Growing bitter gourd aligns beautifully with Nava’s
Zen philosophy. The glossy, dark green fruits are stunning but don’t last long,
prompting a cycle of growth. After initial setbacks, I’m ready to cultivate
them again.
Cultivating bitter gourd is straightforward - you can either dry the seeds or use them directly from your cooking. To my delight, seeds from my kitchen have sprouted new plants.
How can Deepavali be complete without Suji Cookies? For me, they're a beloved tradition. Growing up, baking Suji Cookies was a family event. We used an old round silver oven with a glass window to check on the cookies, but the round meter rarely worked - talk about old-school. Unlike today's high-tech ovens, that round one was all we could afford, and it did the job for our Deepavali baking. While Mom made the dough, the rest of us rolled, pinched, and added cherries before she popped the cookies in the oven. And yes, the raw dough was just too tempting (EGGLESS CAYENNE CHOCOLATE COOKIES).
It's sambal belacan. Wowww! Who's a fan of sambal
belacan? If you are, we’re in the same sambal belacan tribe. My love for sambal
belacan began in my teens, and it's curious how I’m the only one in my family
who drools over it - neither my late dad, my late mum, nor my two brothers
share this passion. It’s a bit of a mystery.
Let’s start with belacan. Belacan is a fermented shrimp paste, widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, particularly in Malaysia, Indonesia (YOGYAKARTA INDONESIAN TASTES), and Singapore. It’s made by fermenting tiny shrimp, often krill, which are salted and left to ferment for several weeks. After fermentation, the shrimp are sun-dried and ground into a paste, which is then formed into blocks or cakes and left to mature, developing a strong, pungent aroma. Belacan adds depth and umami to dishes and is often used in sambal belacan, curries, or stir-fries. It’s typically toasted before use to enhance its flavor (ASAM PEDAS IKAN BAWAL).
Abstract
This
article examines the misdiagnosis of depression during menopause and the
potential benefits of yoga as a complementary treatment. It highlights the
limitations of conventional approaches that often oversimplify menopausal
symptoms by labeling them as depression. Through the author's personal
experiences, it is demonstrated how yoga can offer significant relief and
mental clarity beyond what is typically achieved with standard medical
treatments.
The discussion emphasizes the importance of integrating yoga into mental health care, not only as a supplementary remedy but as a vital tool for enhancing overall well-being. The findings suggest that a more nuanced understanding of menopause-related mental health issues and the inclusion of yoga in treatment plans can lead to improved outcomes and greater self-reliance.
Khao Niew Mamuang, or Thai mango sticky rice, is a dessert loved across the globe (TAM TIM KROB: THAI RED RUBIES). "Khao Niew" means sticky or glutinous rice, and "Mamuang" means mango. I’ve had plenty of Thai Mango Sticky Rice, but trust me, not all are worth raving about. Even in Thailand (CHIANG MAI & CHIANG RAI), some were just average, and the worst were those sold in the evening but made in the morning. But when it’s good, it’s really good - like the street food version I had in Pattaya. I tried a few varieties, including Sticky Rice with Dried Shrimp Sugar, Sticky Rice with Custard, and of course, the traditional Sticky Rice with Mango. I couldn't resist packing back to my hotel, stashing them in the fridge, and enjoying them bit by bit.
This Indian lady is definitely a bit different. While most Indian women and men make pineapple tarts for Deepavali, I chose to bake them for Chinese New Year. Strange, right? It was just me using my semester break to make Nyonya Pineapple Tarts. I wanted to practice my baking skills (EASIEST BANANA CHOCOLATE CAKE) - after all, practice makes perfect. But I’m not looking to turn this into a business; it’s just a fun hobby for me (INDULGENT CHEESECAKE SWEET DELIGHTS).
The vibrant, aromatic Thai Red Curry Paste is the heart of many delicious dishes. Once you've made this paste, you’re almost ready to whip up a flavorful Thai Red Prawn Curry. It’s a versatile paste, perfect for adding your choice of seafood, chicken, or pork. While I can't say for sure if it works with beef, I can definitely vouch for my Thai Red Mutton Curry. In fact, I’ve made it countless times, along with prawn and egg variations (THAI SPICY EGGPLANT).
Abstract
In
the fast-paced urban environment, the pursuit of pleasure and emotional
fulfillment has led to an increased prevalence of sexual and mental affairs.
This article explores how the demands and dynamics of modern urban life have
shifted desires and behaviors, leading individuals to seek connections outside
traditional relationships. The article distinguishes between sexual and mental
affairs, highlighting how each serves different needs and reflects the
complexities of contemporary relationships. It also addresses how these affairs
are influenced by factors such as emotional loneliness, libido crises, lust
over love, wear and tear of relationship, also, trills of affairs, the quest for
personal fulfillment.
Let me tell you about rice congee, also known as rice
porridge or in our local Bahasa Malaysia, Bubur Nasi. In Tamil, it’s called Arisi
Kanji, and in Mandarin, it's zhou1. Essentially, it's rice cooked with way more
water than usual, giving you a light, soupy version of rice. It’s also known as
“poor people’s food” - the ultimate hack for stretching out your rice supply.
And guess what? I’m still reppin’ that category - the "poor woman
club." I grew up in a poor family, and my mum? Oh, she was the queen of
stretching out that rice. Pair it with some wild spinach we’d pluck from
outside our government house, cook it up with a little garlic and ikan bilis
(anchovies), and boom. Soup’s on.
It’s a meal I still cherish to this day - congee and spinach anchovy soup (or soup bayam ikan bilis, for those in the know). Even today, it’s still seen as humble food. You won’t catch a "successful" Indian family serving it up because, let’s be real, it’s seen as an embarrassment. Congee and soup are considered beneath them, something only for those still on the struggle bus.
I have a wealth of stories, and one I'm excited to
share involves my journey with jellies. When I first launched Nava K, now known
as Nava’s Zen, 14 years ago, I started making desserts, and jellies made with
agar-agar were among the simplest to create. I'll be sharing these recipes, but
the standout is undoubtedly Chrysanthemum Goji Berry Jelly. Although it's a
traditional Chinese jelly, I was surprised to find that even many Chinese
people were unfamiliar with this style. It left me quite speechless!
Goji berries are a staple in my kitchen, often used in Chinese soups and noodle dishes (CHINESE VEGETABLE NOODLE SOUP). I also regularly make chrysanthemum tea. With these ingredients always on hand, what more can I add?
The establishment exudes a cozy atmosphere, enhanced by sunlight streaming through the surrounding glass walls, creating a comfortable and inviting space. After perusing a menu that boasts an impressive variety, we made our selections. Notably, desserts require a visit to the counter to choose from an enticing display.
Rasam, a Zen nutritious
Indian spiced soup, is already a powerhouse on its own (RASAM VARIATIONS UNIQUE TWISTS). Now, imagine adding
crab claws (often called crab legs) to it – transforming it into what’s known
as Indian Crab Soup or Nandu Rasam. This dish becomes an explosion of Zen flavors and nourishment for the mouth, throat, and stomach, embodying
mindful eating without sacrificing taste.
Despite its health benefits, Nandu Rasam is surprisingly absent from buffet tables, social gatherings, and functions among Indians. While crab dishes often make appearances at family events, this flavorful soup is usually overlooked. Instead, spicy mutton, spicy chicken, sambar, and kurma dominate the scene - even though they’re not necessarily more cost-effective.
Miris malu is a cherished Sri Lankan dish (SRI LANKAN CARROT SAMBOLA), celebrated for its bold flavors and spicy essence. The name "miris malu" translates to "spicy fish" in Sinhalese, and this curry lives up to its name with fresh fish simmered in a rich, aromatic gravy. In Ms. Nava’s traditional version, a touch of green mango adds a unique twist. As a Malaysian Indian, this familiar ingredient introduces a natural tang that beautifully complements the thick, spicy curry, resulting in a dish with tender fish pieces immersed in a flavorful sauce. Although I had the pleasure of tasting some of Sri Lanka’s finest fish curries during my visit (KATARAGAMA SACRED TRIALS), I did not encounter one with mango. I wonder why that is (COLOMBO DISCOVERY).
I’m about to share how you can transform Chilli Chicken (MALAY CHICKEN RECIPES) into something entirely new, while keeping chillies and chicken as the stars of the show. Whether you prefer fresh red chillies or dried ones, this versatile dish is all about bold flavors and personal touches. For a typical Malaysian like me, chillies are essential, adding that spicy kick I can’t live without.
((Updated Version) Honestly, I’ve never made pizza dough in my entire life. I personally feel it’s not worth the time, but when I hav...
