Saturday, August 17, 2024

Tamatar ki Chutney, Takkali Thokku & Tomato Rice

Luscious, juicy washed tomatoes, ready to be used in cooking
(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.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

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 Recipe

A small bowl of soup with ginseng herbs, kei chi, dried longan, garlic, ginger, chicken, and a garnish of spring onions.
(Updated Version)


Roots, barks, herbs, and chicken - these are the essential ingredients for Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup. I particularly enjoy homemade, healthy, and nutritious Chinese soups. Making any soup, including Chinese Ginseng Chicken Soup, is straightforward. If anyone claims they can’t make this soup, I’d be surprised (SIMPLE AND HEARTY LAMB SOUP)! It's as simple as adding all the ingredients - roots, barks, and medicinal herbs from a Chinese medical hall or provision shop - into a slow cooker or simmering them on very low heat over the stove.

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

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.

Monday, August 12, 2024

Pulut Inti: Glutinous Rice with Sweet Coconut

Steamed glutinous rice with palm sugar sweet coconut atop
(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

4 boiled eggs in a spicy 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).

Adolescents' Global Mental Health Crisis: Holistic Wellness Yoga

Author Ms. Krishnan N, a Zenpreneur in her 60s, founded Nava's Zen at 58. With 22 years as a lecturer, including 13 years in the Curtin ...