhappy behaviors
(Updated Version)

Whether surprising or not, the percentage of unhappy people has spiraled further over the years. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find individuals who can truly connect - those who share simple moments of joy, laughter, and meaningful conversations. 


Socializing or even being around people these days requires a great deal of caution, as people are hyper-sensitive and crave constant validation about themselves. From our coaching and counseling sessions, we have gathered insights into the habits of unhappy people.

Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Murungai (Moringa) Potato Curry: Vegetarian Recipe

Thick Indian moringa (drumstick) pieces cooked with sliced potatoes, spices, and dried fenugreek leaves
Our moringa tree outside Nava's Zen is a gold mine. It provides not only moringa sticks or drumsticks but also leaves, which are a true treasure for health. The flowers, too, hold vital health benefits for cooking. When you combine murungai (moringa) and potato in a thick curry: easy-to-cook dish, you get a mouthwatering recipe. A dish you shouldn’t hesitate to try. 

Thursday, October 19, 2023

How To Design A Vegetarian Dinner Party Menu

Throwing a dinner party is the kind of thing you definitely want to get right, and it’s really something of an art because there’s so much planning and hard work to put into making sure everything goes off smoothly. However, when you get it right, and everyone has a good time, you’ll feel great and proud of what you’ve done, and your guests will have a positive and memorable experience. 

If you have a vegetarian guest, it isn’t always easy to make one dish just for them, and what could be an easier option is to design an entirely vegetarian menu. Not only does this make things easier for you, but it’s probably not something your veggie guest has ever experienced before, so they’ll love it. Plus, if you choose the right food and cook it well, your other guests will enjoy it too, and it might even show them what can be done when meat’s off the menu. With that in mind, here are some tips to help you design a vegetarian menu for your dinner party. 

        Photo by Rene Asmussen  

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Quick Ways to Destress

Person reflecting on stress
(Updated Version)

Stress is unavoidable, but there are quick ways to tackle it and regain your rhythm without resorting to venting or complaining. Let’s explore how to manage stress effectively before it takes a toll on your breath, body, mind, and soul.

Identify Stress

The first step is awareness. Take a moment to sit with a pen and paper, and write down what’s troubling you. Be honest and genuine - this isn’t about blaming others but about taking ownership of your stressors.

Sunday, October 8, 2023

Best Mental Health Tips

A woman smiling while sitting at a table in a garden, symbolizing positivity and mental well-being
(Updated Version)

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining mental health can be challenging, especially when constantly surrounded by people. As a yoga coach and counselor, I’ve gathered insights from my experiences with clients and observations during yoga sessions. Here are some best mental health tips to help you stay practical and protect your mental well-being.

Monday, October 2, 2023

Sri Lankan Fish Curry/Malu Hodhi Recipe

Vibrant fish curry made with spices, coconut milk, and infused with curry leaves, featuring tender bite-sized fish pieces

One of the joys of traveling for me is tucking into various cuisines. In Sri Lanka (COLOMBO, SRI LANKA) I discovered how spices, coconut milk, coconut oil, and the freshest seafood shape the incredible flavors of their dishes. Through tasting and learning from kind locals, I brought home a slice of Sri Lankan culinary wisdom. Here's to Sri Lankan Fish Curry, or Malu Hodhi (SALTED FISH PINEAPPLE CURRY). 

Sunday, September 10, 2023

Best Indian No Cook Salad Recipes

No cook Indian salad consisting of raw veggies, tossed with lime juice and salt, served in a small Indian silver wok
(Updated Version)

I’m a huge fan of salads - how about you? I enjoy a variety of salads (AVOCADO TOFU SALAD), and Indian salads? They’re refreshing, crunchy, spicy, and tangy. While salads, in general, are healthy, Indian salads take it up a notch. 


When I used to host gatherings, Indian salads were always a hit because they’re so easy to prepare: just slice or cut the ingredients, which are both accessible and affordable. You can prepare them in advance, store them in the fridge, and serve them chilled or at room temperature. Isn’t that a fantastic way to entertain, rather than spending hours stir-frying vegetables (ZESTY MALAY OKRA SALAD).

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Marriage and Culinary Exploration: Vietnamese Delights (Ding Xiang Bak Kut Teh Restaurant)

In the journey of marriage, we learn valuable lessons, and one of them is that you don't always have to compromise on your food preferences. Last Sunday, this lesson took me on a delightful food venture in Bandar Rimbayu. As my husband headed to a kopitiam for Indian cuisine (K2 Kopitiam), I found myself at Ding Xiang Bak Kut Teh Restaurant, craving Vietnamese flavors. This unassuming eatery, also serving Bak Kut Teh and Chinese dishes, offered a menu right on the table - a thoughtful touch.

Butterfly Blue Pea Flower - Growing, Benefits & Cooking

(Updated Version) Butterfly blue pea flower, known locally as Bunga Telang in our local Bahasa Malaysia language, is also referred to as Cli...