Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal: Malay Fish Dish

(Updated Version)

Did you know that the herbs in Asam Pedas, like the sourness of asam (tamarind juice or dried tamarind pieces), are more than just flavor enhancers? They’re packed with health benefits, adding more than just taste to our plates - they add value to our well-being.

 

Now, if you're under the impression that making Asam Pedas is complicated, think again. It’s actually quite simple, and don't let anyone convince you otherwise. It all starts with gathering the herbs and pantry-friendly ingredients to make the Asam Pedas rempah. You can make it from scratch or opt for store-bought versions. But here’s how you can whip up the rempah at home.

Zen Mango Pickles: Three Unique Recipes to Savor

(Updated Version)

Aam ka Achaar, or mango pickle, isn't just a beloved staple in India and Pakistan; it's a sensation across South Asia. Even Western pals have caught on and are nailing it with their own versions of mango pickle. Oh, before I digress further, let me tell you - mango pickles in India (CHANDIGARH UBRAN MARVEL) are so incredibly salty! I can’t fathom why. They even pack them like butter, in those small plastic compartments, and they’re so salty I couldn’t even manage a tiny dip (NEW DELHI REVELATION). 

Tanni Saar (Sweet Leaf In Dhal Gravy)

(Updated Version)

Tanni Saar - now that’s a name that might raise an eyebrow or two! Directly translated, tanni means water and saar means juice. Oh dear! I’m not going to dwell on that translation, but let me tell you what Tanni Saar actually is. It's a delightful concoction of dal and sweet leaves, specifically known as tausi murungai keerai in Tamil. Think of it as a hybrid between dal curry, stew, and soup, with light coconut milk and your everyday kitchen staples rounding it out.

Hokkien Hae Mee, Penang Hae Mee, Prawn Mee & Mee Yoke Recipes

(Updated Version)

Hokkien Hae Mee, or Hokkien Prawn Mee, is a prawn noodle dish that revolves around its star ingredient - the prawn stock. This rich, savory essence forms the heart of this beloved Malaysian Chinese classic (HAND CRAFTED FISH BALL NOODLE SOUP). While the photos of Hae Mee dishes might look intricate and intimidating, don’t be discouraged. With the right ingredients and a bit of kitchen confidence, you can easily recreate this dish at home.

In today’s world, capturing that perfect Hae Mee shot is more about smartphone skills than anything else. It’s all in how you style the dish, choose your props, and present the meal. But don’t get too caught up in the visual showmanship. The truth is, anyone can master this flavorful prawn noodle dish, and that includes you.

Aging Faster Today: Yoga as a Natural Anti-Aging Therapy

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
This paper explores the profound benefits of yoga as a natural remedy for anti-aging, contrasting it with contemporary quick-fix solutions and aesthetic treatments. Yoga is presented not merely as a physical exercise but as a holistic approach that nurtures the breath, body, mind, and soul, offering significant advantages for maintaining a youthful appearance and overall vitality. The paper highlights how yoga fosters genuine skin nourishment and rejuvenation, reducing the reliance on heavy makeup and superficial enhancements. However, it also cautions against overdoing yoga, as excessive practice can lead to fatigue, injury, and may paradoxically accelerate the aging process.

Tamatar ki Chutney, Takkali Thokku & Tomato Rice

(Updated Version)

Tamatar ki Chutney is a tomato-based chutney, known in the Punjabi language as "Tamatar ki Chutney," and is a dish from the North Indian region (INDIAN DESSERTS TO SAVOR). Tomatoes are a staple in many curries (CHANDIGARH NORTH INDIA MARVELS), and when used to make chutney, they create a spicy, tangy, and aromatic thick gravy. This chutney pairs well with chapati, paratha, dosai, and even idli. However, I recently paired it with our side dishes for a rice meal instead (VEGETARIAN MUTTON GASTRONOMY).

There’s also Takkali Thokku, which I consider another version of tomato chutney. Though it shares similarities with Tamatar ki Chutney, it differs slightly in its ingredients. The recipe I’m sharing is my own version. Plus, I’ll also show you how to make tomato rice. You have choices when it comes to cooking with tomatoes, don’t you? Isn’t it wonderful that Ms. Nava offers you these choices?

Classic Genoise: A European-Style Sponge Cake

(Updated Version)

To tell you the truth, the ingredients for a classic Genoise are minimalistic (EASY CLASSIC BUTTER CAKE). However, it’s the technique that ensures the cake turns out as expected - soft, airy, and crumbly, melting in your mouth with every bite. Before sharing the recipe, here are the key techniques you should be aware of in baking a perfect Classic Genoise (EASIEST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE). 

 

Whisk Eggs and Sugar:

Use a double boiler (with water boiling in the bottom pan).

Whisk the eggs and sugar in a bowl placed over the boiling water.

Continue whisking until the mixture is slightly warm and foamy.

Sunny Lamb Traditional Apam Balik: A Street Food Delight

While out buying groceries, I stumbled upon Sunny Lamb Traditional Apam Balik. Intrigued, I approached the van stall to explore this concept further. The menu offered a captivating array of apam balik varieties and these are vegan friendly. After considering my options, I chose the ori kelapa parut (original coconut) and jagung cheese/corn cheese. The other varieties were equally tempting, but I decided that three pieces of these Malaysian (EFFORTLESS MALAY DESSERTS) traditional pancakes would be enough to start with. Perhaps next time, I will try the other varieties.

Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup & Other Nourishing Recipes

(Updated Version)
Roots, barks, herbs, and chicken - these are the essential ingredients for Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup. Unlike the potent and bitter Korean ginseng, which I’ve tried and found too intense to digest (it made me feel like my body was on fire!), Chinese ginseng is milder, even in soups. I particularly enjoy homemade, healthy, and nutritious Chinese soups.

Making any soup, including Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup, is really straightforward. If anyone claims they can’t make this soup, I’d be surprised (HANDCRAFTED FISH BALL NOODLE SOUP). It's as simple as adding all the ingredients - roots, barks, and other medicinal herbs from a Chinese medical hall or provision shop - into a slow cooker or simmering on very low heat over the stove.

Mental Health and Productivity: The Case for Corporate Yoga

Author

Ms. Krishnan N, a Zen entrepreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin University of Technology Perth, Australia Degree Twinning Program, she is now a certified yoga instructor, coach, and counselor. Her expertise enriches her current work.

Abstract
Corporate wellness programs are increasingly emphasizing mindfulness, mental health, and work-life balance, yet yoga often remains sidelined. This abstract examines the integration of yoga into corporate wellness initiatives and the benefits it offers. Despite the growing popularity of mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathwork, which originate from yoga philosophy, many organizations overlook yoga's comprehensive benefits. This study explores the disconnect between the promotion of wellness practices and the actual incorporation of yoga into corporate programs. It highlights the extensive benefits of corporate yoga, including improved mental clarity, stress reduction, physical health, and enhanced workplace morale.