Indian Pumpkin Curries: Fish and Salted Fish Recipes

(Updated Version)

Pumpkin lovers, rejoice. If you're like me, you can't get enough of this versatile vegetable. I have a soft spot for our local Malaysian pumpkins, which are not only budget-friendly but also pack a punch in flavor. I once made the mistake of splurging on a tiny Japanese pumpkin, lured in by its exotic allure, only to be shocked at the checkout when it cost me around $15.00. After cooking it, I realized our local pumpkins are just as delightful, if not better. The lesson? Appreciate and savor local produce - it’s often more affordable and just as delicious.

Easy Potato Sambal: Vegetarian Potato Sambal Recipes

(Updated Version) 

Looking back, I’m amazed at the number of vegetarian potato sambal recipes I’ve managed to retrieve. (DRUMSTICK/MURUNGAI POTATO CURRY). Different styles of cooking vary, but the core ingredients are:

Chili Paste: Made from dried chillies, red chillies, or a combination of both, blended.
Shallots or Onions
Garlic
Lime Juice (or tamarind juice; I always prefer lime juice for potato sambal)
Salt
Oil

Chinese Pork Chops: Spicy, Oriental & Sausage Recipes

(Updated Version)

Hi Pork Lovers,
Ms. Nava is back with more pork recipes (PORK BELLY WITH SALTED FISH). Many of my clients often ask if pork is a healthy meat, and here’s my reply: Pork can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet, providing high-quality protein and essential nutrients like B vitamins, zinc, and iron. However, it's important to choose lean cuts such as pork loin or tenderloin and prepare them using healthier methods like grilling or baking to reduce fat and calorie intake. Be cautious with processed pork products like bacon and sausages, which are often high in sodium and saturated fats. Moderation is key, and balancing pork consumption with a variety of other protein sources, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains is essential for overall health.

Of course, not everyone eats pork due to religious reasons, lack of exposure, or personal preferences. And that’s perfectly fine - our goal isn’t to change others but to share our love for cooking (MALAYSIAN WILDBOAR CURRY). 

Kerala Pepper Chicken Curry (Kurumulaku Kozhi Curry)

I mostly travel solo, (JAIPUR MAGIC & TAJ MAHAL AGRA) though there have been times I've joined tours with familiar faces or traveled with a married couple who are older than me. I prefer solo adventures, whether it's joining group tours in countries with language barriers or when safety is a concern. I also always sleep alone, even on tours with people I know or don’t know. This approach has taken me to a good number of countries, driven by a passion for visiting legendary sites and tasting diverse foods. 

I’m comfortable eating anywhere, from roadside stalls to upscale restaurants, thanks to a stomach well-acclimated to street food and having taken my hepatitis vaccinations. My experiences have included falling in love with Kerala’s cuisine (VALAIPOO/BANANA FLOWER STIR FRY), where I learned to make Kerala Pepper Chicken Curry, which perfectly captures the essence of my travels (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM UNEXPECTED & KOCHI EXPERIENCES). 

Inner Peace or Happiness: A Personal Choice

In life, we often come across the decision between two special feelings: inner peace and happiness. Many like the idea of being at peace within themselves, staying calm and balanced no matter what's happening outside. For them, inner peace is like a steady ship in the stormy sea of life. Others, like me, prefer happiness. They believe it's possible to be happy even without a particular reason. For them, happiness is like a bright light that shines from within. It can affect not only them but also everyone around them. It's like a warm, glowing feeling.

Inner Peace: The Calm Harbor

People who like inner peace find it comforting. It's like an emotional anchor that keeps them steady. No matter how crazy the world gets, they feel stable inside. It's all about feeling relaxed and in harmony with themselves. Inner peace doesn't go away when things get tough. It's always there to lean on. It's like a friend who stays with you, even when times are hard (Intriguing Mindfulness).

Murungai (Moringa) Potato Curry: Vegetarian Recipe

Murungai, known as drumstick in English and moringa in health contexts, is highly valued for both its fruits and leaves. In North India, it's often called sahjan, and in some English-speaking regions, it's referred to as moringa pods. My love for cooking with murungai is boundless, whether simmering its fruits in a spicy curry or stir-frying the leaves with dried red chilies, black mustard seeds, and grated coconut, each dish bursts with flavor and nutrition.

 

Moringa is a powerhouse of health benefits. Its leaves are packed with essential vitamins A, C, E, calcium, and iron, while its pods are nutrient-dense, supporting bone health and providing a good source of protein. The incorporation of powerful spices in today's recipe not only elevates the dish's taste but also enhances digestion, making it an excellent remedy for digestive discomfort.

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  

Intriguing Mindfulness: Ms.Nava's Unique Perspective

Mindfulness, a concept open to interpretation, holds a special place in the heart of Ms. Nava. It all starts with nurturing a healthy mind that accepts the uniqueness of every individual's perspective. While academic theories and findings on mindfulness offer a wealth of knowledge, they also invite discussion, disagreement, and debate. Yet, the ultimate choice is ours, shaped by the workings of our own minds. For a deeper dive into my version of mindfulness, let's explore it together  

Mindfulness (The Abundance Of Mindfulness), in my view, begins with an understanding of what transpires within and around us. It encompasses our thoughts, emotions, feelings, and how we perceive the world. This mental landscape  (Mental Health) is intimately connected to the heart, where we discover more about ourselves and our interpretations of the external world. In my perspective, the two are intertwined.

World Mental Health Day: Embrace Silence, Nurture Kindness

World Mental Health Day, yet every day should be dedicated to nurturing our mental well-being. Take a moment to observe your surroundings, and you'll quickly realize that each one of us, including myself, requires positive mental health. This awareness is essential because mental health can encompass both positive and negative aspects. Before delving into the subject of mental health, consider spending just one minute silencing your thoughts to listen to yourself. Only through self-listening can we truly assess our mental well-being. Otherwise, we may find ourselves preaching about mental health to others without addressing our own needs. It's paramount to start with self-awareness.

Sri Lankan Fish Curry/Malu Hodhi - Boosting Mental Health with Tradition

Ms. Nava presents a cherished Sri Lankan dish - Malu Hodhi/fish curry (MIRIS MALU/SRI LANKAN CLAYPOT FISH CURRY)  While she may not be a culinary hero in the traditional sense, her passion for cooking and dedication to preserving authentic flavors shine through in every dish she prepares. Cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s about nourishing the body, mind, and soul. Did you know that the food we eat plays a significant role in our mental well-being, subtly influencing our mood and overall health?

Curries, rich in spices like turmeric, ginger, and chili peppers, offer more than just a burst of flavor- they’re also believed to support mental well-being. These spices have long been appreciated for their comforting qualities, making curries a popular choice for those seeking warmth and balance. When it comes to fish curry, the benefits are even more pronounced. Fish, especially when simmered in a spicy, aromatic curry, is known for its nourishing properties, helping to uplift both mind and body.

Embracing the Fiery Passion: The Indispensable Chillies in Malaysian Cuisine and Gardening

In Malaysia, the love for spiciness runs deep in our culinary culture. Chillies, with their fiery punch, are an essential ingredient that adds a delightful kick to our dishes or serves as a zesty accompaniment. As Malaysians, we simply can't imagine our meals without that familiar spiciness. Whether it's a dash of sliced chillies mixed with lime juice and soy sauce or vinegar-soaked chillies, the craving for that distinct heat on our palates is insatiable. Join me as I share my experiences of seeking chilies abroad, the joys and challenges of gardening them, and the intrinsic connection between chilies and our well-being.

Indian Kachumber Salad: Zen Wellness with Creative Variants

I’m a huge fan of salads - how about you? I enjoy a variety of salads (AVOCADO TOFU SALAD), but Indian salads are truly the epitome of Zen Wellness. They’re refreshing, crunchy, spicy, and tangy - all the qualities that define Zen Cuisine. 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).

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.

Embracing Roses: Lessons in Resilience and Growth

Those who've been following my social media and blogosphere journey are likely aware of my deep passion for gardening (The Enchanting World Of Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger). Gardening is not just a pastime for me; it's my pride, my joy, and the heart of my fitness sanctuary, Nava's Zen. I have a special affection for herbs, plants, fruit trees, and, more recently, roses. Initially, my attempts with roses were less than successful, but I dedicated myself to mastering the art of rose cultivation. Now, I take pride in the thriving blooms that grace my garden. Roses, with their exquisite beauty and enchanting fragrance, have found a special place in my heart.

The Delights of K2 Kopitiam: A Foodie's Paradise

To be known as a foodie is to embrace culinary adventures, exploring flavors from all corners, be it the streets or coffee shops. While high-end restaurants often steal the limelight, it's essential to remember that delicious food can be found in unexpected places, such as Chinese coffee shops that have reinvented themselves as Kopitiams (Malaysia's Vibrant Street Food). In this blog post, we revisit K2 Kopitiam, located in Bandar Rimbayu, a bustling end-lot coffee shop, where we sampled an array of tantalizing dishes from its diverse stalls.

Bunga Kantan/Torch Ginger: Urban Farming's Culinary Gem

Have you ever caught a whiff of Bunga Kantan, also known as Torch Ginger or Torch Lily? If you have, you'll know the thrill it brings. And if you haven't, you're in for a treat. Beyond its enchanting scent, growing this plant is like adding a vibrant burst of green to your garden. Its simple elegance truly lights up any space. And when those torch-like blooms start to emerge, it's like witnessing a whole new level of natural beauty unfold right before your eyes. As an urban gardener passionate about cultivating local scents, my first attempt at growing torch ginger didn't quite go as planned. But let me tell you, the journey is just as enchanting as the destination.