Asam Pedas Ikan Bawal: A Nostalgic Malay Heritage

(Updated Version)

Let’s talk about our Malaysian local herbs - the unsung heroes that infuse dishes with vibrant hues and a tantalizing burst of spicy and sour notes. What dish could I possibly be referring to? None other than the legendary, timeless, and quintessentially Malay, Asam Pedas.

 

Oh-my! Does the name alone stir a sense of nostalgia? Of course, it does! Asam Pedas is more than just a dish; it's a journey through the heart of Malaysian culinary heritage. A dish that has stood the test of time, not just for its rich flavors but for the bounty of nutrients and health benefits it brings to the table. At its core, Asam Pedas is all about tender fish swimming in a gravy that’s an explosion of taste—sour, spicy, and utterly mouthwatering.

Zen Mango Pickles: Three Unique Recipes to Savor

(Updated Version)
Aam ka Achaar, or mango pickle, isn't just a beloved staple in India and Pakistan; it's a sensation across South Asia. And guess what? Our Western pals have caught on and are nailing it with their own versions of mango pickle. Impressive, right? Meanwhile, Asians are busy whipping up Western dishes, often with a little too much pride, like they’re honorary Westerners. Can you relate? 

Even in Malaysia, it seems, some Indians feel they’ve got a bit of the Western bug. Sadly, this extends to the kids too—they’re all about burgers and pizzas, forgetting the rich flavors of Indian cuisine. It's heartbreaking to see culture slipping away, to the point where some young ones can't even speak Tamil. I always start by asking, “Can you speak Tamil?” before diving into a conversation with the younger generation. It’s a sad reality, but true. And even aam ka achaar, once a beloved treat, now seems to be something only the older generations, like Ms. Nava in her 60s, truly savor.

Tanni Saar (Sweet Leaf In Dhal Gravy)

(Updated Version)

Tanni Saar - now that’s a name that might raise an eyebrow or two! Directly translated, tanni means water and saar means juice. Oh dear! I’m not going to dwell on that translation, but let me tell you what Tanni Saar actually is. It's a delightful concoction of dal and sweet leaves, specifically known as tausi murungai keerai in Tamil. Think of it as a hybrid between dal curry, stew, and soup, with light coconut milk and your everyday kitchen staples rounding it out.

Hokkien Hae Mee, Penang Hae Mee, Prawn Mee & Mee Yoke Recipes

(Updated Version)

Hokkien Hae Mee, or Hokkien Prawn Mee, is a prawn noodle dish that revolves around its star ingredient - the prawn stock. This rich, savory essence forms the heart of this beloved Malaysian Chinese classic (HAND CRAFTED FISH BALL NOODLE SOUP). While the photos of Hae Mee dishes might look intricate and intimidating, don’t be discouraged. With the right ingredients and a bit of kitchen confidence, you can easily recreate this dish at home.

In today’s world, capturing that perfect Hae Mee shot is more about smartphone skills than anything else. It’s all in how you style the dish, choose your props, and present the meal. But don’t get too caught up in the visual showmanship. The truth is, anyone can master this flavorful prawn noodle dish, and that includes you.

Aging Faster Today: Yoga as a Natural Anti-Aging Therapy

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
This paper explores the profound benefits of yoga as a natural remedy for anti-aging, contrasting it with contemporary quick-fix solutions and aesthetic treatments. Yoga is presented not merely as a physical exercise but as a holistic approach that nurtures the breath, body, mind, and soul, offering significant advantages for maintaining a youthful appearance and overall vitality. The paper highlights how yoga fosters genuine skin nourishment and rejuvenation, reducing the reliance on heavy makeup and superficial enhancements. However, it also cautions against overdoing yoga, as excessive practice can lead to fatigue, injury, and may paradoxically accelerate the aging process.

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)

There’s something about people who bake, have you noticed? Sorry for generalizing, but in my experience, many of these people seem to be full of hot air. They act as if they’re a class above the rest, especially those who don’t bake. Beyond being proud hosts, they can’t stop bragging about how well they bake. And it’s not just about them - they’ll go on about how great their family members bake, even people they barely know. Apparently, everyone in their world bakes superbly. Welcome to the world where, if you can bake, you’re a shining star.

 

But for people like Ms. Nava, baking is about learning. I started baking to understand the techniques and skills involved. I even earned credentials in baking, though I never put them to much use. For me, it’s all about practice - improving and advancing my baking skills. I’ve also baked Lamingtons before, but unfortunately, the recipe has gone missing. No worries, though - in the virtual world, there are hundreds, if not millions, of people sharing cake recipes (INDULGENT CHEESECAKE DELIGHTS).