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.

Pulut Inti: Glutinous Rice with Sweet Coconut

(Updated Version)

When it comes to cooking, do you really need every ingredient listed in a recipe? Not necessarily. If you’re the type who follows recipes to the letter, you might feel compelled to gather every single ingredient. But if you’re like Ms. Nava, you’ll consider what you already have and adapt the recipe accordingly (MALAY DESSERTS MADE SIMPLE).

 

Making do with what you have often involves a bit of creative thinking and improvisation. Take, for example, making pulut inti. Traditionally, it requires banana leaves, but if you’re missing them, why not adapt? I did just that using my Pyrex dish to craft a delicious serving of Pulut Inti. See? You don’t need everything to be perfect to be a food hero (KUIH SAGO KUKUS).

Resepi Sambal Telur: Egg Sambal

(Updated Version)

Always a classic and a favorite in my kitchen - Sambal Telur, or Egg Sambal. No matter how many times I prepare it, it never gets old. This version, however, stands out for its unique twist: the addition of dried shrimps. Have you tried making or tasting a sambal telur like this? The dried shrimps truly elevate the traditional egg sambal, adding depth and taking it to the next level of flavor (SIMPLE AND EASY EGG RECIPES).

Plus, nothing beats fresh turmeric for the vibrant yellow hue, contrasting beautifully with the red, vibrant shade of sambal. Fresh turmeric also infuses a delightful, fresh scent. Basil leaves can be replaced with other herbs of your choice to suit your taste (RESEPI SAMBAL TUMIS BILIS PETAI).

Reviving Minds: Yoga’s Impact on Mental Health

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
Yoga, an ancient practice combining breathwork, physical postures, and mindfulness, has emerged as a potent tool for improving mental health. This article investigates the therapeutic benefits of yoga in addressing stress, anxiety, and depression. It reviews recent academic studies to highlight how yoga's integrative approach - through breath regulation, mindful movement, and relaxation - enhances emotional resilience and mental clarity. The paper contrasts yoga with conventional mental health interventions and emphasizes its role as a complementary therapy. By examining current evidence and theoretical perspectives, the study advocates for the integration of yoga into mental health practices, underscoring its potential to rejuvenate and stabilize the mind amidst the demands of modern life.

Keywords: Yoga, Mental Health, Stress Relief, Anxiety Management, Depression, Breathwork, Mindfulness, Emotional Resilience, Complementary Therapy.

FIsh Ball Noodle Soup: Handcrafted Fish Balls & Homemade Broth

(Updated Version)

Forget store-bought fish balls! I ventured into making homemade Fish Ball Noodle Soup from scratch, and it was absolutely worth it. These hand-rolled fish balls, simmered in a rich broth made from fish bones and skin, were bouncy, soft, and completely odor-free.

Nescafe Chocolate Cake (Eggless): Simplicity Wins

(Updated Version)

Nescafe Chocolate Cake? I mean, why bother buying more coffee (EGGLESS MILO CAKE) when I’ve got Nescafe right here? So, here’s a cake that’s got it all: coffee, cocoa, and no eggs. It’s like a delicious dark knight in cake form - rich, moist, and vanilla-scented (SUJEE CAKE ELEGANCE).

Loneliness Amongst Older Indians in Malaysia

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
Loneliness among older adults, particularly within the Indian community in Malaysia, presents a significant issue exacerbated by cultural and social dynamics. This article explores the manifestations and contributing factors of loneliness among older Indian individuals, focusing on their interactions, social behaviors, and the impact of modern technology. The study highlights how older Indians exhibit heightened levels of loneliness compared to other ethnic groups, influenced by societal changes and family dynamics. Key findings reveal that loneliness is frequently expressed through excessive social media use, persistent communication attempts, and the seeking of validation through personal achievements.

Penang Food Adventures: Mainland Discoveries

Hey, remember how I showed you around Penang's sightseeing spots (PENANG WONDERS)? Well, now it's time to dive into Penang's food scene! Forget fancy restaurants, we're talking about the real deal - street food galore! There's so much to choose from, you won't believe your taste buds. Penang is like heaven for foodies. So, stick with me, and let's go on a culinary adventure (PERAK EATS) - Penang's mainland food spots awaits (KUANTAN FOOD DISCOVERY).

Chai Leng Park Hawker Food Stalls (Butterworth)

Cleanliness and hygiene may not be the selling point here, but for those of us who prioritize flavor over frills, this spot hits the spot. Picture this: you're a typical Malaysian, unfazed by seating arrangements, just eager to dig into deliciousness. That's where Chai Leng Park Hawker Food Stalls come in.

Malu Kirata: Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Milk Curry Redefined

Malu Kirata is a traditional Sri Lankan fish curry, typically made with fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices. (KIRI HODI: SRI LANKAN EGG COCONUT MILK STEW). While I don’t have the exact recipe, I know it features fish in a coconut milk curry or gravy. Inspired by this dish, I created my own version of Malu Kirata, or Sri Lankan Fish Coconut Milk Curry. It may not be the traditional recipe, but it's definitely worth trying (MEEN PUTTU).

Kiri Hodi: Sri Lankan Coconut Milk Stew with Boiled Eggs

Kiri Hodi is the Sri Lankan version of coconut milk stew, known in Kerala as Ishtu and in Malaysia as Sodhi. This delightful stew typically features a base of coconut milk, turmeric, fenugreek seeds, onions or shallots, green chilies, tomatoes, curry leaves, lime juice, and salt. From this foundational blend, you can modify or enhance the stew by adding various ingredients like vegetables.

Meen Puttu: A South Indian Classic

What exactly is meen/fish puttu? For those in the know, it’s a cherished South Indian dish made from shredded fish. Typically using shark, kingfish, or mackerel, the fish is cooked, flaked, and sautéed with fresh coconut, shallots, green or red chilies, ginger, garlic, curry leaves, turmeric, and spices. Fish puttu is usually enjoyed with rice or as part of a larger meal.

If shark isn’t your choice, you can use mackerel or another fish. It’s worth noting that the shark used in meen/fish puttu, often smaller species like "sura meen," is not the same as the large sharks used for shark fin soup. The smaller sharks used here are caught for their meat, ensuring a more sustainable approach.