Let's rewind to what I mentioned earlier about Indian Crab Soup, also known as Nandu Rasam or Crab Rasam. This time, I took a break from the typical Indian-style curried crab dishes and ventured into something different - Thai-style crab. Cooking Thai dishes isn’t new for me (THAI VEGETARIAN EGGPLANT), and here we have Thai Green Curry Crab! It’s not the usual saucy, thick gravy kind of curry. Instead, it’s a dry-style dish, bursting with the quintessential Thai flavors and infused with the aroma of Thai basil leaves.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Monday, November 23, 2015
Vazhakoombu Thoran & Kerala-Style Banana Blossom Curry
(Updated Version)
Whether you call it banana blossom, jantung pisang, or vazhakoombu, this vibrant flower comes from the end of the banana bunch and features a striking deep purple or red hue. Inside, it reveals tender, edible layers perfect for salads, curries, and various dishes. With its unique texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor, it holds a special place in my heart as "jantung pisang," meaning "heart of the banana." Just as the heart chakra symbolizes love in yoga, seeing the banana blossom developing on my trees fills me with warmth. It reflects the love I pour into every plant at Nava’s Zen, our organic urban garden.
Thursday, May 7, 2015
Kuih Kosui Gula Melaka: Malaysia’s Traditional Indulgence
(Updated Version)
Ah, it's kuih-muih time again (EFFORTLESS MALAY DESSERTS: MADE SIMPLE) with Kuih Kosui Gula Melaka! This traditional Malaysian dessert is a sweet, steamed cake made from rice flour, coconut milk, and flavored with palm sugar (gula melaka). The result is a soft, chewy treat with a rich, caramel-like sweetness from the palm sugar, usually served in small, bite-sized pieces with a delightful, slightly sticky texture (PULUT INTI C;LASSIC).
However, it's important to be aware of the impact of sugar and rice on health. Both can contribute to weight gain and obesity if consumed excessively. Sugar, especially from sugary foods and drinks, adds empty calories and can lead to weight gain and increased hunger. Similarly, rice, particularly white rice, is high in carbohydrates and can contribute to overeating due to its high glycemic index.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
"Vegetarian Chinese Tofu Recipes: The Zen Twist
(Updated Version)
Tofu love? It's real, and these days, the options are endless. Back in the day, you’d grab the traditional tofu from the market, soaking in water, but those days are over for me. The taste just isn’t what it used to be. So, I’ve switched to Japanese tofu—yeah, it’s a bit pricier, but the flavor? Totally worth it. Plus, it makes cooking a breeze, even the simplest dishes turn out mouthwateringly good. Right now, I’m all about Chinese-style tofu dishes. And guess what? More and more Chinese folks are going vegetarian (CHINESE STYLE LONG BEANS), joining the Indian crowd. Is it for health? Or maybe because vegetarians get a fast pass to heaven while people like me might be headed somewhere hotter? Who knows? Dang (CHINESE VEGETARIAN NOODLE DISHES & CHINESE CHILI CASHEW VEGGIES).
Tofu Cooking
Tips with a Zen Twist
Soft Tofu
Appropriate for steaming or microwaving because of its delicate, custard-like texture. But be careful - it’s fragile. I’ve had soft tofu crumble on me just by taking it out of the package, so handle it gently.
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Fried Prawn Wantons & Prawn Fritters: Crispy Crunch Moments
(Updated Version)
Oh, hello
crispy magic! Fried prawn wantons - are you ready for this crunch-fest? Picture
this: golden, crispy parcels of joy, stuffed with succulent prawns, popping out
of the wok, and straight into our eager bellies. Yup, that’s right - some
didn’t even make it to the plate! They were swiftly devoured by our famished
tummies. Whether you’re indulging them solo or giving them a dip in some zesty
chili sauce, you’re in for a treat. These little beauties go fast, so better
make a lot.
Now, if you’re wondering how to whip up these crunchy gems, let’s dive into the recipe. Fair warning: peeling and de-veining prawns (EXQUISITE CHINESE PRAWN DISHES) can be a bit of a chore, but the delicious reward is worth it. And while prawns might not be your everyday fave, trust me, these fried wantons are so irresistible that even the non-prawn fans will be coming back for more (HONG KONG WANTON NOODLE SOUP).
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Thai Vegetarian Spicy Eggplant Plus Grilled
(Updated Version)
Today, we're exploring the world of eggplant and Thai cuisine. Eggplant is not only popular in Thailand but also in Malaysia. I've grown several eggplant plants myself, and while urban gardening has its challenges - sometimes plants unexpectedly leave to heaven despite your best efforts - it’s all part of the process. It can be disheartening, but it’s a reality of urban gardening. Fortunately, I’ve had some success and have managed to grow a good number of eggplants. I often give away the surplus and use the rest in my cooking.
Sunday, October 5, 2014
Eggless Molten Lava Cake: Quick & Gooey Yums in Minutes
(Updated Version)
Hunny Bunny sugar rush alert! Get ready for a candy crush of sweetness that’ll elevate your sugar high and satisfy your cravings in no time. I've been on a baking spree lately, and honestly, I’m not sure what’s driving me – maybe it's my hormones doing the tango (CHOCOLATE GENOISE ITALIAN GENOA SPONGE CAKE). Whatever it is, when the baking bug bites, I’m all in! But let’s not forget daily meals – they’re top priority. Still, when time allows and my hormones start to swirl, I dive into baking. This time, I whipped up an Eggless Molten Lava Cake, and oh boy, it was a game-changer (LEMON BARS ZESTY SENSES).
Forget the oven; this recipe uses the microwave, making it a speedy delight. In minutes, you’ll have an oozy, gentle eruption of molten chocolate goodness surrounded by a soft, melting cake (MANDARIN ORANGE WELLNESS SWEET PLEASURE). It’s pure joy in a cup.
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Chocolate Genoise: Priceless Italian Genoa Sponge Cake
(Updated Version)
Baking is always an adventure! Toss in one extra ingredient, and boom (CLASSIC BUTTER CAKES SATISFACTION) - Chocolate Genoise Cake is born. I whipped this up three times, and while everyone else enjoyed it, I was left scratching my head. Why, you ask? Because when sliced, the crumbs didn’t crumble enough to create a mess on the table. I pondered whether I’d botched the ingredients, measurements, technique, or even the oven temperature. Despite the little crumb conundrum, the cake turned out fabulous - airy and spongy, but not crumbly enough to please my messy side. Oh, the mysteries of baking! Anyway, here’s the recipe, and all the pro tips you need are in the CLASSIC GENOISE EUROPEAN CAKE post.
Ingredients
3 eggs (room
temperature)
80g caster
sugar
30g warm melted
butter
70g cake flour
15g cocoa
powder
15g corn flour
Method
Create a double
boiler.
Whisk eggs and
sugar in a bowl until slightly warm and foamy.
Remove from
heat.
Whisk to the
ribbon stage.
Mix cake flour,
corn flour, and cocoa powder together.
Sift the flour
mixture over the egg mixture and fold in carefully - no lumps allowed!
Stream in the
warm melted butter and fold it in.
Pour the batter
into a greased baking pan (choose the size based on how thick or thin you want
your cake).
Bake at 170°C
(preheated for 5 minutes) for about 40 minutes or until cooked. (Adjust heat
and time based on your oven and pan size.)
Cool down, and if you’re feeling fancy, dust with some icing sugar.
Monday, September 8, 2014
Mathi Achar: Fish Pickle Ever-Loved Bold Revelation
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfc148MfSADasPi1hO-YwkNiC4sYW-yaZESlBP0ki0FYGQfck8U_ojczqmTJEpQNuKB2zG9PkHgXyaB7XfOXXh4LVnEUPpFwqy4eatk6OJEqWDpfbytK9f6WAoAObVV9TH3EFD8NFwaMvxu3rKQHNOR_Py12JN5vvuwJeteFo9ksY3GTPbey6Wt4i3lIE/w596-h640-rw/Kerala%20Fish%20Pickle.jpeg)
There’s something irresistible about pickles - the way they blend spiciness, sourness, and sweetness into one delightful bite. This complex flavor profile is at the heart of Asian cuisine, especially in Malaysia, where every meal seems incomplete without a touch of heat from chillies or a spicy dip. The truth is, spiciness is more than a taste - it's a staple that defines our culinary identity.
Enter Mathi Achar - the epitome of this Asian love affair with bold flavors. Originating from Kerala, (KOCHI KERALA KALEIDOSCOPE) this fish pickle (Mathi means sardine in Malayalam) is a beloved dish that showcases the essence of Indian and Asian cooking. But it’s not just Kerala that claims Mathi Achar; its popularity has spread across India and into Sri Lanka (COLOMBO SRI LANKA DISCOVERIES), where it's known as achcharu. Traditionally made with fresh sardines, Mathi Achar can also be crafted with salted fish, offering a savory twist that's equally satisfying.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Lemon Bars: A Zesty Delight for Your Senses
(Updated Version)
Lemons, once my favorite go-to ingredient, have always held a special place in my kitchen. From savory Malaysian and Asian dishes to delightful baked treats, lemons found their way into my culinary repertoire. My love for lemons was sparked by fellow bloggers during the early days of blogging, much like the social media engagements we see today. I was inspired by Western bloggers who often used lemons in their cooking, and soon enough, I was baking with lemons too (LEMON BUTTER CAKE).
My first-ever baking adventure (CLASSIC GENOISE: A EUROPEAN CAKE)? Lemon Squares! I can still recall the zesty, sweet aroma that filled my kitchen. Despite a few rookie baking mistakes, like an over-charred top, those who tasted them loved every bite, even the crispy bits.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Singaporean Mee Siam: Malaysian Twist on a Gravy Classic
(Updated Version)
I love creating recipes on the fly, using whatever ingredients I have at home. There's no formal recipe guide; it's all about improvisation based on what's available in my fridge and pantry. My kitchen is always stocked because I prefer not to run out for groceries frequently. Instead, I shop every two weeks to replenish my supplies. This approach keeps my cooking convenient and spontaneous (HOKKIEN HAE MEE).
Recently, with the ingredients I had, I made Mee Siam with gravy, or as we call it in Malaysia, "kuah." After enjoying the dish with my husband, I decided to share the recipe. To my surprise, while researching online, I found that the Mee Siam I prepared closely resembled Singapore Mee Siam, which led me to name it just that. It’s reminiscent of how I previously made SINGAPORE LAKSA: MS. NAVA'S TWIST.
Monday, January 27, 2014
Oatmealll Raisin Cookies: A Delightful Twist on Traditional Treats
The
anticipation mounted as I stood in my kitchen, contemplating whether to embark
on one final baking venture (Semperit Cookies) before returning to the daily grind. With just
three days left of my much-needed break, I found myself drawn to the allure of
homemade cookies (Vanilla Butter Cookies) once more. This time, the spotlight fell on Oatmeal Raisin
Cookies - a classic treat with a comforting charm.
Unlike some of my previous cookie escapades (Cayenne Chocolate Cookies & Nyonya Pineapple Tarts), the recipe for these Oatmeal Raisin Cookies promised simplicity and ease. Yet, as I soon discovered, even the seemingly straightforward can hold unexpected challenges. Armed with a recipe from a popular site, I dove into the baking process, only to encounter a sticky dough (Chinese Peanut Cookies) that defied all attempts at shaping.
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Semperit Cookies: Crafting Sweet Memories, One Ribbon at a Time
Ah,
the delightful rhythm of baking continues in my kitchen! With each new
creation, I find myself drawn deeper into the enchanting world of homemade
treats. Despite the challenges that may arise, I refuse to be discouraged. So,
when the urge struck to craft Semperit Cookies-a beloved member of the Malay
cookie family -I dove right in. Little did I know, this venture would test my
patience like never before.
As I set out on this culinary journey, memories of past triumphs filled my mind. From the delicate Vanilla ButterCookies to the bold Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, and the detailed NyonyaPineapple Tarts to the comforting Chinese Peanut Cookies, not forget, the crunchy crumbly Suji Cookies, each creation had its own story to tell. Yet, none had prepared me for the meticulous process of shaping Semperit Cookies.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Vanilla Butter Cookies
With
some days still ahead of me during my leave from work, I figured it was the
perfect opportunity to dust off my baking skills and whip up some homemade
cookies. It's been ages since I last made cookies, mainly because neither I nor
my husband are big snackers. But with time on my hands, I felt inspired to dive
into the world of cookie making once again.
After trying my hand at Suji Cookies, Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, Nyonya Pineapple Tarts, and Chinese Peanut Cookies, I was on a roll and couldn't resist the urge to try another recipe. This time, I decided to go for something classic and comforting: Vanilla Butter Cookies. There's something special about these cookies—they're simple yet delicious, and making the dough is a breeze.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Suji Cookies
Suji Cookies, an integral part of our Indian heritage, hold a special place in our hearts, especially during the festive season of Deepavali. Fond memories flood my mind of gathering with loved ones, rolling dough and delicately placing cherries atop each cookie, a cherished tradition that remains etched in my memory. Following the recent successes with Cayenne Chocolate Cookies, NyonyaPineapple Tarts, and Chinese Peanut Cookies, the allure of Suji Cookies was undeniable. With their humble yet captivating aroma, these buttery delights promise to evoke reminiscence and delight with every crispy, sweet bite.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Cayenne Chocolate Cookies
Indulging
in chocolatey delights became my next irresistible temptation after mastering
Nyonya Pineapple Tarts and Chinese Peanut Cookies. With my partner away on
travels, the kitchen was my playground, and time was on my side. So, why not
dive into the world of cookies again?
As someone who prefers a hint of spice over overwhelming sweetness, I decided to embark on crafting Cayenne Chocolate Cookies. Armed with cocoa powder and a mysteriously acquired bottle of cayenne pepper, I set out to create these eggless treats that promise to melt hearts and tantalize taste buds. The thought of their rich, chocolaty aroma filling my kitchen with warmth and comfort was simply irresistible.
Chinese Rice Congee: Best Accompaniments and Tips
(Updated Version) Let me tell you about rice congee, also known as rice porridge or in our local Bahasa Malaysia, Bubur Nasi. In Tamil, it’...
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMttI7ffBUZxOTXIwkdqxQjgRp9zWTS1X-_UW1x31dBhZUnmqj5TMMtnEzCZNPSnDVXnK_KBWr6WuSyWqdyI25UtLpuR6GfoRgf1X-rWUY7DIH1clt_f2a3k7oDrEV6fRafPbmfiy7Nyxc-oF0EhV0nimb0nBFCibKEglxjaJoOR_S1Dk9RLRipJsnuM0/w440-h640/Chinese%20Rice%20Congee%20And%20Condiments.jpg)
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