tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69525510846820846202024-03-13T23:33:00.666+08:00Tilah's Kitchen Live, Love, Pray, Cook, EatTilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-35903507614266928382018-04-15T15:36:00.003+08:002018-04-15T23:23:34.459+08:00Chicken Rice (Nasi Ayam)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGaKZ9VrHW3wBVvcIk0OzWc39Hsan9Y0syqjdOkDw7jQxILSeSbtnstaDJeAHd0xQ7dMdodh_9DXt1DN7nL6JhomyAidx1MMPHp4bjG9SxRsjt-TY8pcY2mEMWJarytfR1FGvd8HqtWYE/s1600/20180414_130839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGaKZ9VrHW3wBVvcIk0OzWc39Hsan9Y0syqjdOkDw7jQxILSeSbtnstaDJeAHd0xQ7dMdodh_9DXt1DN7nL6JhomyAidx1MMPHp4bjG9SxRsjt-TY8pcY2mEMWJarytfR1FGvd8HqtWYE/s640/20180414_130839.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hi Cooks!<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I cooked chicken rice for the family. First things first though, I must stress the fact that there are not going to be as much pictures and step by step photos. Imagine trying to cook, and take pictures of your cooking process at every step and having to keep running in and out of the kitchen in angst to solve petty boyish issues and quarrels. I must have been (at the very least, I would like to shamelessly imagine that I am ;p) the "Whitney Houston" of this block I am living in. That belting (oh my god, or was it screeching?) (cough cough), my neighbours must have heard throughout my years living here as the mother of my boys, must have sent them running for their ear-plugs every weekend.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was intended that my cooking yesterday was going to be a completely detailed in explanation and imaging process but, sad to say that I am still too early to be so ambitious at this stage of my life. Nevertheless, the fact that I could actually managed to squeeze some time and start typing out this blog is an achievement for me. Mothers of young boys out there would understand the <strike>torture</strike> joys mothers of <strike>boys</strike> <strike>active boys</strike> frantic and playful boys go through. So instead of having a proper chicken rice cooking version, this is the "frustrated loving mother about to go crazy" version of chicken rice.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, these are the ingredients that I used. The ingredients are in proportion to the quantity that I am cooking for. Served for my family of 4 adults and 3 children and enough for two meal times. So if you are cooking a lesser quantity, you will have to reduce the proportions of the ingredients and I have made the proportions even so that it is easier for you to divide the proportions according to the quantity that you are cooking.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<u>INGREDIENTS</u>:<br />
<br />
14 cloves of garlic )<br />
Ginger (as much as the amount of garlic) ) blended or ground into a paste and divided<br />
<br />
*divide the above into<br />
abt 2 tablespoons for soup<br />
abt 4 tablespoons for chilli sauce<br />
abt 4 tablespoons for chicken marinade<br />
<br />
<u>For RICE</u><br />
<br />
6 cups of Basmati Rice (soaked for half an hour, rinsed and drained)<br />
9 cups of water (for every 1 cup of basmati rice, you will have to add 1 and a half cups of water)<br />
12 cloves of garlic - minced<br />
Ginger (as much as the amount of garlic) - minced<br />
4 pieces of pandan leaves also known as screwpine leaves<br />
2 pcs of Knorr chicken cubes<br />
1 tablespoon of sesame oil<br />
Vegetable Oil - as needed (we should add in a little bit more oil when cooking chicken rice)<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<u>For CHICKEN MARINADE</u><br />
<br />
2 whole chicken - in my case, my chickens were cut into 12 portions each which makes 24 pcs.<br />
<i style="text-align: justify;">(the best is not cut the chicken at all but just remove the innards and whatever, if you want to do it the right way, unless you are just like me, then, the busy mom's way is to cut the chicken first) </i><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>When cleaning chicken, I always rinse them and then get a good handful of coarse salt and rub it all over the chicken or chicken pieces and leave it aside for a good five to ten minutes before rinsing thoroughly after. Your chicken will smell as good as a chicken with deodorant. Haha!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
6 tablespoon of light soya sauce<br />
6 tablespoon of Lee Kum Kee chicken marinade sauce<br />
1 tablespoon of sesame oil<br />
6 teaspoon/sachets of brown sugar<br />
6 tablespoon of water<br />
1 tablespoon of lime juice<br />
4 tablespoon of garlic ginger paste - as divided above - squeezed and juiced through a muslin cloth and the juice collected would be the proper way to do it. For me though, it is always the chop-chop way which is, I'll use it as it is because I am more busy being a referee or mediator or therapist, during most of my cooking time.<br />
<br />
<u>For CHILLI SAUCE</u><br />
<i><br /></i>
2 tablespoon of vegetable oil<br />
4 tablespoon of fresh chilli paste - I used the ready made Sinlong Brand Chilli Paste<br />
4 tablespoon of garlic ginger paste - as divided above<br />
2 tablespoon of sesame oil<br />
1/2 of Knorr Chicken cube<br />
2 tablespoon of light soya sauce<br />
1 tablespoon of sugar<br />
4 tablespoon of lime juice<br />
1 bowl of water <i>or more depending on the consistency that you prefer</i><br />
salt to your taste<br />
<br />
<u>For SOUP</u><br />
<br />
1 tablespoon of vegetable oil<br />
2 tablespoon of garlic ginger paste - as divided above<br />
1/2 of Knorr Chicken cube<br />
4 bowls of water<br />
a handful of chopped celery<br />
a handful of chopped spring onion<br />
a handful of fried shallots<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag5vE51yzpuH103KAntPMwxoGsaZ67TZ_piuR5Sf4t-SmnEN4Cvey-h1Tg1nnBcHw-7QmesmUIr9p5IBz_8iWjOUfDvyHRQ6xH_2H5lEkqf3gbPYBZkCY84D6hlQN6P-shf8R4GlGwKm7/s1600/20180414_105245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhag5vE51yzpuH103KAntPMwxoGsaZ67TZ_piuR5Sf4t-SmnEN4Cvey-h1Tg1nnBcHw-7QmesmUIr9p5IBz_8iWjOUfDvyHRQ6xH_2H5lEkqf3gbPYBZkCY84D6hlQN6P-shf8R4GlGwKm7/s640/20180414_105245.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdta-mAMlpsq6y2nJ9ZiKhY411MkwjgtgLCuSNT9PBQWHsbZmBmcvMYDpTKhtGgRoNf20RV_hEfdTod4ROBFNPwi2ctD2MQaYOIk45_-kZGKHxlYUGduPs4aKg6jtdIdFW2qwXJ5Lm1Ea/s1600/20180414_111617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdta-mAMlpsq6y2nJ9ZiKhY411MkwjgtgLCuSNT9PBQWHsbZmBmcvMYDpTKhtGgRoNf20RV_hEfdTod4ROBFNPwi2ctD2MQaYOIk45_-kZGKHxlYUGduPs4aKg6jtdIdFW2qwXJ5Lm1Ea/s640/20180414_111617.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlLPpR5Q2NQkyP5DkP2Bxg2Y3Qv41QeNP3OtMzihSpqVwZMocESgI4RVqKZIiAF8cs9LARuyZ5XEFS114eWa9aL-7XA1AUhIVMo9XNLevKttpLKg2ETdOeKZJ97eZtVY5nNtaRdEtvuOx/s1600/20180414_112631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimlLPpR5Q2NQkyP5DkP2Bxg2Y3Qv41QeNP3OtMzihSpqVwZMocESgI4RVqKZIiAF8cs9LARuyZ5XEFS114eWa9aL-7XA1AUhIVMo9XNLevKttpLKg2ETdOeKZJ97eZtVY5nNtaRdEtvuOx/s640/20180414_112631.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBI_4zFgzD1JPh9qel6jDhM7repCjrHL172e_cqhetDYXlpXKsUVps0J5rvdfu_0bhEpCtErPJ2ydAY_cPD3tKUv5HEs2CIrx2GUVhnI0pvC7VG-rqqJ7tSsOoJ5T1ZIsfOkApT67DHO8y/s1600/20180414_111634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBI_4zFgzD1JPh9qel6jDhM7repCjrHL172e_cqhetDYXlpXKsUVps0J5rvdfu_0bhEpCtErPJ2ydAY_cPD3tKUv5HEs2CIrx2GUVhnI0pvC7VG-rqqJ7tSsOoJ5T1ZIsfOkApT67DHO8y/s640/20180414_111634.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NV4KvOOpf3cHX51WcT_buucvQRsIGt44ZptkONEOD3v3UrK2Ia4wTIgk3nWlkfOHmCQOFoknfAaxUn90256NQDWsBHf3ptRmfroU2CPCONoF2qHYn-VuN0YP5vq0f8Tnz5YQH-isiFzG/s1600/20180414_111651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-NV4KvOOpf3cHX51WcT_buucvQRsIGt44ZptkONEOD3v3UrK2Ia4wTIgk3nWlkfOHmCQOFoknfAaxUn90256NQDWsBHf3ptRmfroU2CPCONoF2qHYn-VuN0YP5vq0f8Tnz5YQH-isiFzG/s640/20180414_111651.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
And now, the METHOD:-<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A2Ut94SXw42sPO-S2uJRZL8VSKt5Wp3P8v3n0miAL9t9SKBCMAOBynGAMQUSad3YPjqfEnD6VBrsNg54qxwmdS5BHh30y0CTKFLJlDgm4KMQH2_bD1Q9XGGOltqCA3LQ5qhyzVZWdm1I/s1600/20180414_111600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2A2Ut94SXw42sPO-S2uJRZL8VSKt5Wp3P8v3n0miAL9t9SKBCMAOBynGAMQUSad3YPjqfEnD6VBrsNg54qxwmdS5BHh30y0CTKFLJlDgm4KMQH2_bD1Q9XGGOltqCA3LQ5qhyzVZWdm1I/s640/20180414_111600.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Combine all the ingredients for the chicken marinade and place it on fire. This is to melt the brown sugar and to properly combine the marinade. Once the mixture has started to boil, turn fire to low. If you are using a whole chicken, this is when you will ladle the sauce over your chicken skin to blanch until it turned slightly brown. Stop when you have obtained an equal amount of tan on all sides of the chicken. The right method would be to hang the chicken to dry to cool off the skin so that when you deep fry the chicken later, the skin will not break and will remain intact on the chicken. You can also cut the process short and do a chop-chop step which is to put aside the whole chicken in the fridge to cool off. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijf6aI71R5WBTStBwJAqJDQV2fY8WkQEP5cpjmpwStCu85oiGvSwNuAJuyN1H4LCK7-9ruNlhlAmJd2Vs2ke0oNRR1CYv65FD6fNfqM-1JhBxs1vSWZFvzaJxEnuibeg85EQV_U0y2bnX0/s1600/20180414_112345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijf6aI71R5WBTStBwJAqJDQV2fY8WkQEP5cpjmpwStCu85oiGvSwNuAJuyN1H4LCK7-9ruNlhlAmJd2Vs2ke0oNRR1CYv65FD6fNfqM-1JhBxs1vSWZFvzaJxEnuibeg85EQV_U0y2bnX0/s640/20180414_112345.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. If you are using chicken pieces, once the marinade starts to boil, off the fire. Leave it aside till it cools. Then add your chicken pieces and properly combined the marinade with the chicken pieces. Set aside in the fridge. Of course with this method, your fried chicken will not look as glamorous as the complexion of the whole chicken which will look more like a roasted chicken but oh well, whatever goes for the busy mom! Right?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXB23T4JptCgZexe8C0hEcmHd2C6YjrDzYaxn3LLVPaTBtlbqV6H5Q6Rkp_BPf0BW12FHpqC7ZXQPgNByNsCCuA4IUiT_cGfEs8XkP7LUMQa-oOq6fa47UvPq8HicMwt2NaQQEGG4Mawu/s1600/20180414_112550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyXB23T4JptCgZexe8C0hEcmHd2C6YjrDzYaxn3LLVPaTBtlbqV6H5Q6Rkp_BPf0BW12FHpqC7ZXQPgNByNsCCuA4IUiT_cGfEs8XkP7LUMQa-oOq6fa47UvPq8HicMwt2NaQQEGG4Mawu/s640/20180414_112550.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Take a small pot. Add in oil. On fire. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNgYBPc5Qk54K7vBE9MH0pA9I1wEigQMm5wyqe-gcSEjpaPfEkVO8PMdbemhVRtkbSbx89hsMIOxqKusscvD9633jy6VYL2dmO-GtvJU1L-j6d4sevQhIOjIxUzOb47n29S8fQfMIbQOH/s1600/20180414_112802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNgYBPc5Qk54K7vBE9MH0pA9I1wEigQMm5wyqe-gcSEjpaPfEkVO8PMdbemhVRtkbSbx89hsMIOxqKusscvD9633jy6VYL2dmO-GtvJU1L-j6d4sevQhIOjIxUzOb47n29S8fQfMIbQOH/s640/20180414_112802.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4. Once oil is hot, add in the garlic ginger paste and saute till fragrant. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8m1qctxH-AktetTAuba9SUJfCfoEg9WJfpHuqWSOBQTaJUVRixdh-cBLCYa1zZvLkzIEZBnOFmUhIDtm00eNACz55meOacwREf-jbzCk9Km2Nc4ZanIraD3fy1fYixLQ0UnRZI7FEU0F/s1600/20180414_112905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8m1qctxH-AktetTAuba9SUJfCfoEg9WJfpHuqWSOBQTaJUVRixdh-cBLCYa1zZvLkzIEZBnOFmUhIDtm00eNACz55meOacwREf-jbzCk9Km2Nc4ZanIraD3fy1fYixLQ0UnRZI7FEU0F/s640/20180414_112905.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5. Add in the fresh chilli paste and continue sauteing until oil separates or your can see oil collecting at the sides of the pot or pan. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU0LVxKyZl_-mMuwdF5q-AzSL-JPWGa39MEMvMGHXh0huGCCeuLjM-BnZGqcEwBUe8_ia2zHtEg9-gPGqIWx4nOoDVmZ-WVWQOFXiiNfoDDA86M14ywdIhrhI195-toI_1tHqMZQmYD7l/s1600/20180414_113024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivU0LVxKyZl_-mMuwdF5q-AzSL-JPWGa39MEMvMGHXh0huGCCeuLjM-BnZGqcEwBUe8_ia2zHtEg9-gPGqIWx4nOoDVmZ-WVWQOFXiiNfoDDA86M14ywdIhrhI195-toI_1tHqMZQmYD7l/s640/20180414_113024.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6. Once oil separates, add in the half of the Knorr Chicken cube. Continue sauteing for another minute. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqozOqtlRFnXtteo7RjRqTOXSeH8fDzCz5JMmAS3F2zQVxDqaWsMNXlA_1jIDmu3WFuoCCiWphMrZGNqogBQlVfbs4TwF3ckmeIeAXjYPiN1OmtyJJ98tMskQ1ScXErHoSlcTjT2unWXJQ/s1600/20180414_113136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqozOqtlRFnXtteo7RjRqTOXSeH8fDzCz5JMmAS3F2zQVxDqaWsMNXlA_1jIDmu3WFuoCCiWphMrZGNqogBQlVfbs4TwF3ckmeIeAXjYPiN1OmtyJJ98tMskQ1ScXErHoSlcTjT2unWXJQ/s640/20180414_113136.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
7. Add in water, the light soya sauce, the sugar, lime juice and sesame oil. Give a stir and let boil.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOytiFQloNpI_XcP-KUlzvgpIggpDIlB6NpEUf4jz8R_ZDKEBB9AO5KLFPTp30pmvR3avi36F8Klllg8t-H9wXpob0DWTxSKHCScfXlUKRW3mg9__HG6fNhlD094qIxtEA-9yCz4NoUT6/s1600/20180414_113440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhOytiFQloNpI_XcP-KUlzvgpIggpDIlB6NpEUf4jz8R_ZDKEBB9AO5KLFPTp30pmvR3avi36F8Klllg8t-H9wXpob0DWTxSKHCScfXlUKRW3mg9__HG6fNhlD094qIxtEA-9yCz4NoUT6/s640/20180414_113440.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
8. Once the chilli sauce has boiled, lower the fire and give a little taste to see if you need to add in more salt or sugar to season it to your taste buds before you off the fire. <i>Do note that the chilli sauce has to be slightly sourish and more saltish for it to really give that spice and flavour when eaten with the chicken rice. If you have too little salt or lime juice in the sauce, the flavour of the rice will overpower your chilli sauce and it will taste bland. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKfunmTgnbnnGLD4ef5ZgDA8ukhgJca76iA7xp-Drg9T7U6Xk4PZfPt6BbzkkFJkY-lEwr6MhEFbbIi3razZnWDSCe1gb9TxP46C1Jq06e1cIAvjixOdQnEuxbhl0zcSDxt8WMp3FwHRA/s1600/20180414_114440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKfunmTgnbnnGLD4ef5ZgDA8ukhgJca76iA7xp-Drg9T7U6Xk4PZfPt6BbzkkFJkY-lEwr6MhEFbbIi3razZnWDSCe1gb9TxP46C1Jq06e1cIAvjixOdQnEuxbhl0zcSDxt8WMp3FwHRA/s640/20180414_114440.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9. Take a small pot. On fire and add in oil. Once your oil is heated up, add in the garlic ginger paste and saute until oil separates. Add in water and the 1/2 Knorr Chicken cube and let boil. Season accordingly to your taste with salt.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFWcNioKQC8N0cwfRqAwcxOiZIScXhcOP6lknEU-ZMm6u8_fmhr1clUAl5aeJU1lUtogZih-UMzq12zXqORPt1UUqbPAsmEl1NSqKR7mejPVq3G02DwSOdxBgrEBor9sPEK15DTwRxIYS/s1600/20180414_115253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFWcNioKQC8N0cwfRqAwcxOiZIScXhcOP6lknEU-ZMm6u8_fmhr1clUAl5aeJU1lUtogZih-UMzq12zXqORPt1UUqbPAsmEl1NSqKR7mejPVq3G02DwSOdxBgrEBor9sPEK15DTwRxIYS/s640/20180414_115253.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
10. Once the soup has boiled for half to one minute, lower the fire and add in the fried shallots. Give a stir so that the fried onions will flavour the soup.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgZ8kv9DANOsjJGViuJZ5bQw-BXzjMyJJ-7fWoTiv3N4zVX7fxgxzPWmA8QSl3VuFN7MAUP_LMFOChSZZp4nqY19tbTHPTpOuSGybEiQ5L0AjPtUzg5PPtogB8cO6Mee3y6-AfmuQ6D4T/s1600/20180414_115348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipgZ8kv9DANOsjJGViuJZ5bQw-BXzjMyJJ-7fWoTiv3N4zVX7fxgxzPWmA8QSl3VuFN7MAUP_LMFOChSZZp4nqY19tbTHPTpOuSGybEiQ5L0AjPtUzg5PPtogB8cO6Mee3y6-AfmuQ6D4T/s640/20180414_115348.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
11. Add in the chopped spring onion and celery. Give a stir and off fire. Set aside.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFUm8v_Y6Aofre-u6lt-LmS0wxJUf0ETifm1fO9bVPozSZVrwrLJIpn9Nz5f8udVLGsvRc08kMjllFkONpuzUFmnLenywfSEVSDQDQUtRX1CI0gAjQYIXbNm52KXfN6c00AypTY3Jvrie/s1600/20180414_120021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFUm8v_Y6Aofre-u6lt-LmS0wxJUf0ETifm1fO9bVPozSZVrwrLJIpn9Nz5f8udVLGsvRc08kMjllFkONpuzUFmnLenywfSEVSDQDQUtRX1CI0gAjQYIXbNm52KXfN6c00AypTY3Jvrie/s640/20180414_120021.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
12. Take your pot to cook the rice or your rice cooker pot and place it on the stove. Add in vegetable oil.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTqDoLSyuLivzmR0oa5DyKZZI8HtijLdyJyKVmI76JbdsxKpwMzqZaYRr8hGhBmmnXGE-bDIlBtx5QH44w5U4bzYPynXeIB4QfEgHihThGJkX2ZxeGe6EhG7SRbMG2e0J4XWPoxaKvNiK/s1600/20180414_120219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVTqDoLSyuLivzmR0oa5DyKZZI8HtijLdyJyKVmI76JbdsxKpwMzqZaYRr8hGhBmmnXGE-bDIlBtx5QH44w5U4bzYPynXeIB4QfEgHihThGJkX2ZxeGe6EhG7SRbMG2e0J4XWPoxaKvNiK/s640/20180414_120219.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
13. Once the oil is hot enough, add in the minced garlic and ginger. Saute till fragrant or till the ingredients looked slightly yellowed, bring down fire to low and add in the pandan leaves and your rice. It is important not to saute your garlic and ginger for too long or your chicken rice will turn yellow instead of white.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJMWoVaVYObdajxSFOtA_UAHIMpQpLUR0wIomVkl5ZeJrsPNDSouLSMI9R-FioofBCjGwbnAwPRa-WGlQJIvKGBH8nf-vWb_NZBFVPWXXNei6u_qlHXFqV_pvVZoQTeZY5XP2TShJp8Ax/s1600/20180414_120312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiJMWoVaVYObdajxSFOtA_UAHIMpQpLUR0wIomVkl5ZeJrsPNDSouLSMI9R-FioofBCjGwbnAwPRa-WGlQJIvKGBH8nf-vWb_NZBFVPWXXNei6u_qlHXFqV_pvVZoQTeZY5XP2TShJp8Ax/s640/20180414_120312.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
14. Once the rice are added in, you may increase the fire slightly and stir the rice for about a minute to make sure that the ingredients are properly combined. Then add in water, the chicken cubes and sesame oil and stir to combine. Once the mix have heated up, you can give a little taste to see if you need to add in more salt as chicken rice must have enough of its seasonings. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
15. If you are using a rice cooker, you can now move your pot back into the rice cooker and cook it as per normal. Do not wait until the mixture boils because then it will affect the cooking time of your rice cooker as the pot is already at boiling temperature when you move it into the rice cooker. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
16. If you are using a normal pot over stove or clay pot like me, just wait until the rice mix bubbles and little water is left on the surface of the rice. Turn the fire to lowest and place the pot cover on the rice pot and leave it until your rice cooks.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvDooT7fvjZii09f_vW73U94MLE2r8IghwUqUgRGeVIFisBKPNCQfwe1eyXlSiZJ-kfvhyphenhyphen3ZdIFZwYDh4xus320syCFWf78w85MRVvHDzUCAnq9zMhQDll5CIPQ1P9TcjJeKMZ1uzkdo6/s1600/20180414_122953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWvDooT7fvjZii09f_vW73U94MLE2r8IghwUqUgRGeVIFisBKPNCQfwe1eyXlSiZJ-kfvhyphenhyphen3ZdIFZwYDh4xus320syCFWf78w85MRVvHDzUCAnq9zMhQDll5CIPQ1P9TcjJeKMZ1uzkdo6/s640/20180414_122953.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
17. After about ten to fifteen minutes, you can take off the cover and check to see if your rice is cooked. Fluff the rice with a fork. If the rice are cooked evenly, then off the fire and replace the lid until ready for serving. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fqEOQjQRpSFyL5EPQOYqnxDEvyPFu5wVWzByizl0ZVZk3-iSq93rSwUuFcHXxCRP0PdBDohP9-Motcm1VNtrEhvu_9R4CkJtNBNcv6Pgwrpx0NbKMcycElNrku8u4j2k2C9sG38q__MJ/s1600/20180414_123152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6fqEOQjQRpSFyL5EPQOYqnxDEvyPFu5wVWzByizl0ZVZk3-iSq93rSwUuFcHXxCRP0PdBDohP9-Motcm1VNtrEhvu_9R4CkJtNBNcv6Pgwrpx0NbKMcycElNrku8u4j2k2C9sG38q__MJ/s640/20180414_123152.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
18. Last but not least, don't forget to deep fry the marinated chicken. Take the chicken pieces out from the fridge. Start folding them all over each other to properly combine the marinade and then place them in a colander to let all the marinade drip and drain from the chicken because we don't want the marinade to caramelize in the oil and then your fried chicken will not look good. It is also important that when you are frying the chicken, the oil is really hot and remains above your chicken pieces so that the chicken can cook evenly and get all tanned and sexy in a synchronized way. Imagine the amount of oil you would need if you are frying a whole chicken in. This is also another reason why I prefer my chicken cut into pieces. To save on oil use.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjHnq-o8TiezxmUZF8T48NnNJnkg-RkM80uJfdpOz0tFJzQHjQ3C5GMbhvta1nhimJMILEu0WN36XvjDXWIZAJTAqtrG4DcQVL7njOKPTCi6ZaBcMPtD5P6UqTJW_8oTa4AhhpJ7NFyEb/s1600/20180414_130839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjHnq-o8TiezxmUZF8T48NnNJnkg-RkM80uJfdpOz0tFJzQHjQ3C5GMbhvta1nhimJMILEu0WN36XvjDXWIZAJTAqtrG4DcQVL7njOKPTCi6ZaBcMPtD5P6UqTJW_8oTa4AhhpJ7NFyEb/s640/20180414_130839.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">19. When all is said and done, of course, it is time for "makan" (or "meal" in English). When you have three hungry boys to look out for at home, you have no time to source for the perfect or matching tableware to flaunt on your blog. Open up the cabinet and just whatever goes. Chop-chop is the best.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
20. I always serve Chicken Rice with sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes and iceberg lettuce on the sides. This time round, I also prepared Fried Kailan with Oyster Sauce and Fish Cake Slices.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So that is it for my blog entry this time. Till the next post, Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-42724274418938075082018-03-09T14:14:00.001+08:002018-03-09T16:45:14.099+08:00I am back!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a long hiatus from blogging for me. When I last posted in 2014, I had a lot going on in my personal life. After I managed to solve the most tumultuous part of it and when everything was going breezy, I got knocked up! <strong>*rolling my eyes*</strong> By hubby of course! (Haha!) Then, everything was fuzzy when the bump came until the third little thorn in my rosy life was born. Needless to say, now everybody can figure the big thorn in my life. A thorn with moustache! Yes, the one who gave me three little thorns!<br />
<br />
<br />
The most little of all the thorns is finally turning 3 and life is ever so slightly breathable. Better not say that too loudly before I ended up carrying a fourth little thorn. ;p</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />
Anyway, I have always been a working mum. Life was always to the office, then back home to the kitchen with my kitchening-assistant, my family life and then back to work. I have always wanted to do something more than myself, my kitchen and my personal life. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />
A working mum always has to rush through her day. In the office and at home. There is just no easy way about it especially when your children are young and growing fast. I even forget my age at times, hoping that it was still some years back when my *oobs were still high and mighty. With time, everything in life is a drag including those pair of *oobs which seriously looked depressed! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />
Then, comes your life in the office where everybody just wants to be seen as having loads of work, hardworking and very busy. THEN, when the real load came about, the auras of the <strike>wolves</strike> wolverines lying ever so peacefully under those sheep-ish clothing, started to shine ever so brightly. I must however, thank these superheroines. Had it not been for them, I guess I would enjoy my life in the office too much that I would not even think of trying to do something else as an alternative source of income. It has always been my hope that I could one day, leave my day job and be a stay-at-home and earning mum-prenuer. However, all that dream without moving my butts is not going to help. So, out of desperation, I decided that I have to start moving and get somewhere. Then, out of nowhere, there it is, my little online fashion store <a href="https://black2basics.myshopify.com/" target="_blank">https://BLACK2basics.myshopify.com</a>, culminated in the hopes of a brighter future. Really and truly, (I mean who doesn't know this right?) IT IS AS ALWAYS, ever so, so hard to get started at something from scratch, without help. However, it is not that bad after all, if you have a friend who is always there to support you and I am indeed one of the blessed few who found a true friend in a working colleague.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Qd_DtUAlzmq8lVOaCx4p20XmzS9p-rBZ5XZN7ngmIaiyPz0qsjn2z6SNk7JSb4XTezmdS6-rIT_5yVmKSUb3Wlq3ockSX2G2ADwfsqi26aDmD9XYTQ6V5IaZr5uDNiyF41BeXOv4_J6i/s1600/FB_IMG_1505745793418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Qd_DtUAlzmq8lVOaCx4p20XmzS9p-rBZ5XZN7ngmIaiyPz0qsjn2z6SNk7JSb4XTezmdS6-rIT_5yVmKSUb3Wlq3ockSX2G2ADwfsqi26aDmD9XYTQ6V5IaZr5uDNiyF41BeXOv4_J6i/s640/FB_IMG_1505745793418.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Her name is Shahila (the one on the right in this picture). She knows everything about me, my life and I. The one who would sit right in front of me and watch me cry my tears of sorrow and pouring all my heartache to her. She was there when I first started this blog and she shared with me one of her cookie recipe (a hit with my family, if I might say, during the festive season of the Muslims where home baked cookies are a must serve to the guest) that were amongst the first few of the recipes shared in this blog. Then, just yesterday, she had to be the first one to kick start my fashion store going with her being the first ever customer making the first ever purchase from my store.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /><br />
This opening post, after almost a good four years break, is dedicated to her as a thank you gesture and as a good start for me, in finally setting a life goal, solely and personally, for the first time, for myself. Shahila would know what I mean.</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-4982427376788692362014-01-19T10:03:00.001+08:002014-01-19T10:03:48.365+08:00Notice (Pengumuman)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dear Cooks and Readers,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My apologies for having to send you this notice but I needed to let you all know that I need a few weeks break from blogging due to some very personal matters. I am really sorry. I have taken pictures of a few recipes but I am unable to work on them at the moment. Will try to post as and when I can. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, hang in tight and Happy Kitchen-ing!! </div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-40855812801207391392014-01-11T11:35:00.004+08:002014-01-11T11:45:32.251+08:00Saksuka<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkGrb4r5IYI/Usyc9Jk_XrI/AAAAAAAATdk/sEIo7oZ2zS4/s1600/IMAG4784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sabsuka, saksuka, shakshuka" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dkGrb4r5IYI/Usyc9Jk_XrI/AAAAAAAATdk/sEIo7oZ2zS4/s1600/IMAG4784.jpg" height="360" title="Saksuka" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello Cooks, before anything else, I would like to draw your attention over the right side of your screen. In line with my resolution to be a better person and to help make the world a better place, I have placed a few links to the various organisations which could use some help from us. Please please please check it out to see if you are able to help or contribute in whatever small way that you can. Just like the late Michael Jackson used to say it, "<b>let's</b> <b><i>heal the world, make it a better place, for you and for me and the entire human race</i></b>". </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN1hmOwuJyk/UsydLJqNVwI/AAAAAAAATds/NqmLj_P2oWw/s1600/IMAG4779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bN1hmOwuJyk/UsydLJqNVwI/AAAAAAAATds/NqmLj_P2oWw/s1600/IMAG4779.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0bP31ar9Ho/Usydhere6BI/AAAAAAAATd0/z0ZovpLeJoI/s1600/IMAG4781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P0bP31ar9Ho/Usydhere6BI/AAAAAAAATd0/z0ZovpLeJoI/s1600/IMAG4781.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One person cannot do everything to help everyone, but one person can do something to help someone. God always bless those who help others with more and when we have more, it will then allow us to do even more. There are lives who are in need of desperate help in those linked organisations. There is hope for them through all of us. Again, let's try and help in whatever small way that we can and don't forget to take a minute to pray to God for their well-being, safety and happiness. Ameen.... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Before I start glorifying my next recipe in this post, let us also thank God for He has blessed us with enough resources to cook enough food to fill us from hunger, a home to shelter us in the day and night and also of course for blessing us with a lappy and/or a desktop plus internet connection to search for recipes. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4KCG07cwpk/UsyeLbFYKGI/AAAAAAAATd8/OUDaBYS-NDI/s1600/IMAG4788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y4KCG07cwpk/UsyeLbFYKGI/AAAAAAAATd8/OUDaBYS-NDI/s1600/IMAG4788.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7gn3A4X_SY/UsyfFyUU63I/AAAAAAAATeE/nO-X7lLQIl8/s1600/IMAG4778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L7gn3A4X_SY/UsyfFyUU63I/AAAAAAAATeE/nO-X7lLQIl8/s1600/IMAG4778.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, the recipe for today is known as Saksuka! Yes! For some of you who have been requesting for this recipe, here it is, one of the best there is! There are many ways of pronouncing and spelling the name of this dish just as there are many ways of cooking it. I got this recipe from a blog called <a href="http://noraini-ibu-manja.blogspot.sg/search/label/Daging" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sajian Bersama Ibu Manja</a> belonging to Sister Noraini where you can take a look at the original recipe. A very great thanks to her for sharing this excellent recipe. I did however made some minor editions to this recipe to suit my taste bud or was it my appetite? ;p Anyway, it is one of my husband's favourite and it is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. Needless to say, a perfect meal to serve your guests. Let's not just take a look, let us stare at the ingredients, shall we?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sP7yU-gZObk/UsyfyyLDWMI/AAAAAAAATeQ/IefgThkGF8o/s1600/IMAG4786_20140108075104037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sP7yU-gZObk/UsyfyyLDWMI/AAAAAAAATeQ/IefgThkGF8o/s1600/IMAG4786_20140108075104037.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
This serves 8-10 people<br />
<br />
<i>*Note that spoonful herein refers to 10ml volume.</i><br />
<br />
2 spoonsful of ghee - you can omit this totally if you don't want to be sinning like me and substitute with just cooking oil <i>(I used QBB brand)</i><br />
2 spoonsful of cooking oil <i>(I added this myself because I don't want to be using too much ghee. I am trying to lose some weight remember)</i><br />
1 kg of minced beef<br />
5 large onions - diced<br />
3 stalks green chillies - sliced on the bias <i>(I added this myself)</i><br />
5 spoonsful of <b>bamia</b> powder <i>(an Arabian curry mix powder - I used Minah's brand which can be bought from Sheng Siong supermarket or local provision stores)</i><br />
1 spoonful of chilli powder - optional <i>(I added this myself for just a tad of that spicy touch but I did not add it in this time cos I run out of it)</i><br />
1 small can of tomato puree <i>(the original recipe calls for one bottle of tomato sauce which I am not a fan of)</i><br />
4 tomatoes - diced <i>(I had left with only two in the fridge, so you will see that my diced tomatoes look lesser in quantity)</i><br />
2 tomatoes - diced <i>(I added this myself, to be used during baking)</i><br />
1 pack of 250 grams of shredded mozarella cheese<br />
8 stems of coriander leaves - chopped with stems<br />
16 pieces of mint leaves - torn into smaller pieces<br />
1 teaspoonful sugar<br />
6-8 eggs<br />
salt to taste<br />
2-3 small bowls of water - depending on the size of your bowl - divided <i>(I added this myself)</i><br />
<br />
<b><i><u>**Items to be blended in a food processor with a little bit of water to form a paste</u></i></b><br />
6 garlics**<br />
3 cm ginger**<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh-BNdX8VJg/Usyf8pJZtGI/AAAAAAAATeY/MkpFtt73sE4/s1600/IMAG4749_20140108080314063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hh-BNdX8VJg/Usyf8pJZtGI/AAAAAAAATeY/MkpFtt73sE4/s1600/IMAG4749_20140108080314063.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Pre-heat your oven at 200 degrees celsius. Then, heat up some cooking oil (about 2 spoonsful) in pan. Once heated, add in the minced meat. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3LMq365A5g/UsygHbBOjaI/AAAAAAAATeg/TUjvPtr_ZNs/s1600/IMAG4752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3LMq365A5g/UsygHbBOjaI/AAAAAAAATeg/TUjvPtr_ZNs/s1600/IMAG4752.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Fry for about five minutes or until browned. Off fire. Drain the fats and set the cooked minced beef aside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-WlnOAkKT0/UsygQqnry9I/AAAAAAAATeo/liCkNG7UCKU/s1600/IMAG4753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i-WlnOAkKT0/UsygQqnry9I/AAAAAAAATeo/liCkNG7UCKU/s1600/IMAG4753.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Separately, heat up the two spoonsful of ghee and two spoonsful of cooking oil in a pan. Once heated, add in the diced onions. Saute for a few minutes or until the onions are withered.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFoTT-q6vL0/UsygaBX08-I/AAAAAAAATew/FQB4g5B2Lqo/s1600/IMAG4754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFoTT-q6vL0/UsygaBX08-I/AAAAAAAATew/FQB4g5B2Lqo/s1600/IMAG4754.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in the blended garlic and ginger paste. Saute for about a minute or two or until fragrant. You will be able to smell that fragrance.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPBxyD8YOY8/UsygoS_FpbI/AAAAAAAATe4/-sIWeP9tv8U/s1600/IMAG4755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPBxyD8YOY8/UsygoS_FpbI/AAAAAAAATe4/-sIWeP9tv8U/s1600/IMAG4755.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in the bamia powder. This would also be the time to add in the chilli powder, if you are using. Give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_kQnZ_CBrI/Usyg0DTwftI/AAAAAAAATfA/PlltVEGIfuU/s1600/IMAG4759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v_kQnZ_CBrI/Usyg0DTwftI/AAAAAAAATfA/PlltVEGIfuU/s1600/IMAG4759.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in one small bowl of water. Continue to saute until oil separates.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKI6TF3srns/UsyhAGTMawI/AAAAAAAATfI/GnU0SKM1r7U/s1600/IMAG4761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EKI6TF3srns/UsyhAGTMawI/AAAAAAAATfI/GnU0SKM1r7U/s1600/IMAG4761.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Once the mixture looks dried and you can see oil starts to collect at the gaps or around the mix like in the picture above, oil has separated. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QlcK7QKqME/UsyhLKt9WlI/AAAAAAAATfQ/snxaMRGOHpg/s1600/IMAG4762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QlcK7QKqME/UsyhLKt9WlI/AAAAAAAATfQ/snxaMRGOHpg/s1600/IMAG4762.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Add in the tomato puree and diced tomatoes. Give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_bZsCoRlY4/UsyhXVRz3GI/AAAAAAAATfY/T3sSnnSIlHc/s1600/IMAG4763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c_bZsCoRlY4/UsyhXVRz3GI/AAAAAAAATfY/T3sSnnSIlHc/s1600/IMAG4763.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Add in the remaining two small bowls of water. Give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNY_NpogKcY/UsyhoFXw-8I/AAAAAAAATfg/de0uBr82rpo/s1600/IMAG4764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TNY_NpogKcY/UsyhoFXw-8I/AAAAAAAATfg/de0uBr82rpo/s1600/IMAG4764.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Add in the sugar and salt to your taste. Stir thoroughly.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uz4VOK0kAXI/Usyhz-UH9ZI/AAAAAAAATfo/Ozrnq9C74Q8/s1600/IMAG4765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uz4VOK0kAXI/Usyhz-UH9ZI/AAAAAAAATfo/Ozrnq9C74Q8/s1600/IMAG4765.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Add in the cooked minced beef. Give a thorough stir. Do a taste check and season accordingly, if necessary.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewipnYNT0NA/Usyh_u1tBJI/AAAAAAAATfw/RGBAO8f3uRM/s1600/IMAG4766.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ewipnYNT0NA/Usyh_u1tBJI/AAAAAAAATfw/RGBAO8f3uRM/s1600/IMAG4766.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Add in the coriander leaves. Stir to combine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVqz-doZyxs/UsyiMXz7ZBI/AAAAAAAATf4/f0H6_rekmKw/s1600/IMAG4768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uVqz-doZyxs/UsyiMXz7ZBI/AAAAAAAATf4/f0H6_rekmKw/s1600/IMAG4768.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. Add in the sliced green chillies (if I was cooking this for myself, I would have added the green chillies on top of the eggs, just before I topped it with cheese in the baking dish. Since I do not want to cause inconvenience to my mother-in-law and husband just in case the chillies got stuck to the mozarella, I decided to add the sliced chillies at this stage). Give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIPdvSQMe_Q/UsyiZcftpHI/AAAAAAAATgA/RfdJd1gEBLY/s1600/IMAG4770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIPdvSQMe_Q/UsyiZcftpHI/AAAAAAAATgA/RfdJd1gEBLY/s1600/IMAG4770.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. Off fire.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huHlukYD_eg/Usyitd5424I/AAAAAAAATgI/FXvuRVJUxcs/s1600/IMAG4771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-huHlukYD_eg/Usyitd5424I/AAAAAAAATgI/FXvuRVJUxcs/s1600/IMAG4771.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15. Add everything into a 13x9 baking dish. Basically, this is the time to add in the eggs. Make six to eight equally apart indents or shallow holes in the beef mix. Break one egg into each indent or each shallow hole. (We prefer pan fried sunny side to be served with Saksuka rather than baking the eggs in it so I did not add the eggs at this stage)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9I3U7t8y0E/Usyi-gK5AtI/AAAAAAAATgQ/gF-PAj9u0F0/s1600/IMAG4772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9I3U7t8y0E/Usyi-gK5AtI/AAAAAAAATgQ/gF-PAj9u0F0/s1600/IMAG4772.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
16. Sprinkle the remaining diced tomatoes, mint leaves and green chillies all over the beef mix.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-to77Tt8oYPw/UsyjhVHVdmI/AAAAAAAATgY/qaxHSsswejw/s1600/IMAG4773.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-to77Tt8oYPw/UsyjhVHVdmI/AAAAAAAATgY/qaxHSsswejw/s1600/IMAG4773.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
17. Finally, top the mix with the shredded mozarella cheese.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ktVeI_X8EY/UsykeoVynVI/AAAAAAAATgg/iLCbuoAaDxQ/s1600/IMAG4776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ktVeI_X8EY/UsykeoVynVI/AAAAAAAATgg/iLCbuoAaDxQ/s1600/IMAG4776.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
18. Bake at 200 degrees celsius for twenty minutes to half an hour or until the mixture bubbles and the mozzarella cheese is slightly browned on top.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2l9d4XzpkoI/Usyku06qaTI/AAAAAAAATgo/1YOh7svreXw/s1600/IMAG4777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2l9d4XzpkoI/Usyku06qaTI/AAAAAAAATgo/1YOh7svreXw/s1600/IMAG4777.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
19. Ready to be served in portions with any kinds of bread!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Enjoy heaven! Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-48190895416751516842014-01-07T14:35:00.000+08:002014-01-07T18:24:11.358+08:00Last Day of Fetching Sayf Ahmad from Nursery<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMyZVbYQhGo/UsuSBgJxp2I/AAAAAAAATdQ/ALOeI183TBU/s1600/IMAG4803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMyZVbYQhGo/UsuSBgJxp2I/AAAAAAAATdQ/ALOeI183TBU/s1600/IMAG4803.jpg" height="640" width="546" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday, was the last day of my leave since Sayf started his first few days of school. It is also my last day of spending full day at home with my lover boys as well as my last day of fetching Sayf from nursery before passing on the full responsibility to my kitchen-ing assistant. I didn't know why it did not strike my mind to take pictures of him much earlier. Perhaps the stress of thinking that Sayf would be upset about going to school and the fear of having him cry which would somehow distraught me emotionally, totally blocked the excitement and happiness of a mother whose child is finally starting school and beginning a new phase in his journey of growing up.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jI5ci_wyaOU/UsuRc0y2oZI/AAAAAAAATc4/s5UpbFw7lTs/s1600/IMAG4790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jI5ci_wyaOU/UsuRc0y2oZI/AAAAAAAATc4/s5UpbFw7lTs/s1600/IMAG4790.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sayf, the one with the taqiyah (cap), looking calm after assembling for du'a (prayers) recital before dismissal.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I only thought about taking his pictures as I walked my way to fetch him from school yesterday afternoon and even that was because I had my smart phone in hand as I was expecting a call. It was definitely a pity that I had not taken many more pictures of him earlier but honestly, it was never easy taking a proper picture of Sayf either unless he is really in the mood to do me a favour and do a proper pose for a photograph.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yesterday was somehow my lucky day though. I actually could not keep him still for a proper pose until we reached along the corridors a few units away from my home. Despite having to keep snapping his photos again and again as he kept moving around, I managed to catch a few pose albeit with playful facial expressions which I wasn't really expecting to shoot. Snapping a good photo was near to impossible and I had to really be quick enough to catch the right moment with a clear shot! Better than nothing, I guess.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rF8rhv0Yp8M/UsuR4CgE6II/AAAAAAAATdI/_YDvmWWQa0o/s1600/IMAG4798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rF8rhv0Yp8M/UsuR4CgE6II/AAAAAAAATdI/_YDvmWWQa0o/s1600/IMAG4798.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whatever it is, I will most definitely miss my days of getting him ready for school and fetching him back home. Being a working mother, you really have to give lots of precious moments with your kids a miss. I really wish I could be a full time mom to care for my babies and enjoy my time with them but I guess working hard to give them a better future is just as equally important.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuLZEVwU0VA/UsuRrvh8DhI/AAAAAAAATdA/y8WuWjOX_VI/s1600/IMAG4796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CuLZEVwU0VA/UsuRrvh8DhI/AAAAAAAATdA/y8WuWjOX_VI/s1600/IMAG4796.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
Sayf Ahmad, just remember that Ummi loves you very much my son. Always, always and always... </div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-68881065472016587472014-01-05T19:54:00.006+08:002014-01-06T09:36:21.587+08:00Indian Fish Curry (Kari Ikan India)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4PU_AhPX0A/Usj5CxivxOI/AAAAAAAATJI/KHCsgG4MSWs/s1600/IMAG4683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kari Ikan Mamak" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k4PU_AhPX0A/Usj5CxivxOI/AAAAAAAATJI/KHCsgG4MSWs/s640/IMAG4683.jpg" height="360" title="Indian Fish Curry (Kari Ikan India)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The past few days had been quite bad. I have been having sudden bout of migraine attacks. Paracetamols were not helping at all and I was still under attack today. The throbbings were really killing me but I decided not to let it ruin my Sunday. I downed two tabs of synflex after lunch. Yes, it was so bad, that I had to order home delivery for lunch. How can I cook or even do anything at all when it felt as if my head was being hammered all the time?! After about half an hour of taking the tablets, it was like magic. The migraine was gone. The best thing is, my two lover boys were well behaved today and before life gets back to reality, I decided to grab my lappy and had this post typed out. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cqfpU0nZJg/Usj33fyAmnI/AAAAAAAATIY/i3WUA_QUDCc/s1600/IMAG4684_20140105135355710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4cqfpU0nZJg/Usj33fyAmnI/AAAAAAAATIY/i3WUA_QUDCc/s640/IMAG4684_20140105135355710.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Perhaps, I had been too stressed out over the past few days. Sayf started nursery this year. I was worried that he might start to cry on the second day of school as parents are allowed into the class to accompany their children only on the first day of school. That was what happened in January last year. I was still on maternity leave then when Sayf started going to one and a half hour playgroup sessions. He was fine and all smiley on the first day of school but when the second day came, I had a hard time trying to get him to school. He was already crying when he woke up in the morning and started telling me that he did not want to go to school. He stopped for a while when he got distracted and started again once he remembered school in his mind. He cried during lunch time, bathing time and, oh well, he cried most of the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFRJzYgDZ_Q/Usj4FBCdDpI/AAAAAAAATIg/XtOGM0-4WpE/s1600/IMAG4685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFRJzYgDZ_Q/Usj4FBCdDpI/AAAAAAAATIg/XtOGM0-4WpE/s640/IMAG4685.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then came the whole lot of emotionally heart breaking dialogues where he kept asking me not to send him to school and that he did not mind not having any friends and he did not want to see his teacher. He was bargaining with me the whole time when I walked him to school which was just a few blocks away from my mum's (where I was staying during my after birth confinement period). When he finally reached the front door of school, he started crying even more loudly. I had to keep assuring him that I wasn't going to go away and that I would wait for him outside school. Then, I said my goodbye as his teacher carried him away into class and he cried "<i>Ummi, jangan cakap goodbye!</i>" in Malay (or in English, "<i>Ummi, don't say goodbye!</i>"). My heart broke but I was giggling at the same time. It was like a scene in the movie where the son was being led away from his mother to god knows where! Life with Sayf was so hysterically dramatic then except for weekends and public holidays ;p. Imagine having to do a re-take of the same scene every single day for three months.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r96Bs-bba4Y/Usj4SfF0n9I/AAAAAAAATIo/Gdbl0j6MWbg/s1600/IMAG4688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r96Bs-bba4Y/Usj4SfF0n9I/AAAAAAAATIo/Gdbl0j6MWbg/s640/IMAG4688.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Surprisingly and most thankfully, this year, Sayf is finally my cool guy. Although he went into a new class with new classmates, he was very calm and quiet. I managed to sneak in and see him from a far corner. He was quite attentive listening to the children song playing on the class television and I could see that he was attempting to sing along. No cries or sad stories whatsoever on the second day of school either. His teacher told me that he was doing great and was very calm despite a few other classmates who were crying. Phew! A load off my mind now and I can go back to work without any worries on Tuesday. These are the little things that will remain as my sweet memories when Sayf is all grown up one day. Of course I have to gear myself up for forthcoming drama episodes with Suhaym in two years' time but for now, I'd rather not think about it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPqChq--TrQ/Usj4e8WkriI/AAAAAAAATIw/BGBhcTOgdTI/s1600/IMAG4687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BPqChq--TrQ/Usj4e8WkriI/AAAAAAAATIw/BGBhcTOgdTI/s640/IMAG4687.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwUkM06iYLM/Usj4xnrQ3zI/AAAAAAAATI4/mFTzrRFDwO4/s1600/IMAG4691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KwUkM06iYLM/Usj4xnrQ3zI/AAAAAAAATI4/mFTzrRFDwO4/s640/IMAG4691.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Aside from all that stories of motherhood, it is back to my stomach rumblings. I was craving for my Indian Fish Curry last Friday. I went out to the market in the morning and bought a few kinds of fish. One of them was trevally fish. Trevally fish which is known as "ikan sagai" in Malay, compliments Indian curry very well. Surprisingly, I did not think of getting any mackerel that day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Naturally, the best dish to serve my husband and mother-in-law is curry and nothing beats the taste of food that satisfies your cravings and I must say that this is one of my best fish curry recipes. Everytime I cook fish curry, I just could never end up cooking it in any other way. This is a must try if you haven't. You can check out the recipe <a href="http://www.tilahskitchen.com/2013/09/jahs-daughter-indian-fish-curry-kari.html#more" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_A9lGwicljc/Usj47cXniuI/AAAAAAAATJA/E7uR9CybQKw/s1600/IMAG4690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_A9lGwicljc/Usj47cXniuI/AAAAAAAATJA/E7uR9CybQKw/s640/IMAG4690.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
<br /></div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-29446398432800189082014-01-03T21:48:00.003+08:002014-01-04T16:03:13.584+08:00Tilah's Mum Chicken Rendang (Rendang Ayam Mak Tilah)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZRqT-EDQ-4/UsYmfVMGLyI/AAAAAAAAS2U/UmV5ry-ZGQ0/s1600/IMAG4678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GZRqT-EDQ-4/UsYmfVMGLyI/AAAAAAAAS2U/UmV5ry-ZGQ0/s640/IMAG4678.jpg" title="Tilah's Mum Chicken Rendang (Rendang Ayam Mak Tilah)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On New Year's Holiday, I cooked my most favourite dish. Oh yes! I know! I know you might be thinking in your hearts that it is nothing new as every dish is my favourite dish and I am the blah blah blah who claims that I am not greedy and who calls my "supersized" self a "supermodel". </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But! Until you cook it and you taste it, you will know the reason as to why I say that this is indeed my "most" favourite dish. My mum's signature which is a hit with anyone who has ever tasted it and left them bugging me and the rest of my siblings for the recipe. Chicken Rendang or should I say, Tilah's Mum Chicken Rendang to be exact. Even a good friend of mine who got the recipe from me by chance, has her family now addicted to this dish and they call it by the Malay name, "Rendang Ayam Mak Tilah". I am sorry though that there is no direct translation in English for the word "rendang". As such, I shall refer to "rendang" as rendang! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-ZoHU0MwaQ/UsYmqHI38sI/AAAAAAAAS2c/Mg9nNqK6Wfk/s1600/IMAG4676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q-ZoHU0MwaQ/UsYmqHI38sI/AAAAAAAAS2c/Mg9nNqK6Wfk/s640/IMAG4676.jpg" title="Tilah's Mum Chicken Rendang (Rendang Ayam Mak Tilah) - 2" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRvR0CPQXSE/UsYm71oeZwI/AAAAAAAAS2k/25iARUbe8Vc/s1600/IMAG4672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DRvR0CPQXSE/UsYm71oeZwI/AAAAAAAAS2k/25iARUbe8Vc/s640/IMAG4672.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is a very well known Malay traditional dish which is usually prepared during the celebrations of Eid-ul-Fitr (also known locally as Hari Raya Aidilfitri or Hari Raya Puasa) or Eid-ul-Adha (also known locally as Hari Raya Aidiladha or Hari Raya Haji). Most of the Malay community would know how to cook "rendang" though the ingredients and the style of cooking may sometimes vary a little here and there. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8IjeGUwIc8/UsYnokMtkAI/AAAAAAAAS2w/PX0AVjTMkVU/s1600/IMAG4675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e8IjeGUwIc8/UsYnokMtkAI/AAAAAAAAS2w/PX0AVjTMkVU/s640/IMAG4675.jpg" title="Tilah's Mum Chicken Rendang (Rendang Ayam Mak Tilah) - 3" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rote108-9_E/UsYnyLskknI/AAAAAAAAS24/vlrxmsWB0bw/s1600/IMAG4677.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rote108-9_E/UsYnyLskknI/AAAAAAAAS24/vlrxmsWB0bw/s640/IMAG4677.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Despite the varying ingredients used by various people in cooking rendang, there are a few ingredients which you cannot make do without. Rendang is not called "rendang" without these ingredients. The ingredients which I am referring to are kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaves and toasted coconut which is called "kerisik" in Malay. You can buy "kerisik" at any local supermarkets or provision stores. I am however not sure if it is available overseas other than in Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. In any case, I think the taste of rendang would still be forgivable and not wander that far off if you have no choice but to make do without it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFFEGR7I9yI/UsYoAoZRBcI/AAAAAAAAS3A/G2dBRqoI6N8/s1600/IMAG4670.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFFEGR7I9yI/UsYoAoZRBcI/AAAAAAAAS3A/G2dBRqoI6N8/s640/IMAG4670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZdk6jQ2PZo/UsYoyFKbGYI/AAAAAAAAS3M/In6rTfw9gYs/s1600/IMAG4674.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uZdk6jQ2PZo/UsYoyFKbGYI/AAAAAAAAS3M/In6rTfw9gYs/s640/IMAG4674.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since the taste is marvellous, it is not a surprise that this is also my mother-in-law's, my dearest husband's and Sayf's all time favourite. I am sure Suhaym will follow suit in a year or two. I always cook more than I am supposed to when I cook rendang simply because my family just cannot have enough of it. This is also the reason that I did not cook it every so often. Due to the richness of this dish and the amount of it that we (or is it "me", hehe ;p) fill our stomachs with each time I cook it, I might just "poof" into a "superduper-model" and the whole family would need to change our wardrobes.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here goes the recipe for this definite must try! <br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
<i>Do note that spoonful herein refers to 10 ml volume</i><br />
<br />
12-16 pieces of chicken parts - cleaned and marinated with two tablespoons of turmeric powder and salt to taste then fried till cooked and set aside<br />
2 cm galangal - crushed<br />
1-2 stalks lemon grass - cut into two and crushed<br />
4 pieces of kaffir lime leaves - torn into pieces or sliced into very fine strips - divided<br />
1/4 of a piece of turmeric leaf - sliced into very fine strips<br />
2 pieces of tamarind peels<br />
200 ml of coconut cream<br />
600 ml of water<br />
4 teaspoons of toasted coconut ("kerisik")<br />
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder<br />
1 spoonful sugar<br />
1 teaspoonful of Ajinamoto (optional)<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>(**Items to be blended in a food processor with a little water to form a paste)</u></i></b><br />
30 stalks of dried red chillies** - slit in halves, rinsed, boiled and rinsed again until de-seeded<br />
2 large onions**<br />
5 shallots**<br />
6 garlics**<br />
2 cm ginger**<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rewrtNL27ws/UsYqnnEeR0I/AAAAAAAAS4E/HgYQL6uHEbI/s1600/IMAG4646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rewrtNL27ws/UsYqnnEeR0I/AAAAAAAAS4E/HgYQL6uHEbI/s640/IMAG4646.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat enough oil in deep based pan. Once heated, add in the blended ingredients.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEzsD7_lafc/UsYq2PEFbEI/AAAAAAAAS4M/9DKnknCYT3U/s1600/IMAG4648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEzsD7_lafc/UsYq2PEFbEI/AAAAAAAAS4M/9DKnknCYT3U/s640/IMAG4648.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the lemon grass, galangal and half portion of the kaffir lime strips. Saute for about two to three minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjP07kAV5lE/UsYrYnhQgGI/AAAAAAAAS4U/n3Mo1wYHfQk/s1600/IMAG4650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rjP07kAV5lE/UsYrYnhQgGI/AAAAAAAAS4U/n3Mo1wYHfQk/s640/IMAG4650.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the turmeric powder and further saute for a minute or two.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGZI5BJV-ls/UsYrlJy6yII/AAAAAAAAS4c/OmA1tEvzbJc/s1600/IMAG4652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TGZI5BJV-ls/UsYrlJy6yII/AAAAAAAAS4c/OmA1tEvzbJc/s640/IMAG4652.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in the tamarind peels and saute for another minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vOTu-RFwAtQ/UsYrzttupxI/AAAAAAAAS4k/yDEr84Uh0BY/s1600/IMAG4653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vOTu-RFwAtQ/UsYrzttupxI/AAAAAAAAS4k/yDEr84Uh0BY/s640/IMAG4653.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in sugar and saute until oil separates.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXNnWo8Y1RI/UsYsZZMmZrI/AAAAAAAAS4s/NmythIfaGC4/s1600/IMAG4654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MXNnWo8Y1RI/UsYsZZMmZrI/AAAAAAAAS4s/NmythIfaGC4/s640/IMAG4654.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Once the sauteing mix looks dried and you can see oil collecting at the gaps or around it, oil has separated.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1CowkUlIlo/UsYsnFN_IPI/AAAAAAAAS40/l5g_szJQeo4/s1600/IMAG4655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w1CowkUlIlo/UsYsnFN_IPI/AAAAAAAAS40/l5g_szJQeo4/s640/IMAG4655.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Add in coconut cream and give a stir. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzjIcB7sUZo/UsYszQep2jI/AAAAAAAAS48/4TkVADYwpUA/s1600/IMAG4656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rzjIcB7sUZo/UsYszQep2jI/AAAAAAAAS48/4TkVADYwpUA/s640/IMAG4656.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Add in water, salt and Ajinamoto. Give a stir and bring to boil whilst stirring every now and then.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8oV01qeRoU/UsYs_tjfCAI/AAAAAAAAS5E/p4_aWazEMBk/s1600/IMAG4657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8oV01qeRoU/UsYs_tjfCAI/AAAAAAAAS5E/p4_aWazEMBk/s640/IMAG4657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Once boiling, add in the remaining strips of kaffir lime leaves and turmeric leaf. Give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtMNElLn7iE/UsYtyPa_UYI/AAAAAAAAS5U/efTr-CjTjNY/s1600/IMAG4658_20140103094454512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtMNElLn7iE/UsYtyPa_UYI/AAAAAAAAS5U/efTr-CjTjNY/s640/IMAG4658_20140103094454512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Add in the toasted coconut (you can't really see the toasted coconut in the picture above except for that bit of brown in the gravy as it just dived into the gravy when I added it in). Give a thorough stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_FzAgUN_TAU/UsYt9wQIjKI/AAAAAAAAS5c/t4_-tIdMfbk/s1600/IMAG4662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_FzAgUN_TAU/UsYt9wQIjKI/AAAAAAAAS5c/t4_-tIdMfbk/s640/IMAG4662.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Remember to do a taste check and season accordingly if necessary. Let simmer for about a minute or two whilst stirring every now and then. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PXjvBSmzFk/UsYukKi8lhI/AAAAAAAAS5k/rYs8jNfzv80/s1600/IMAG4665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4PXjvBSmzFk/UsYukKi8lhI/AAAAAAAAS5k/rYs8jNfzv80/s640/IMAG4665.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Add in the fried chicken parts and fold them into the gravy. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZpLWAU92-A/UsYu53kFUNI/AAAAAAAAS5s/eIkOMrupdL0/s1600/IMAG4666_BURST002_COVER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZpLWAU92-A/UsYu53kFUNI/AAAAAAAAS5s/eIkOMrupdL0/s640/IMAG4666_BURST002_COVER.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. Let simmer for another minute or two.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ah4aXSC9RK4/UsYvIZiFxFI/AAAAAAAAS50/gff8trsHHhM/s1600/IMAG4667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ah4aXSC9RK4/UsYvIZiFxFI/AAAAAAAAS50/gff8trsHHhM/s640/IMAG4667.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. Off fire and serve.</div>
<br />
Goes very well with the Malay traditional rice cakes like "ketupat" or "lontong". It is also just as good with white rice. Enjoy and Happy Kitchen-ing!!<br />
<br /></div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-61560207630163802292014-01-01T21:34:00.003+08:002014-01-01T22:20:20.145+08:00Cassava Leaves in Coconut Cream (Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py3eIbgvNWg/UsPanyk2AYI/AAAAAAAASyY/0jRlWoWc5uk/s1600/IMAG4633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-py3eIbgvNWg/UsPanyk2AYI/AAAAAAAASyY/0jRlWoWc5uk/s640/IMAG4633.jpg" title="Cassava Leaves in Coconut Cream (Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Happy New Year 2014 to all my fellow Cooks! 2013 went by in a blink of an eye. Very much so for me who already feel "old" and now I am dreading "older". Whatever it is, for most of us, we are leaving behind a year of sweet and sad memories, ups and downs, laughter and tears and life experiences which no doubt makes 2013 yet again another year to remember and hopefully leaving each and every one of us nonetheless a year wiser. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qweDjHdbltQ/UsPaaiRcLaI/AAAAAAAASyQ/liTCBgzsHqc/s1600/IMAG4632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qweDjHdbltQ/UsPaaiRcLaI/AAAAAAAASyQ/liTCBgzsHqc/s640/IMAG4632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My new year resolution is to be a better wife, a better daughter, a better mother, a better sister, a better friend, a better worker and a better person who will in turn contribute to the world being a better place. I don't know what to expect and what destiny has in store for each and every one of us. All I know is that there is still much good in this world and for as long as there is good in this world, there is hope for the world to be a better place. It will be, for God is Most Hearing, Most Seeing and Most Merciful. To all men, women and children who are suffering in pain, in sickness and in hunger, may their suffering ease with every second and may every second be a better second than the last. Ameen...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4DESNeWpJI/UsPa2kpmLhI/AAAAAAAASyg/zbS6FnEJmoU/s1600/IMAG4634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D4DESNeWpJI/UsPa2kpmLhI/AAAAAAAASyg/zbS6FnEJmoU/s640/IMAG4634.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As for my family and I, we didn't do much on New Year's eve. I don't know what we did, but all of us seemed lethargic and we went off to bed early. I have no idea what made us so tired but our sleeping time was not chaotic as usual and it went by without much of a hassle. I think everyone in my family was in dreamland when it was time to countdown though I am sure that the rest of Singapore would have been less of a bore and would have ushered in the New Year with much anticipation, excitement and happiness.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzA9G3xnaG4/UsPbFl8TgfI/AAAAAAAASyo/z8i3MXx1mHM/s1600/IMAG4635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzA9G3xnaG4/UsPbFl8TgfI/AAAAAAAASyo/z8i3MXx1mHM/s640/IMAG4635.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, now back to the subject. Last Sunday, I cooked a very traditional dish. It is a traditional Malay dish. A "kampung" (village) dish as some would call it but still an all time hit amongst the Malays, young and old. However, I can't say the same for people who don't eat green and leafy vegetables. :) Our meal for that day was more of a kampung style meal. We had white rice with the cassava leaves in coconut cream, grilled fish and sambal oelek.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier on, when I came back from marketing on Sunday morning, I told my kitchen-ing assistant that I had wanted to cook the cassava leaves which I had chanced upon at one of the stalls in the market. I felt like drooling when I saw the leaves tied in bunches and decided that I am going to cook it as part of the family's meal for the day. Being her usual efficient self, my kitchen-ing assistant had boiled the leaves to cook whilst I was changing. I did not get the chance to snap pictures of the cassava leaves. Anyway, I managed to find a free image of cassava leaves tied in bunches from <a href="http://www.dreamstime.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.dreamstime.com</a>. So for those of you who are not sure how cassava leaves or what is also commonly known as "tapioca leaves" look like, I hope the image below would give you a clear picture. Otherwise, "google" is there!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5E5I-p9SOU/UsPbJTdlfKI/AAAAAAAASyw/_QnNbJQ1rIQ/s1600/cassava-leaves-15848774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5E5I-p9SOU/UsPbJTdlfKI/AAAAAAAASyw/_QnNbJQ1rIQ/s640/cassava-leaves-15848774.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEufptd0Wl0/UsPbVtftM5I/AAAAAAAASy4/FVNeStpB_6o/s1600/IMAG4614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iEufptd0Wl0/UsPbVtftM5I/AAAAAAAASy4/FVNeStpB_6o/s640/IMAG4614.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Most of the time, when preparing dishes using cassava leaves, the leaves would have to be boiled till cooked and the water from boiling drained. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vOH2R1ntwSM/UsPbgzX_rKI/AAAAAAAASzA/hif9fhXCo8I/s1600/IMAG4615.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vOH2R1ntwSM/UsPbgzX_rKI/AAAAAAAASzA/hif9fhXCo8I/s640/IMAG4615.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since the leaves are long and easily tangled, what I would normally do is that once they are cooled, I take the drained boiled leaves in my hand and slice them up in bunches before setting them aside for further cooking.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_pCNQ2I7qc/UsPbtne9tCI/AAAAAAAASzI/TftRB-Y0-1E/s1600/IMAG4617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G_pCNQ2I7qc/UsPbtne9tCI/AAAAAAAASzI/TftRB-Y0-1E/s640/IMAG4617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My mother's recipe also calls for small white anchovies to be used as one of the ingredients in the preparation of this dish.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yr-KcNM3BzQ/UsPb3_ouwHI/AAAAAAAASzQ/0bRhsNtZGcQ/s1600/IMAG4618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yr-KcNM3BzQ/UsPb3_ouwHI/AAAAAAAASzQ/0bRhsNtZGcQ/s640/IMAG4618.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then, the anchovies are blended together with some other ingredients in the food processor to form a paste.</div>
<br />
Now, here goes! :)<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
This dish serves about 3 to 5 people<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Note that spoonful here refers to 10ml volume</i><br />
<br />
2 ties of cassava leaves - pluck the leaves from stem, wash and then boil till cooked. Drain off water and let cool then sliced in bunches as per the illustrations shown in the pictures above. (the leaves may look really a lot in a tie but after cooking, you will see that they look very little in quantity)<br />
1 stalk of lemon grass - cut into two and crushed<br />
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder<br />
1 box of coconut cream - 200 ml (I used Kara brand)<br />
300-400 ml of water (depending on how thick or dilute you want the cream gravy to be)<br />
1 teaspoon of sugar (or Ajinamoto, if you prefer)<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>(**Items to be blended in food processor with a little water to form a paste)</u></i></b><br />
1-2 spoonfuls of small white anchovies**<br />
5 shallots**<br />
3 garlics**<br />
1 fresh red chilli**<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BV-91VdDAmY/UsPcEC7PBbI/AAAAAAAASzY/Uk2QljvYHZE/s1600/IMAG4619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BV-91VdDAmY/UsPcEC7PBbI/AAAAAAAASzY/Uk2QljvYHZE/s640/IMAG4619.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat up just enough oil in deep based pan or pot. Once heated, add in the crushed lemon grass. Saute for a few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inLszOcFtwg/UsPcQWissKI/AAAAAAAASzg/2b4Qq8AXkiA/s1600/IMAG4620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-inLszOcFtwg/UsPcQWissKI/AAAAAAAASzg/2b4Qq8AXkiA/s640/IMAG4620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the blended ingredients and saute for about two minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2bKEVstPzw/UsPccUbKtwI/AAAAAAAASzo/NYHYMKkzGBY/s1600/IMAG4621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2bKEVstPzw/UsPccUbKtwI/AAAAAAAASzo/NYHYMKkzGBY/s640/IMAG4621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the turmeric powder and continue to saute until the mixture is dried or fragrant. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-dBGjvomuU/UsPcnetPAaI/AAAAAAAASzw/KNfh3E34Iks/s1600/IMAG4622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-N-dBGjvomuU/UsPcnetPAaI/AAAAAAAASzw/KNfh3E34Iks/s640/IMAG4622.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Once the mixture looks dried, you can add in water. More or less depending on your preference.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBEpkWFPjLQ/UsPc1iy78kI/AAAAAAAASz4/E7j6-Y2B2Ac/s1600/IMAG4624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xBEpkWFPjLQ/UsPc1iy78kI/AAAAAAAASz4/E7j6-Y2B2Ac/s640/IMAG4624.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Give a stir. You can add in the sugar or Ajinamoto, if you prefer. Add salt to your taste.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NY8X9zIVdiE/UsPdBNgq4qI/AAAAAAAAS0A/L9n-_jL5CgM/s1600/IMAG4625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NY8X9zIVdiE/UsPdBNgq4qI/AAAAAAAAS0A/L9n-_jL5CgM/s640/IMAG4625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in the coconut cream. Bring to boil whilst continuing to stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n1LsZZm14jY/UsPdNtnFVTI/AAAAAAAAS0I/qiP_xjYBLZw/s1600/IMAG4626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n1LsZZm14jY/UsPdNtnFVTI/AAAAAAAAS0I/qiP_xjYBLZw/s640/IMAG4626.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Once boiled, bring fire to medium while stirring. Add in the cassava leaves and stir well.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHG7mRCHtHs/UsPdbTo_3oI/AAAAAAAAS0Q/TkLT8htiJMs/s1600/IMAG4627_20140101164418080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RHG7mRCHtHs/UsPdbTo_3oI/AAAAAAAAS0Q/TkLT8htiJMs/s640/IMAG4627_20140101164418080.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Let simmer for two minutes whilst continuing to stir. Do a taste check and season accordingly, if necessary.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWxftj48CuE/UsPdnx33DHI/AAAAAAAAS0Y/ES7xxuilVhc/s1600/IMAG4629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GWxftj48CuE/UsPdnx33DHI/AAAAAAAAS0Y/ES7xxuilVhc/s640/IMAG4629.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Off fire and serve.</div>
<br />
Enjoy with white rice. Happy Kitchen-ing and Happy New Year!!<br />
<br /></div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-62403124621349658192013-12-30T07:44:00.003+08:002013-12-30T18:16:03.501+08:00Steamed Palm Sugar Cakes (Kuih Kaswi)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r309UjD4j_8/Ur-YGFNoK0I/AAAAAAAAShE/ByXO6tuJ-Nw/s1600/IMAG4610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r309UjD4j_8/Ur-YGFNoK0I/AAAAAAAAShE/ByXO6tuJ-Nw/s640/IMAG4610.jpg" title="Steamed Palm Sugar Cakes (Kuih Kaswi)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello Cooks! It had been quite an enjoyable past few days. I decided to take a few days break from blogging and spend my few days totally smothered by the three lover boys of my life. We didn't do anything much except that we were happily eating away as usual, frolicking on the sofa watching our favourite horror and thriller movies. Of course not all is sweet and merry when you have your toddler and your baby getting cranky at different times of the day and you had to find your way around trying to calm them down and enjoy whatever was left in the remaining part of lazing around but all in all, yes, spending quality time with the kids and entertaining them at their whims and fancies is really worth the while though it can sometimes be quite tiresome. Still, these are the treasured moments that I will never get to enjoy anymore once the kids are all grown in the future. </div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RuddmnUS5y0/Ur-YTXMo55I/AAAAAAAAShM/08fPtyoUBrE/s1600/IMAG4612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RuddmnUS5y0/Ur-YTXMo55I/AAAAAAAAShM/08fPtyoUBrE/s640/IMAG4612.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gk-b8zKIgKU/Ur-YifFK7gI/AAAAAAAAShU/w4j4yPklW80/s1600/IMAG4606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gk-b8zKIgKU/Ur-YifFK7gI/AAAAAAAAShU/w4j4yPklW80/s640/IMAG4606.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I managed to slip in some kitchen adventure during the weekend. Last Saturday, I attempted making the Malay traditional Steamed Palm Sugar Cakes or what is more commonly known as "Kuih Kaswi" in Malay. I used to remember my mother baking it every so often when I was little. My siblings and I would fight over the fact that some of us took more pieces than we were supposed to. My mother had to divide the pieces equally between us just to make sure that nobody would squabble on the numbers. It was so good that we undermined each other just to get an extra piece. Then, as we grow older, we saw less and less of our favourite Kuih Kaswi. I think my mother's favourite pastime of making steamed cakes were ultimately drowned within the demands of housework and the responsibilities of bringing up eight children. That's what to be expected when Romeo and Juliet decided to marry. Hehe...;p However, my mother made up for it all through her good cooking. Nevertheless, Kuih Kaswi had always been at the back of my mind and I remembered telling myself that when I do get my own kitchen one day, I would buy a steamer and make Kuih Kaswi as often as I want. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2_-jIMBzV4/Ur-Y1mRtUZI/AAAAAAAAShc/YerivBdIneE/s1600/IMAG4608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z2_-jIMBzV4/Ur-Y1mRtUZI/AAAAAAAAShc/YerivBdIneE/s640/IMAG4608.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jJ9cvdsNTY/Ur-ZEPjgYNI/AAAAAAAAShk/fleKdnR-ZC0/s1600/IMAG4613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6jJ9cvdsNTY/Ur-ZEPjgYNI/AAAAAAAAShk/fleKdnR-ZC0/s640/IMAG4613.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I got this recipe from <a href="http://hanieliza.fotopages.com/?entry=884852">Chef Hanieliza's Fotopages</a> as I had lost my mother's recipe. I thought I had it saved in my computer archive but I could not locate it when I tried to find it. My mother could no longer remember the measurements of the ingredients used but when I showed her this recipe, she told me that it is more or less like the one she used to follow. I must say that the taste is quite similar to the taste that I remembered except that my mother told me, she did not use white sugar at all in her recipe. Perhaps I should attempt using only black sugar and palm sugar the next time I make Kuih Kaswi. For now though, the taste of this Kuih Kaswi is good enough to bring me back to my good "young" days and it won me a compliment from my mother! That's the sweetest part of it all.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xf0dClaQK1U/Ur-ZUwLRp1I/AAAAAAAAShs/QYpRUJMrBOM/s1600/IMAG4609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xf0dClaQK1U/Ur-ZUwLRp1I/AAAAAAAAShs/QYpRUJMrBOM/s640/IMAG4609.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TAa-6wMqrc/Ur-ZlSoadnI/AAAAAAAASh0/dPlI8XD2UBE/s1600/IMAG4611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TAa-6wMqrc/Ur-ZlSoadnI/AAAAAAAASh0/dPlI8XD2UBE/s640/IMAG4611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>The ingredients below should be sufficient for one 28 cm steaming tin. However you may find that the quantity looks more in my pictures but that is because I am making twice the amount of ingredients below as I had wanted to give some to my neighbour and to my mother.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
5 cups water<br />
1 cup fine sugar<br />
1 cup palm sugar (I used 1/2 cup black sugar and 1/2 cup palm sugar)<br />
2 cups plain flour<br />
1/2 cup tapioca/corn flour (I used tapioca flour)<br />
1 teaspoon of calcium carbonate solution (optional)<br />
freshly grated coconut (I bought from the market at $1 per pack)<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnlgw9YYB-w/Ur-ZykXvyMI/AAAAAAAASh8/oWdMiKDGw7g/s1600/IMAG4573.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnlgw9YYB-w/Ur-ZykXvyMI/AAAAAAAASh8/oWdMiKDGw7g/s640/IMAG4573.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat up water in pot.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJp2ziNV4ic/Ur-Z9CE-kTI/AAAAAAAASiE/NF3xzyUED9M/s1600/IMAG4574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJp2ziNV4ic/Ur-Z9CE-kTI/AAAAAAAASiE/NF3xzyUED9M/s640/IMAG4574.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the sugar, palm sugar (and black sugar if you are using) and cook over medium fire.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odJNEPVKF7I/Ur-aKybpysI/AAAAAAAASiM/YsAk5Aw2MYA/s1600/IMAG4575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-odJNEPVKF7I/Ur-aKybpysI/AAAAAAAASiM/YsAk5Aw2MYA/s640/IMAG4575.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Bring to a boil. Off fire and let cool. Once cooled, strain the sugar solution into another bowl to remove residue from the sugar.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj_yyNiDfLo/Ur-aZSwj4bI/AAAAAAAASiU/xgGcRw058zc/s1600/IMAG4578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yj_yyNiDfLo/Ur-aZSwj4bI/AAAAAAAASiU/xgGcRw058zc/s640/IMAG4578.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in all flour into a mixing bowl.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXScN_4mT2Y/Ur-amGlyP2I/AAAAAAAASic/JkZ_BzPZmGs/s1600/IMAG4579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXScN_4mT2Y/Ur-amGlyP2I/AAAAAAAASic/JkZ_BzPZmGs/s640/IMAG4579.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. I took about slightly less than 1/4 teaspoon of the calcium carbonate paste and dilute it with about 3 tablespoons of water for it to turn milky.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fsyg6H1tGyE/Ur-axkUXX5I/AAAAAAAASik/LtJJA2yqO50/s1600/IMAG4581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fsyg6H1tGyE/Ur-axkUXX5I/AAAAAAAASik/LtJJA2yqO50/s640/IMAG4581.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add a teaspoon of the calcium carbonate milky solution into the flour in the mixing bowl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7kIfxNGuRs/Ur-bVAzZVMI/AAAAAAAASi0/2Yrqc1Mg3wQ/s1600/IMAG4583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U7kIfxNGuRs/Ur-bVAzZVMI/AAAAAAAASi0/2Yrqc1Mg3wQ/s640/IMAG4583.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Pour the strained sugar mixture into the flour and whisk thoroughly until well combined and smooth. You should get a caramel coloured batter. Then, strain the batter to remove curdles, if any. I don't see any curdles in my batter so I didn't bother.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AofZrd7NDI/Ur-bkFA4ZiI/AAAAAAAASi8/QpwzPSW0Wlo/s1600/IMAG4584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9AofZrd7NDI/Ur-bkFA4ZiI/AAAAAAAASi8/QpwzPSW0Wlo/s640/IMAG4584.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Fill up enough water in the steamer base pot and heat up over high fire.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPU8KVuWubQ/Ur-b-zDO-jI/AAAAAAAASjM/E0t2lMiIzVA/s1600/IMAG4589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CPU8KVuWubQ/Ur-b-zDO-jI/AAAAAAAASjM/E0t2lMiIzVA/s640/IMAG4589.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Brush the insides of your steaming tin with about one to two teaspoons of cooking oil. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-mq0creOQ0/Ur-cPUJasqI/AAAAAAAASjU/TsfETBNkW9g/s1600/IMAG4591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7-mq0creOQ0/Ur-cPUJasqI/AAAAAAAASjU/TsfETBNkW9g/s640/IMAG4591.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Pour batter into tin.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBVziG7tcu8/Ur-ceNXbgDI/AAAAAAAASjc/CGmaeWnAa7s/s1600/IMAG4596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EBVziG7tcu8/Ur-ceNXbgDI/AAAAAAAASjc/CGmaeWnAa7s/s640/IMAG4596.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Take the steamer pan and place the batter filled steaming tin into the steamer pan.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6D3m9AFcEZA/Ur-ckzRh8lI/AAAAAAAASjk/3n51q9vtNXQ/s1600/IMAG4600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6D3m9AFcEZA/Ur-ckzRh8lI/AAAAAAAASjk/3n51q9vtNXQ/s640/IMAG4600.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Once the water in your steamer base is boiling, stack your steamer pan onto the steamer base and place cover. Steam over high fire for about 45 minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwdZYaw8FhI/Ur-cynd6yXI/AAAAAAAASjs/QMSeyQJQ4kQ/s1600/IMAG4602.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwdZYaw8FhI/Ur-cynd6yXI/AAAAAAAASjs/QMSeyQJQ4kQ/s640/IMAG4602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. This is how the steamed cake would look like after 45 minutes. There will be water on top of the cake but that is okay. Just pour the excess water away and take 1 piece of paper towel to lay it just above the surface of the cake for a second or two to absorb the remaining bit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCR-Caei9h4/Ur-c_qg-m5I/AAAAAAAASkM/ZFj7Omwc1nI/s1600/IMAG4603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HCR-Caei9h4/Ur-c_qg-m5I/AAAAAAAASkM/ZFj7Omwc1nI/s640/IMAG4603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. Place your coconut in a small pot and put the pot into the steamer pan and steam for about five minutes. Then add enough salt into your grated coconut and stir properly to combine. You must be able to taste the salt in your grated coconut.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlegAUuX9K0/Ur-dKpJ_IRI/AAAAAAAASkU/XmB_1eN7f_k/s1600/IMAG4605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VlegAUuX9K0/Ur-dKpJ_IRI/AAAAAAAASkU/XmB_1eN7f_k/s640/IMAG4605.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15. Let your steamed cake cool off completely before cutting them into small squares or rectangles with a <strong>PLASTIC</strong> knife (the cake is more sticky to metal knife). Place your steamed cake pieces into the grated coconut mix and turn it all over to properly coat before serving. Refrigerate left overs. I personally love them when they are cold and just out of the fridge.</div>
<br />
Enjoy and Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-13114091768058367142013-12-26T18:05:00.003+08:002013-12-26T22:55:47.930+08:00Lasagna<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7peucgpfd-o/UrjgEr_yGMI/AAAAAAAASJw/v_lC6nAJhSc/s1600/IMAG4504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7peucgpfd-o/UrjgEr_yGMI/AAAAAAAASJw/v_lC6nAJhSc/s640/IMAG4504.jpg" title="Lasagna" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello Cooks! Yes! It's pasta all the way. Not forgetting cheesy too! So much so that last Saturday, my husband bought me the Ogawa EZ Tone so that I could fit some fitness workout into my lifestyle and wobble those clingy fats away! I sure hope it works cos I have wobbled twice for about 20 mins each time. It made me felt like I am shimming away in a belly dance number. (Pssst! Nice way to get the hubby's attention ladies! Heehee...;p) Don't want to be too hard on myself first else I'll find it a pain but I did find the effects a bit lightening on my body. Easier to move around. If it does work and I managed to shed some kilos, I will tell you more about it. I will even post my before and after photos. Till then, it will just have to be a wait and see.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKKR807Q1V8/UrjdrF8WsXI/AAAAAAAASI4/gB_AmjHjrJ8/s1600/IMAG4500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jKKR807Q1V8/UrjdrF8WsXI/AAAAAAAASI4/gB_AmjHjrJ8/s640/IMAG4500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfJnXsT5M7s/UrjeBAV1bNI/AAAAAAAASJA/axkhPWj5suQ/s1600/IMAG4498.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OfJnXsT5M7s/UrjeBAV1bNI/AAAAAAAASJA/axkhPWj5suQ/s640/IMAG4498.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was a nice Saturday out with the family last weekend. We did quite a bit of shopping. Bought my mother-in-law an LED television for her room, the Ogawa EZ Tone for me, an electronic massager for my darling husband, a pair of stylish Bata sandals for my kitchen-ing assistant, new bedsheets and blankets, some clothes for the two boys and a scooter for Sayf. I got some curtains made to order for the house too. With all the walks and sightseeing, all the window shopping in the midst of the real shopping, it was no surprise that we all went kapoot towards late evening. We went to Spize at Simpang Bedok for a mighty dinner to fill our empty stomachs. All in all, everyone was satisfied and happy especially Sayf. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvdf0VjnZE4/UrjebwRffyI/AAAAAAAASJI/XeU_5XV6kCY/s1600/IMAG4501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mvdf0VjnZE4/UrjebwRffyI/AAAAAAAASJI/XeU_5XV6kCY/s640/IMAG4501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o63-V0--jOg/Urjetudy2DI/AAAAAAAASJQ/u0rovopGQdA/s1600/IMAG4507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o63-V0--jOg/Urjetudy2DI/AAAAAAAASJQ/u0rovopGQdA/s640/IMAG4507.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sayf had been wanting a scooter for quite some time but I did not want to get it for him then as I was afraid he is much too young to be riding on one and that it might cause him to get knocks or falls and injure himself. All the while, it broke my heart when he kept staring at other kids playing and riding on their scooters at the playground. Last Saturday though I decided to throw some caution to the wind and stop being so protective over Sayf. I just decided to grab him a scooter from mothercare and the best thing is that the scooter was actually suitable for children of ages 1 to 5 years. The moment we reached home that day, Sayf was so excited that he had my hubby fixed it straight away and he started riding it around the house soon after. The happiness on his face was unimaginable. I could not help but to tear as I looked on. He was so happy and as he was riding, he kept repeating and telling me that he liked it very much. These were the best moments that I could ever have had. To be able to see so much happiness on the face of my child and to know that somehow I was the reason behind it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx9yTd7u6Wc/UrjfBOdHhWI/AAAAAAAASJY/qfWA7RRnuBA/s1600/IMAG4509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Vx9yTd7u6Wc/UrjfBOdHhWI/AAAAAAAASJY/qfWA7RRnuBA/s640/IMAG4509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIHcTmfQC0c/UrjfdG8NkxI/AAAAAAAASJg/Mr4bstd8Zow/s1600/IMAG4510.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIHcTmfQC0c/UrjfdG8NkxI/AAAAAAAASJg/Mr4bstd8Zow/s640/IMAG4510.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfV3oan6R-A/Urjfx7HglYI/AAAAAAAASJo/LPdDNUvNv48/s1600/IMAG4506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VfV3oan6R-A/Urjfx7HglYI/AAAAAAAASJo/LPdDNUvNv48/s640/IMAG4506.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next morning, we had a simple breakfast of toast bread and after that I started to make cooking preparations for our lunch menu, LASAGNA! Oh yes, my all time favourite. I made this once before and it was a hit with my mother-in-law and hubby. Sayf, being a small eater, ate his usual portions but I could tell he did not really fancy the lasagna as much as he fancied the new scooter. Nevertheless, the majority of us had our taste buds pleased! I got the lasagna recipe from <a href="http://www.kraftrecipes.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">KRAFT</a> website and I did make some editions to the measurements and added some ingredients here and there to suit my taste.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I did my shopping for the lasagna ingredients, I also managed to get my favourite mozzarella cheese slices. Finally, after some while of living without it. I couldn't help it but to top my lasagna with torn pieces of the mozzarella slices cos I was really craving for them. My lasagna looked like "Sponge Bob" lying down with plasters on all over after a major accident but hey, I care more about my taste than anything else. It still looked good to me and tasted just the way I like it. So for all of you culinary saints out there, don't follow in my footsteps. I am a sinner when it comes to cooking, for I am most in love with heavenly food! :p I think about the hell that comes with it later...hehe..;p<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
<em>This recipe serves about 10-12 people.</em><br />
<em></em><br />
You will need a 13x9 inch baking dish for this recipe and there will be some left over for the meat sauce which I don't mind cos I like to freeze the remaining sauce. I would re-heat and spread it over white bread and toast the bread in the oven whenever I need some snacks served for the family.<br />
<br />
1 large onion - diced or chopped (I added this myself)<br />
6 garlics - chopped (I added this myself)<br />
2 cm ginger - chopped - optional (I added this myself)<br />
500 grams of ricotta cheese (not available so I substituted with low fat cottage cheese)<br />
500 grams mozzarella cheese - divided<br />
250 grams of grated Parmesan cheese - divided<br />
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (these weren't available so I omitted them)<br />
1 egg - lightly beaten<br />
2 jars of traditional spaghetti sauce (I used Prego's brand)<br />
500 grams of minced beef<br />
1 box of ready to bake lasagna noodles (I used San Remo's brand)<br />
salt to taste, if needed<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak1vajj24S0/UrjgTIZaOuI/AAAAAAAASJ4/cPt4JuoTMHk/s1600/IMAG4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ak1vajj24S0/UrjgTIZaOuI/AAAAAAAASJ4/cPt4JuoTMHk/s640/IMAG4443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Pre-heat oven at 180 degrees celsius. Then, add cottage cheese in a big enough mixing bowl.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nR8XbKOrdYg/Urjgk0wvazI/AAAAAAAASKA/uCMBCHuFbY0/s1600/IMAG4445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nR8XbKOrdYg/Urjgk0wvazI/AAAAAAAASKA/uCMBCHuFbY0/s640/IMAG4445.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and parsley (which I had to omit due to non-availability at the supermarket I frequent).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_NWRTO4dyg/Urjgv3TuqbI/AAAAAAAASKI/zFTnHdyB5xY/s1600/IMAG4447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p_NWRTO4dyg/Urjgv3TuqbI/AAAAAAAASKI/zFTnHdyB5xY/s640/IMAG4447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the lightly beaten egg. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro9yNfpMjaY/UrjhE76hZrI/AAAAAAAASKQ/ezLn-MtQX6g/s1600/IMAG4452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ro9yNfpMjaY/UrjhE76hZrI/AAAAAAAASKQ/ezLn-MtQX6g/s640/IMAG4452.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Give a good mix. Set aside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl2JL-otHNU/UrjhaL3qlcI/AAAAAAAASKY/caUMOxUUf5o/s1600/IMAG4454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xl2JL-otHNU/UrjhaL3qlcI/AAAAAAAASKY/caUMOxUUf5o/s640/IMAG4454.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Separately, heat enough oil in a deep based pan and add in the chopped garlic and ginger. Saute for about half a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBAZ_zJV1B4/UrjhlkYwVxI/AAAAAAAASKg/HWg5bO3yWwg/s1600/IMAG4457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBAZ_zJV1B4/UrjhlkYwVxI/AAAAAAAASKg/HWg5bO3yWwg/s640/IMAG4457.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in the diced onion. Stir fry until the onions are withered or translucent.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVI8bPto0Cc/UrjhzVHkgEI/AAAAAAAASKo/50cpZhE38t0/s1600/IMAG4460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IVI8bPto0Cc/UrjhzVHkgEI/AAAAAAAASKo/50cpZhE38t0/s640/IMAG4460.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Add in the minced beef. Stir fry until browned.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nnj7YbsL_c/UrjiJbC3PgI/AAAAAAAASKw/lXPiMkKjOz8/s1600/IMAG4462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nnj7YbsL_c/UrjiJbC3PgI/AAAAAAAASKw/lXPiMkKjOz8/s640/IMAG4462.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Let simmer for two to three minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jpqTLXVo6w/Urjiew3JW8I/AAAAAAAASK4/iHhSRCrfdyk/s1600/IMAG4464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0jpqTLXVo6w/Urjiew3JW8I/AAAAAAAASK4/iHhSRCrfdyk/s640/IMAG4464.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Add in the two jars of spaghetti sauce. Give a good stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NI2B3CwQjY/UrjiwKBui5I/AAAAAAAASLA/EoJmHrCtWJQ/s1600/IMAG4467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_NI2B3CwQjY/UrjiwKBui5I/AAAAAAAASLA/EoJmHrCtWJQ/s640/IMAG4467.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Bring to boil. Let simmer for about two to three minutes. Do a taste check. Add salt if you find it necessary and give a final stir. Off fire.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBHoJ-AGhmA/UrjjZicP0dI/AAAAAAAASLI/BBRHj0xsqhk/s1600/IMAG4468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XBHoJ-AGhmA/UrjjZicP0dI/AAAAAAAASLI/BBRHj0xsqhk/s640/IMAG4468.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Pour enough sauce into the baking dish as the base layer like the picture above.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwxb0d9BgYM/UrjjoXVl_sI/AAAAAAAASLQ/0Xk7tfv8HKQ/s1600/IMAG4469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qwxb0d9BgYM/UrjjoXVl_sI/AAAAAAAASLQ/0Xk7tfv8HKQ/s640/IMAG4469.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Top the sauce with the lasagna noodles like the picture above and top the noodles with the cheese mix.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYS9Fn33Oq4/Urjj93J9wdI/AAAAAAAASLY/FlYUopkXxys/s1600/IMAG4470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYS9Fn33Oq4/Urjj93J9wdI/AAAAAAAASLY/FlYUopkXxys/s640/IMAG4470.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. Spread the cheese mix on the noodles like the above picture.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2Ls8RdNRAw/UrjkQ6desEI/AAAAAAAASLg/Ds7cZyGazg4/s1600/IMAG4471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X2Ls8RdNRAw/UrjkQ6desEI/AAAAAAAASLg/Ds7cZyGazg4/s640/IMAG4471.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. This is the sinful part. For the saints out there, cover your eyes and ignore the mozzarella slices. Repeat with another layer of sauce, followed by noodles then the cheese mix again.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24z1url7IM8/UrjkoBhmIlI/AAAAAAAASLo/b3bZgYzWoQg/s1600/IMAG4477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-24z1url7IM8/UrjkoBhmIlI/AAAAAAAASLo/b3bZgYzWoQg/s640/IMAG4477.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15. Now, top the cheese mix with a final layer of lasagna noodles. Then, spread a final layer of sauce to cover the lasagna noodles.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5nYXU2T_sY/Urjk9ueYn7I/AAAAAAAASLw/m1ppqulFz6A/s1600/IMAG4479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C5nYXU2T_sY/Urjk9ueYn7I/AAAAAAAASLw/m1ppqulFz6A/s640/IMAG4479.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
16. This is what the end product in the baking dish should look like after all the layering.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMi07rX0EXg/Urjlee0OWZI/AAAAAAAASL8/Ltt5xvq1Zrk/s1600/IMAG4481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vMi07rX0EXg/Urjlee0OWZI/AAAAAAAASL8/Ltt5xvq1Zrk/s640/IMAG4481.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
17. Empty the packets of the remaining shredded parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese right on top.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hB4o9Hjjj6s/UrjlsakSrFI/AAAAAAAASME/O2m3Pa3cLew/s1600/IMAG4483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hB4o9Hjjj6s/UrjlsakSrFI/AAAAAAAASME/O2m3Pa3cLew/s640/IMAG4483.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
18. Bake at 180 degrees celsius for about 30 to 45 minutes depending on how much brown you would prefer the top to be. I like mine to be quite browned.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9SwSPwoNuc/Urjl7rW2wGI/AAAAAAAASMM/EOCGfHIVjpM/s1600/IMAG4484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gua="true" height="376" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c9SwSPwoNuc/Urjl7rW2wGI/AAAAAAAASMM/EOCGfHIVjpM/s640/IMAG4484.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
19. Once you take the lasagna out from the oven, let it sit for about 30 minutes for the cheese to set before cutting and serve, if you want to see the beautiful layers that is. As for me, I had to cut and serve just after fifteen minutes because the folks at home were getting hungry and impatient. Oh and one more thing, if you keep it in the fridge overnight and re-heat it in the oven the next day, the taste is just beyond words! It will definitely make your day if you have it for breakfast.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-5983043163154809562013-12-23T09:31:00.008+08:002013-12-24T08:08:38.367+08:00Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjT4WIyw5FQ/Urbg7OyztrI/AAAAAAAASIk/WGfk25ETAUs/s1600/IMAG4419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TjT4WIyw5FQ/Urbg7OyztrI/AAAAAAAASIk/WGfk25ETAUs/s640/IMAG4419.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello my fellow Cooks! Today is a busy Monday. So I am just going to share a very simple recipe in a simple post! I cooked this over Saturday whilst waiting for my husband to arrive from work. We then had a chop-chop lunch before leaving for a family outing and shopping session followed by a good dinner outside.</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrpxUM1pIwU/Urbcu_r3EBI/AAAAAAAASHI/6mpk1w8kTug/s1600/IMAG4417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JrpxUM1pIwU/Urbcu_r3EBI/AAAAAAAASHI/6mpk1w8kTug/s640/IMAG4417.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - 2" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Srz4zEhoMsw/Urbc60Bu8wI/AAAAAAAASHQ/DWKGyWlpzCg/s1600/IMAG4418.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Srz4zEhoMsw/Urbc60Bu8wI/AAAAAAAASHQ/DWKGyWlpzCg/s640/IMAG4418.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - 3" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is quite a common dish and I think everyone knows how to cook it! Nevertheless since this blog is also a journal about my kitchen-ing life, I will post whatever I cook, common or not, on it. I hope am not boring you! ;p For cooking amateurs or beginners, I hope this is useful for you. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sayf loves this very much and yes, he emptied his plate again because it was so really very good. My mother-in-law has never cooked spaghetti this way so she really enjoyed Aglio Olio for the first time. Needless to say, my husband had his fill.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fm3zsv02Mw/UrbdK35JmGI/AAAAAAAASHY/dsSz5z-Bu3k/s1600/IMAG4424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7fm3zsv02Mw/UrbdK35JmGI/AAAAAAAASHY/dsSz5z-Bu3k/s640/IMAG4424.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - 4" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22eZQZ4EPlI/Urbdqza8i6I/AAAAAAAASHg/SHDrItRgPwU/s1600/IMAG4426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-22eZQZ4EPlI/Urbdqza8i6I/AAAAAAAASHg/SHDrItRgPwU/s640/IMAG4426.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - 5" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhgO423JpBg/UrbeoaNMq1I/AAAAAAAASHs/VEoOaUc1Ouo/s1600/IMAG4421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nhgO423JpBg/UrbeoaNMq1I/AAAAAAAASHs/VEoOaUc1Ouo/s640/IMAG4421.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - 5" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>This dish serves about 5 at one time. It is best that you cook and consume immediately and try not to have any leftovers. Cooked spaghetti gets hard if you let it stand for long.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>*Note that spoonful herein refers to 10ml volume and tablespoon refers to 20 ml volume</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 pack of spaghetti - cooked in boiling water with a spoonful of cooking oil and teaspoon of salt for about 13 minutes if you like it al-dente (I always cook spaghetti for about 15 minutes or slightly more because I like it thoroughly cooked, and then I drain it and cool it under running water to stop the cooking process) and set aside.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
9 garlics - chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3 red bird's eye chillies - finely sliced on the bias (I used red chillies because I have to go easy on the heat for the very cool people in my family :))</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
250-300 grams of beef - very finely sliced (I used the ready packed stir-fried ones which I bought from a local supermarket) </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1/2 a teaspoon of sugar (or Ajinamoto, if you prefer)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or cooking oil</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
salt to taste</div>
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddv-hZOsoG0/Urbe0aUhWMI/AAAAAAAASH0/FJtBx8x61Kw/s1600/IMAG4408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ddv-hZOsoG0/Urbe0aUhWMI/AAAAAAAASH0/FJtBx8x61Kw/s640/IMAG4408.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - Step 1" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat up oil in pan. Once oil is heated, add in garlic and saute for about half a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qs2Rvgj_kSY/UrbfbrWFpJI/AAAAAAAASH8/rVUPBlVznrs/s1600/IMAG4409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qs2Rvgj_kSY/UrbfbrWFpJI/AAAAAAAASH8/rVUPBlVznrs/s640/IMAG4409.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - Step 2" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the sliced red chillies. Saute until fragrant.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KB6Vu3XDxeQ/UrbftFEVmPI/AAAAAAAASIE/AH6Tnq95IfY/s1600/IMAG4410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KB6Vu3XDxeQ/UrbftFEVmPI/AAAAAAAASIE/AH6Tnq95IfY/s640/IMAG4410.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - Step 3" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the beef slices. Add in salt to taste and sugar (or Ajinamoto, if you prefer).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_tv357702c/Urbf540gbgI/AAAAAAAASIM/UcHtOSXX-1w/s1600/IMAG4411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V_tv357702c/Urbf540gbgI/AAAAAAAASIM/UcHtOSXX-1w/s640/IMAG4411.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - Step 4" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Saute until the beef slices are no longer red in colour.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ70fpjo4CI/UrbgJoKlFtI/AAAAAAAASIU/Y5umFj08y0E/s1600/IMAG4414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qJ70fpjo4CI/UrbgJoKlFtI/AAAAAAAASIU/Y5umFj08y0E/s640/IMAG4414.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - Step 5" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in the spaghetti.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMDQFCs3iZ4/UrbgoNZiagI/AAAAAAAASIc/0QSjNScZXsc/s1600/IMAG4416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nMDQFCs3iZ4/UrbgoNZiagI/AAAAAAAASIc/0QSjNScZXsc/s640/IMAG4416.jpg" title="Spaghetti Beef Aglio Olio - Step 6" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Fold the spaghetti into the stir fried mix to properly coat. Stir fry for a minute or so. Do a taste check and season accordingly if necessary. Off fire and serve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy Kitchen-ing!! </div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-38105769612992250922013-12-21T12:42:00.001+08:002013-12-21T14:56:53.592+08:00Fishball Soup with Egg and Tofu (Sop Bebola Ikan dengan Telur dan Tofu)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWQS4GS6qUo/UrEl0VnPcKI/AAAAAAAARvA/mBlWyeALaEw/s1600/IMAG4396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWQS4GS6qUo/UrEl0VnPcKI/AAAAAAAARvA/mBlWyeALaEw/s640/IMAG4396.jpg" title="Fishball Soup with Egg and Tofu (Sop Bebola Ikan dengan Telur dan Tofu)" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Hello Cooks! Life has been busy and tiring the past few days. Suhaym was extremely clingy. Maybe because he just turned one and is maybe experiencing what is called as "separation anxiety". He just wants to be carried. He enjoys it when I cuddle and kiss and tickle him! His laughter makes everyone else in the house started laughing too. </div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05SSom9ClNM/UrElWeXOBXI/AAAAAAAARuo/XdeHXeCJi8M/s1600/IMAG4392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="378" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-05SSom9ClNM/UrElWeXOBXI/AAAAAAAARuo/XdeHXeCJi8M/s640/IMAG4392.jpg" title="Fishball Soup with Egg and Tofu (Sop Bebola Ikan dengan Telur dan Tofu) - 2" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Lately, whenever I reach home after work, he would cry if I don't pick him up the moment I enter the door. His cries sounded as if he was being hurt or abused. A cry full of sad story. To avoid that, I have to smile like a clown and head straight towards him the moment he sees me when I am home. That saves me a lot of crying woes but I would have to work around the house with a weight of about two 5 kilograms of rice bags on the side of my hip. When I put him to sleep at night, I can't go anywhere. I can't move away from him. Not even an inch. If I do, he would start screaming so I would have to wait until he is fully asleep whilst humming the tunes of his favourite lullabies. It is a plus that he goes to sleep at 8 pm though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbSPeAS70-o/UrElg32-goI/AAAAAAAARuw/_ZlwE-wKz8U/s1600/IMAG4393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbSPeAS70-o/UrElg32-goI/AAAAAAAARuw/_ZlwE-wKz8U/s640/IMAG4393.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then of course, my darling Sayf will appear like magic into the picture prolonging my delightful night! I have to play throwing planes, hide and seek and everything else that would not make me create a hole, ok, maybe a crack, on the ceiling of my neighbour's flat who is staying just below my unit ;p. I really wonder why I haven't lose much weight though. Hmmm...maybe it was because I ate twice as much when I am tired and stressed. Knowing me! This reminds me of a particular quote that I love, “<strong><em>If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.</em></strong>” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien. I would add at the end though, "<strong><em>and a heavier one</em></strong>". Ok, Mr Tolkien is gonna slap me!<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Dbv2iZLovI/UrElq44xk-I/AAAAAAAARu4/sAYxDawcICQ/s1600/IMAG4395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--Dbv2iZLovI/UrElq44xk-I/AAAAAAAARu4/sAYxDawcICQ/s640/IMAG4395.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, all I know is that it is not easy being a working mother. You have a set of other responsibilities and duties that awaits you once you arrive from work. Though we do it out of our loving hearts as a woman, a wife and a mother, there is certainly no doubt that it does take away a whole lot of energy. At the end of the day, you are so tired, you just want to be embracing your "ME" time that you'd rather be gulping food, sitting on the sofa and watching tv or sleep right after rather than spending your time exercising. See, I got an excuse to be fat! HAHA! I know it is bad but I am sure the rest of the mothers out there would have been there and done that. Your hectic day only ends after everyone else in your family is asleep. Thank God for my kitchen-ing assistant, I don't have to be the first one to wake up in the morning.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwvOLTLobpY/UrEmDzvUrOI/AAAAAAAARvI/VyA1swtulok/s1600/IMAG4364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwvOLTLobpY/UrEmDzvUrOI/AAAAAAAARvI/VyA1swtulok/s640/IMAG4364.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So back to the sole purpose of this post, here is a very easy recipe of my mum which is great when you just want something non-spicy, chop-chop, simple yet very nice to make your meal complete. <br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
20 pieces of fishballs<br />
2 packs of silken tofu - cut into smaller pieces as you prefer</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6 eggs - optional (depending on my mood, sometimes I don't add in eggs)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3 litres of water</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 large onions - finely sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6 garlics - finely sliced or chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 red chillies - finely sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 piece of Knorr ikan bilis (anchovies) cube</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 teaspoon of sugar or Ajinamoto, if you prefer</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
white pepper powder to taste</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
salt to taste</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a small bunch of spring onions - finely sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a small bunch of celery leaves with stems - finely sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
a handful of fried shallots<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaHB_ae5ryU/UrEm3TDxqQI/AAAAAAAARvY/XunZrl013Fs/s1600/IMAG4367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SaHB_ae5ryU/UrEm3TDxqQI/AAAAAAAARvY/XunZrl013Fs/s640/IMAG4367.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat oil in a pot. Once heated, add in the sliced onions and garlics. Saute for a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_6dM_uxaOg/UrEnLl0_LnI/AAAAAAAARvg/v87WUMaqJZk/s1600/IMAG4371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U_6dM_uxaOg/UrEnLl0_LnI/AAAAAAAARvg/v87WUMaqJZk/s640/IMAG4371.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the sliced red chillies and sauté for a few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-73bKQmD6E/UrEndZy2BcI/AAAAAAAARvo/lsJiC0lxZgY/s1600/IMAG4372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-73bKQmD6E/UrEndZy2BcI/AAAAAAAARvo/lsJiC0lxZgY/s640/IMAG4372.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the ikan bilis (anchovies) cube and sauté whilst pressing on it to dissolve. Saute for about a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHG-5hOXg50/UrEn_lg8bGI/AAAAAAAARvw/dGfyhmCN6Go/s1600/IMAG4373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHG-5hOXg50/UrEn_lg8bGI/AAAAAAAARvw/dGfyhmCN6Go/s640/IMAG4373.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in water. Add in sugar or Ajinamoto, if you prefer and salt to taste. Stir and leave be.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDGq_9CPQU0/UrEogyBJcwI/AAAAAAAARv8/53Pb4jUDQUU/s1600/IMAG4374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDGq_9CPQU0/UrEogyBJcwI/AAAAAAAARv8/53Pb4jUDQUU/s640/IMAG4374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Once the water is heating up, if you are adding eggs, break them in now and leave be.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBeIlhMAeaE/UrEoztEuoII/AAAAAAAARwE/16QcUwSfLWY/s1600/IMAG4376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zBeIlhMAeaE/UrEoztEuoII/AAAAAAAARwE/16QcUwSfLWY/s640/IMAG4376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Bring to boil and let boil for a minute or two until the yolks are cooked.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukar9GN7l80/UrEpSs99CaI/AAAAAAAARwM/8zCeW8TL8C4/s1600/IMAG4377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ukar9GN7l80/UrEpSs99CaI/AAAAAAAARwM/8zCeW8TL8C4/s640/IMAG4377.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Add in the fishballs and let boil for another two to three minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xlbLgoTfts/UrEpo74e5YI/AAAAAAAARwU/-L9xps0PSEQ/s1600/IMAG4378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7xlbLgoTfts/UrEpo74e5YI/AAAAAAAARwU/-L9xps0PSEQ/s640/IMAG4378.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. After boiling for two to three minutes, bring fire to medium.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7q5aX_WPHI/UrEp0jW75GI/AAAAAAAARwc/MVEF2TQRS6g/s1600/IMAG4379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J7q5aX_WPHI/UrEp0jW75GI/AAAAAAAARwc/MVEF2TQRS6g/s640/IMAG4379.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Add in the silken tofu. Let simmer for about a minute or two. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0SSbFxUIUs/UrEqM-rtF5I/AAAAAAAARwk/kbaHDGncfeo/s1600/IMAG4381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X0SSbFxUIUs/UrEqM-rtF5I/AAAAAAAARwk/kbaHDGncfeo/s640/IMAG4381.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Do a taste check and season accordingly. Off fire. Sprinkle as much ground pepper as you prefer.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yY84Brq_JT0/UrEqd1STyGI/AAAAAAAARws/AAZHWTysRrE/s1600/IMAG4391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_705541="null" gua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yY84Brq_JT0/UrEqd1STyGI/AAAAAAAARws/AAZHWTysRrE/s640/IMAG4391.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Sprinkle the finely sliced spring onions, celery and fried shallots on the top. Stir them in and serve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Enjoy it with white rice, bee hoon (vermicelli) or as it is. Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-34725857960742369702013-12-19T18:17:00.002+08:002014-01-06T09:47:46.083+08:00Am I Really Thankful? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTHNkI3PVYrd4CtzPk9ReIKdS7KJoMu8c-Dp37ybY-HhQNFE0FE00_TlhXNbR4CcXq1LmJ3J_X8_gwuliZn9Ia7Qus7lELJFPbUtZkfgMbvBVwcZ-SmaLJnlvQBFdi08sM-2aw69xIzUt/s1600/vietnameserefugees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_725606="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMTHNkI3PVYrd4CtzPk9ReIKdS7KJoMu8c-Dp37ybY-HhQNFE0FE00_TlhXNbR4CcXq1LmJ3J_X8_gwuliZn9Ia7Qus7lELJFPbUtZkfgMbvBVwcZ-SmaLJnlvQBFdi08sM-2aw69xIzUt/s640/vietnameserefugees.jpg" gua="true" height="616" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Vietnamese Refugee Children </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Photo by: rescue.org</div>
<br />
Yesterday, I was looking at both my sons after they fell asleep. They were deep in slumber. Their faces were full of peace and they looked so comfortable. Life couldn’t have been happier for me seeing my kids live their innocent lives to the fullest happily. Life is peaceful and quiet. At that moment, life felt like heaven. That is how heaven must have been. It must have been full of beauty, serenity and calm.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I continued to look at them. As I did, I felt so very happy and I thank God for blessing me with two wonderful boys. Instantaneously, I started to feel very sad at the same time. Had I chose to go straight to bed, pull my blankets over and lull myself to sleep in my air-conditioned bedroom, I would have stayed a happy woman till morning. At that moment however, I did not and it was very unusual. Perhaps, it was because I couldn’t. The emotions that hit me at that time were too much to bear that I did not want to make myself any happier or comfortable. I just couldn’t. <br />
<br />
I realised that this feeling hit me for a reason. It hit me because despite being happy with my life and being thankful to God, I know that somewhere out there in the world, there are babies and children sleeping in the cold. Some of them had to cry themselves to sleep out of hunger. Some of them are crying because they lost their parents and their homes right before their eyes and they are all alone. No loving hug nor assurance nor a comforting hold on their hands. Some of them are crying because life wasn’t as calm and wonderful as they thought it would be and they are in constant fear hearing the sounds of gun fires and explosions. Some of them might even be breathing their last because they were too ill, too hungry or were being killed. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnRq4IUVFGz8KYFwx1nmu-beUUCK_fQw3tMYWrlid8YwGO_-GdyT9I4P9OF1wod4_Ivuh_rfMFMnfwodj9xAUWNsttka-raEOT7acQSEirXFneGgkJlRp_Gye9UbIXrRqQalnD2yiy2_h/s1600/prweb-com-afghan+refugees+children.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_254605="null" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvnRq4IUVFGz8KYFwx1nmu-beUUCK_fQw3tMYWrlid8YwGO_-GdyT9I4P9OF1wod4_Ivuh_rfMFMnfwodj9xAUWNsttka-raEOT7acQSEirXFneGgkJlRp_Gye9UbIXrRqQalnD2yiy2_h/s640/prweb-com-afghan+refugees+children.bmp" gua="true" height="640" width="523" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Afghan Refugee Children<br />
Photo by: prweb.com</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
As a woman and as a mother, I also know that there are women just like me out there, who love their children as much as I do. Who share the same hopes and dreams of a better future for their children as I do. Who deserve the same peaceful, happy and comfortable life as I do. Why then did they not? They are so helpless because they had to live in a war stricken country. They are so helpless because they lost their fathers, husbands and sons. They are so helpless because they could not feed their hungry children. They are so helpless because they don’t have the sources or the means to care for their children who are ill. They are so helpless because they do not have the strength and power to save their young children from the tortures and torments of war. They must have been so helpless and feeling very miserable that they could not provide for and protect their children. They must have been in so much despair because there was nothing that they could do. I could never imagine myself feeling what they felt and going through what they went through. What then, have I done on my part to help?</div>
<br />
Sometimes, it makes me wonder why was I in this part of the world that is peaceful and safe and they were not. It makes me wonder why am I so more fortunate and my life is so much better and sufficient when theirs were not. Why do their innocent and little children were subjected to so much hunger, fear and pain and mine were not? Those children deserve every bit of happiness and love as my kids do. Was it because my children were any more innocent than their children were? Was it because I was a better and deserving mother than those mothers were? Most certainly not and I just couldn’t digest all of it. It was too much. Too much for me to take in and bear that I felt so nauseated. I am in no position whatsoever to question God but in all honesty, I couldn’t understand God’s purpose. I really couldn’t understand one bit of it at all and I was so sad. <br />
<br />
I cannot deny that these are the real and bigger problems of the world and there I was, a few months back upset over the cracked screen of my smart phone. Honestly, how much of the problems that I am facing is actually a real problem. Is it really worth my time and worry? I should be thinking of ways to help make the world a better place, to help and give more to those women and children who are really in need. That should be my way of thanking God. <br />
<br />
I have a job, a family, a roof over my head, enough to eat and a bed to sleep on. How much happier do I need to be? How well do I mean it when I say, “I thank God for everything!”. It is time for me to do more than just some self –reflection. I am guilty. Are you?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-9490802161975017662013-12-17T12:17:00.001+08:002013-12-18T22:35:42.285+08:00Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDuPqs1HP3s/Uq-l7ptYT-I/AAAAAAAARrQ/PHp5f3MGe-4/s1600/IMAG4292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Baked Pasta" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDuPqs1HP3s/Uq-l7ptYT-I/AAAAAAAARrQ/PHp5f3MGe-4/s640/IMAG4292.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar)" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Hello Cooks! How was your weekend? I hope you had a good one. Otherwise, cook something nice and eat! Hehe...that always helps! As for me, I made Baked Fusilli with Sausage last Sunday. Every once in a while, I do try to go Western when I really want some change in the menu. I really dare not venture too far however because I was afraid my mother-in-law would not be able to enjoy the food if she is not used to the taste. Pasta would be somewhat safe and acceptable. She had it a few times and she has ever cooked Spaghetti Bolognese.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div align="center">
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6BRIbf10tIM/Uq-mMz7YmiI/AAAAAAAARrY/zoIALoaDxOw/s640/IMAG4296.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ColHwqX1xuQ/Uq-mZ67tIaI/AAAAAAAARrg/a0BWwxR4PXA/s640/IMAG4303.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - 3" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
It is just that I am starting to feel that my kitchen-ing life is getting a bit too dull with familiarity. I really want to be able to do more. I want my cooking sessions to be filled with versatility. I just hope that my mother-in-law who loves Indian and Malay food, would not mind the variation every now and then. As some of us might already know, the oldies can be very fixed in their opinion (taste buds included at times). I am just worried that she might not be able to take it if I were to serve something too Western or Chinese on the dining table. Oh well, I am just going to have to hope for the best. Right now, I am on the scout for some new dishes to spice up my culinary adventure. This reminds me of a piece of advice from Julia Child, “<em><strong>Learn how to cook- try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless, and above all have fun!</strong></em>” Oh yes! I like fun!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w55NN49IQNA/Uq-mqXBfEPI/AAAAAAAARro/2iX2qjy63Zk/s640/IMAG4297.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - 4" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l-zXtPdYlSI/Uq-m5tDVNOI/AAAAAAAARrw/txhsadQYj2Q/s640/IMAG4298.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - 5" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Meanwhile, I am just settling with something that my mother-in-law is somewhat already familiar with. Pasta! This is basically a very simple and easy recipe but very gooooooood. My husband loves this dish and this time he re-filled his plate twice. My mother-in-law had a second helping. It must have been a really long time since I cooked baked pasta. Sayf actually emptied his plate and Sayf has never finished his food before.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBsQMP2nfDM/Uq-nMiE4JXI/AAAAAAAARr4/xfL-kGc8pvY/s1600/IMAG4299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kBsQMP2nfDM/Uq-nMiE4JXI/AAAAAAAARr4/xfL-kGc8pvY/s640/IMAG4299.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - 6" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34oR-8JOzIM/Uq-nd5vCuDI/AAAAAAAARsA/xEEpBivrP_8/s1600/IMAG4302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="382" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34oR-8JOzIM/Uq-nd5vCuDI/AAAAAAAARsA/xEEpBivrP_8/s640/IMAG4302.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - 7" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>I used a 13x9 baking dish to bake this pasta which could serve about 6-8 people at one time. On top of that I had to set aside some of the pasta for dinner time baking as I could not fit everything into the baking dish. So if you are cooking in a lesser portion, you will have to reduce the ingredients accordingly.</em></div>
<br />
500 grams Fusilli - cooked in boiling water added with a teaspoon of salt for about 6-8 minutes or until al-dente and cooled under running water then set aside (different brands of pasta have differing cooking time so do check your packaging on the cooking instructions)<br />
2 jars of traditional pasta sauce <br />
1 large onion - diced<br />
3 garlics - chopped<br />
2 packs of 10 sausages<br />
1-2 packets of Mozarella Cheese slices (this was not available then at the local supermarket I frequent so I settled with a pack of shredded Mozarella instead)<br />
salt to taste<br />
1 teaspoon of sugar (or Ajinamoto, if you prefer)<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWN6viBelM4/Uq-h3y569-I/AAAAAAAARpY/-7jDCaToJxM/s1600/IMAG4255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HWN6viBelM4/Uq-h3y569-I/AAAAAAAARpY/-7jDCaToJxM/s640/IMAG4255.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 1" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Pre-heat oven to 180 degrees celsius and slice the sausages on the bias.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeeI2Obspuo/Uq-iDdWv-VI/AAAAAAAARpg/x9VFwYGFIM8/s1600/IMAG4256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeeI2Obspuo/Uq-iDdWv-VI/AAAAAAAARpg/x9VFwYGFIM8/s640/IMAG4256.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 2" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Heat up oil in pan and add the sausages.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqRUYc6w1L0/Uq-idQttnNI/AAAAAAAARpo/6vb7ea6zr1g/s1600/IMAG4258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqRUYc6w1L0/Uq-idQttnNI/AAAAAAAARpo/6vb7ea6zr1g/s640/IMAG4258.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 3" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Fry them till slightly browned on the sides. Drain on paper towel and set aside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5z1-bkO3pY8/Uq-is4gAUBI/AAAAAAAARpw/DB4EKR0NV-8/s1600/IMAG4259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5z1-bkO3pY8/Uq-is4gAUBI/AAAAAAAARpw/DB4EKR0NV-8/s640/IMAG4259.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 4" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Pour away excess oil and leave just enough for sauteing. Heat up the oil and add in the chopped garlics. Saute for a few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9mJW8M0YOE/Uq-jCn8DzaI/AAAAAAAARp4/0XhdEjG9gHA/s1600/IMAG4260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9mJW8M0YOE/Uq-jCn8DzaI/AAAAAAAARp4/0XhdEjG9gHA/s640/IMAG4260.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 5" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in the diced large onion. Saute until the onions are withered or soft.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gd-addvc_uk/Uq-jPj8vstI/AAAAAAAARqA/SxcsD5Heh9Y/s1600/IMAG4264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gd-addvc_uk/Uq-jPj8vstI/AAAAAAAARqA/SxcsD5Heh9Y/s640/IMAG4264.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 6" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in the pasta sauce. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sC0XYInAJ3M/Uq-jiwcwH7I/AAAAAAAARqI/0pG5KygF_-w/s1600/IMAG4269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sC0XYInAJ3M/Uq-jiwcwH7I/AAAAAAAARqI/0pG5KygF_-w/s640/IMAG4269.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 7" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Add in the teaspoon of sugar (or Ajinamoto, if you prefer). Stir and bring to boil. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y62FYeCEO9c/Uq-jwR7TNQI/AAAAAAAARqQ/atN4IVhB_Bk/s1600/IMAG4270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y62FYeCEO9c/Uq-jwR7TNQI/AAAAAAAARqQ/atN4IVhB_Bk/s640/IMAG4270.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 8" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Once boiled, add in your fried sausage slices. Give a stir. Do a taste check and add salt to taste.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc3XcfPzUNo/Uq-kGe-PZFI/AAAAAAAARqY/m49uDsmgwrQ/s1600/IMAG4271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Sc3XcfPzUNo/Uq-kGe-PZFI/AAAAAAAARqY/m49uDsmgwrQ/s640/IMAG4271.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 9" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Add in the fusilli.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cp2FqFT4xII/Uq-kUxrWO0I/AAAAAAAARqg/cq7mwhUmge8/s1600/IMAG4274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cp2FqFT4xII/Uq-kUxrWO0I/AAAAAAAARqg/cq7mwhUmge8/s640/IMAG4274.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 10" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Give a thorough stir to coat the fusilli with pasta sauce. Off fire.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VU6Q0xjZ2xs/Uq-kkJrKE7I/AAAAAAAARqo/MJ2SKLfX3t8/s1600/IMAG4275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VU6Q0xjZ2xs/Uq-kkJrKE7I/AAAAAAAARqo/MJ2SKLfX3t8/s640/IMAG4275.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 11" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Assemble and fill up the pasta in an oven-proof baking dish (I used a 13 x 9).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SG058rE9vPM/Uq-k5ZInuXI/AAAAAAAARqw/Kv3sk6BD6Qg/s1600/IMAG4276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SG058rE9vPM/Uq-k5ZInuXI/AAAAAAAARqw/Kv3sk6BD6Qg/s640/IMAG4276.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 12" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Level them up in the baking dish with the back of your ladle. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMp7ZeCA3mQ/Uq-lP5ternI/AAAAAAAARq4/HILbiV7WN44/s1600/IMAG4279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CMp7ZeCA3mQ/Uq-lP5ternI/AAAAAAAARq4/HILbiV7WN44/s640/IMAG4279.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 13" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. This would be the time when I would arrange the mozarella cheese slices on the top to cover the pasta entirely. In this instance however, I had used the shredded mozarella cheese since the mozarella slices were not available.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgaJkLRMI_k/Uq-ld7_bDLI/AAAAAAAARrA/Vu0rfXxjBgk/s1600/IMAG4283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VgaJkLRMI_k/Uq-ld7_bDLI/AAAAAAAARrA/Vu0rfXxjBgk/s640/IMAG4283.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 14" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. Bake them in the oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese have melted.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTYXrfut-tM/Uq-lvFD-CKI/AAAAAAAARrI/9DP6vXu8rVc/s1600/IMAG4288.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_232805="null" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sTYXrfut-tM/Uq-lvFD-CKI/AAAAAAAARrI/9DP6vXu8rVc/s640/IMAG4288.jpg" title="Baked Fusilli with Sausage (Fusilli dan Sosej Bakar) - Method 15" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15. Serve portions on plate, sprinkle with some chilli flakes if you like and enjoy!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-57543969639615996522013-12-13T16:20:00.001+08:002013-12-14T18:27:39.710+08:00Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peqRnlee-FM/UqnLxVVQ-AI/AAAAAAAARKA/ubsyD2ZkPak/s1600/IMAG4240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="463" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peqRnlee-FM/UqnLxVVQ-AI/AAAAAAAARKA/ubsyD2ZkPak/s640/IMAG4240.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala)" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the things that I really hate going through after being a Mum is heartbreak whenever I had to leave for work in the morning and my two babies were crying for me. Being the emotional person that I always am, I felt so choked in my throat and my feet felt heavy. I think my feet must have felt heavier than my "SUPER"model sized body. It doesn't happen everyday but when it did happen, it really spoiled my morning. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACg8umwOYzA/UqnL8mlZsnI/AAAAAAAARKI/p72dQYvLwaI/s1600/IMAG4243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ACg8umwOYzA/UqnL8mlZsnI/AAAAAAAARKI/p72dQYvLwaI/s640/IMAG4243.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - 2" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1vax2fX5ro/UqnMDR1nuOI/AAAAAAAARKQ/UfwX8ZcBIB0/s1600/IMAG4244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-c1vax2fX5ro/UqnMDR1nuOI/AAAAAAAARKQ/UfwX8ZcBIB0/s640/IMAG4244.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - 3" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were times when Sayf just waved happily and blew kisses at me as I was leaving whereas Suhaym just looked on with a smile that made his chubby cheeks puffed up and lifted his arm attempting to wave me goodbye. That really made my day. Then there were the times when Sayf (whose full name is Sayf Ahmad, prefers to call himself by his second name Ahmad) asked me if I was going to work the moment he woke up from sleep. I knew that the tantrums were coming once I replied him with a "yes". So it did this morning. He started crying and said in Malay, "<em>Ummi, taknak pergi work! Ahmad nak ikut Ummi. Ahmad nak tengok cartoon dengan Ummi! Please Ummi!</em>" In direct English translation would be, "<em>Don't go to work Ummi! Ahmad wants to go with you! Ahmad wants to watch cartoon with you! Please!</em>" My heart broke. It broke into tiny little pieces. Once Sayf started crying, Suhaym would just follow suit. He wanted to fight for my attention as well and started reaching out his arms for me. Oh God! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZqiDpNme9g/UqnMONn83TI/AAAAAAAARKY/qUzNGqmiZGE/s1600/IMAG4245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZqiDpNme9g/UqnMONn83TI/AAAAAAAARKY/qUzNGqmiZGE/s640/IMAG4245.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - 4" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3tPsK4PJ_s/UqnMZKvik7I/AAAAAAAARKg/54GWRFnjdSk/s1600/IMAG4247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U3tPsK4PJ_s/UqnMZKvik7I/AAAAAAAARKg/54GWRFnjdSk/s640/IMAG4247.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - 5" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I really wish my babies could understand that I would love to be a stay at home Mum but with the recent move into our new flat and with the financial commitments that my husband and I have, I would have to work for at least a few more years before I could even consider working from home. It is not really easy to make a living in Singapore with the high cost of living and we would not be able to save enough for the kids if my husband is the only one working in the family. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Precious moments and milestones that I missed whilst I am at work were indeed moments lost forever. Sacrifices that I have to make for the sake of my children. Some day, when I am old or gone and when both my babies get to read this blog (well I have to first make sure that I instill some cooking interest in the both of them!), they will know how much I love them. How much it means to me to have been able to spend each and every moment with them. How much it hurt, when I was away from them. Of course, there were moments when I just thank God that they both finally went kapoot after they had enough of me and were napping away whilst I get to enjoy my ice-cream in peace! Then, there were also moments when I really wished that there was some cupboard or drawer somewhere that I can just lock the both of them in for some while because I was the one who was about to go kapoot! Hehe... ;p. Anyway and anyhow, I love them both with every beat of my heart. I would never have it any other way. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RX41V5qWvbk/UqnMmsSdQvI/AAAAAAAARKo/qpi1iNICLG8/s1600/IMAG4251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RX41V5qWvbk/UqnMmsSdQvI/AAAAAAAARKo/qpi1iNICLG8/s640/IMAG4251.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - 6" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5MKjqviyIQ/UqnMyfceU3I/AAAAAAAARKw/HJphxdI8Jio/s1600/IMAG4253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="391" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K5MKjqviyIQ/UqnMyfceU3I/AAAAAAAARKw/HJphxdI8Jio/s640/IMAG4253.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - 7" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, now I shall make myself happy and talk about cooking! Yesterday, life was back to normal for me. I think I have fully recovered. I am full of energy. I wanted to cook something spicy and heaty enough for my body just to keep asthma at bay and at the same time satisfying my robust appetite. The moment I knew what I had wanted to cook in mind, I called home and asked my kitchen-ing assistant to prep whatever I need so that I can get cracking the moment I reached home from work. As usual, I had messed with my recipe again. I cooked Masala Chicken! It is basically dry curry with a more spicy touch. I usually cook Masala Chicken in the same way that I had cooked Masala Beef except that I added star anises in addition to the other spices and I always fry the chicken pieces first. You can check out the Masala Beef recipe <a href="http://www.tilahskitchen.com/2013/10/masala-beef-daging-masala.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. This time however, I decided to make some tweaking to the recipe. This is what happens when I get adventurous. Thank God the taste was great. Phew! Well, really, this is not self-praise. My husband said so and yes, it is his honest opinion. Truly, his feelings for me has got totally nothing to do with it. I swear by the moon and the stars in the skies! Heehee... ;)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
<strong><em>*Note that spoon herein refers to 10ml volume and tablespoon refers to 20ml volume</em></strong><br />
<br />
12 – 16 pieces of chicken parts – marinated with 2 tablespoons turmeric powder and salt to taste – fried till cooked and set aside<br />
5 potatoes – peeled and sliced about ½ cm thick – fried and set aside<br />
3 green chillies – slit in halves and cut into twos<br />
1 lemon grass – cut into two and crushed<br />
1/2 teaspoon fennel powder<br />
1 heaping teaspoon of garam masala powder<br />
3 tablespoonsful of meat curry powder</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 spoonful of red chilli powder<br />
1 teaspoonful tomato puree<br />
2 tablespoonsful of full cream yogurt<br />
1 spoonful of sugar<br />
1 teaspoonful of Ajinamoto (optional)<br />
1 stick cinnamon<br />
4 cardamoms<br />
4 cloves<br />
2 star anises<br />
a handful of mint leaves - chopped (about 12 pieces)<br />
a handful of coriander leaves with stems - chopped (about 3-4 stems) <br />
2 tomatoes - quartered<br />
a handful of fried shallots</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 glasses of water<br />
1 tablespoonful of ghee<br />
2 tablespoonful of cooking oil from chicken frying</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>(**Items to be blended in a food processor with a little of water to form a paste)</u></em></strong><br />
3 large onions** <br />
9 garlics** <br />
3 cm ginger**<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqwUd82hH0E/UqnNF9co4mI/AAAAAAAARK4/Do42KLjw9mQ/s1600/IMAG4211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xqwUd82hH0E/UqnNF9co4mI/AAAAAAAARK4/Do42KLjw9mQ/s640/IMAG4211.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 1" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat up oil from chicken frying together with ghee in a non stick deep based pan. Once heated, add in the cinnamon stick, cardamoms, cloves and star anises. Saute for a few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIRdPjY6LEU/UqnNSOI74WI/AAAAAAAARLA/d-WXeGflLwA/s1600/IMAG4213_20131212212827778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xIRdPjY6LEU/UqnNSOI74WI/AAAAAAAARLA/d-WXeGflLwA/s640/IMAG4213_20131212212827778.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 2" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the crushed lemon grass. Saute for another few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nejCi3lgevA/UqnNga6HqeI/AAAAAAAARLI/rU0aeR7wK7E/s1600/IMAG4215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nejCi3lgevA/UqnNga6HqeI/AAAAAAAARLI/rU0aeR7wK7E/s640/IMAG4215.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 3" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the blended ingredients. Saute until fragrant. Yes, you will be able to smell the fragrance :).</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0AFR114MXtg/UqnNuriTmlI/AAAAAAAARLQ/PZQarEJGwr0/s1600/IMAG4217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0AFR114MXtg/UqnNuriTmlI/AAAAAAAARLQ/PZQarEJGwr0/s640/IMAG4217.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 4" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in the meat curry powder, chilli powder, fennel powder and garam masala powder. Saute for about a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ3nv-XHgC0/UqnN9Lik51I/AAAAAAAARLY/71VNiVBE0yk/s1600/IMAG4218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dZ3nv-XHgC0/UqnN9Lik51I/AAAAAAAARLY/71VNiVBE0yk/s640/IMAG4218.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 5" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in the tomato puree and about half a glass of water. Saute until the sauteing mix is dried.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XABkPIVT8iU/UqnOLYn5RGI/AAAAAAAARLg/N_KYMybVds4/s1600/IMAG4222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XABkPIVT8iU/UqnOLYn5RGI/AAAAAAAARLg/N_KYMybVds4/s640/IMAG4222.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 6" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Once the mix is dried, add in the full cream yogurt. Give a good stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WQCrknC7PI/UqnOan6hPoI/AAAAAAAARLo/lsACe7YXzD4/s1600/IMAG4223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--WQCrknC7PI/UqnOan6hPoI/AAAAAAAARLo/lsACe7YXzD4/s640/IMAG4223.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 7" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Add in the green chillies, the chopped mint leaves and coriander leaves.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jk992xjDaQM/UqnOqJg2qFI/AAAAAAAARLw/9GpJPy4uCHQ/s1600/IMAG4226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jk992xjDaQM/UqnOqJg2qFI/AAAAAAAARLw/9GpJPy4uCHQ/s640/IMAG4226.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 8" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Add in sugar, salt to taste and Ajinamoto, if you prefer. Add in the remaining 1 and a 1/2 glass of water. Give a good stir again.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUjfyDlJr1U/UqnOzijD2bI/AAAAAAAARL4/QDMqL7f0hbI/s1600/IMAG4225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="469" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jUjfyDlJr1U/UqnOzijD2bI/AAAAAAAARL4/QDMqL7f0hbI/s640/IMAG4225.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 9" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Bring fire to medium and cover your pan and let cook for ten minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFjPRRDZDRM/UqnO_CUDHeI/AAAAAAAARMA/wxvDIXQKyog/s1600/IMAG4231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xFjPRRDZDRM/UqnO_CUDHeI/AAAAAAAARMA/wxvDIXQKyog/s640/IMAG4231.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 10" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Take off cover, give a stir and do a taste check. Season accordingly, if necessary.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ws8sjW6CL0M/UqnPRRJmMHI/AAAAAAAARMI/cbtAKZRqa6E/s1600/IMAG4233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ws8sjW6CL0M/UqnPRRJmMHI/AAAAAAAARMI/cbtAKZRqa6E/s640/IMAG4233.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 11" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Add in the fried chicken pieces and fried potatoes slices. Fold them into the masala gravy till well coated.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSEM3YNvwpw/UqnPwoIfUbI/AAAAAAAARMQ/DbFlP1UE7_M/s1600/IMAG4234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zSEM3YNvwpw/UqnPwoIfUbI/AAAAAAAARMQ/DbFlP1UE7_M/s640/IMAG4234.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 12" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Add in the cut tomatoes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0-_tiadbpg/UqnQGN81DVI/AAAAAAAARMY/xGVmC4Q9p8Y/s1600/IMAG4235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0-_tiadbpg/UqnQGN81DVI/AAAAAAAARMY/xGVmC4Q9p8Y/s640/IMAG4235.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 13" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. Add in the fried shallots.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcnkwEUgoAs/UqnQXLLt-AI/AAAAAAAARMg/axUOhK3Co-Y/s1600/IMAG4236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hcnkwEUgoAs/UqnQXLLt-AI/AAAAAAAARMg/axUOhK3Co-Y/s640/IMAG4236.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 14" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. Fold them in to thoroughly combine the ingredients and let simmer for about a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOMSzOVn090/UqnQwH8COZI/AAAAAAAARMo/gvdAIkT0qm8/s1600/IMAG4238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" dua="true" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOMSzOVn090/UqnQwH8COZI/AAAAAAAARMo/gvdAIkT0qm8/s640/IMAG4238.jpg" title="Masala Chicken (Ayam Masala) - Step 15" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15. Off fire and serve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Enjoy with white rice, white bread, pilaf or biryani and have a blast! Happy Kitchen-ing!</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-68029716885453129032013-12-12T09:22:00.001+08:002013-12-12T14:30:46.166+08:00Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q9-clrYZ8s/UqcovqwJo5I/AAAAAAAAQ74/r5zFboW7280/s1600/IMAG4194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Q9-clrYZ8s/UqcovqwJo5I/AAAAAAAAQ74/r5zFboW7280/s640/IMAG4194.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Even though I have not fully recovered from my illness, I am very much better than last week. However it has been raining almost daily in Singapore and for people with asthma like me, this simply means bad news. I will have to be prepared that my asthma attacks are on standby, waiting for the right moment to hit me whenever I am careless and neglect preventive measures. Since I can be quite forgetful when it comes to taking my medicines, I will have to make sure that I set reminders on my phone to take my meds.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtVEBamhRC4/UqcpJpfPSEI/AAAAAAAAQ8A/09IcpdkdMUY/s1600/IMAG4186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtVEBamhRC4/UqcpJpfPSEI/AAAAAAAAQ8A/09IcpdkdMUY/s640/IMAG4186.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream - 2" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyyi467XAtM/UqcpVG3uukI/AAAAAAAAQ8I/3P7JuJ11P-M/s1600/IMAG4188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyyi467XAtM/UqcpVG3uukI/AAAAAAAAQ8I/3P7JuJ11P-M/s640/IMAG4188.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - 3" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, being sick and all would never stop my love for food. I craved for my Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream on Monday. Mmmm...full of spicy and creamy goodness. A recipe that is so common and well known amongst the Malays. Since I craved it, I decided to cook it and the whole family ate it. It was so good!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had actually taken the day off today to attend to my husband who sprained his back. He was in great pain and I had to bring him to the doctor. It was quite a bad day for me with all the three lover boys of my life vying for my attention. After a long and eventful day, I am just glad that everybody is asleep right now and I finally get to touch my lappy before sleep.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5cNywxCfzHw/UqcpsUr0pnI/AAAAAAAAQ8Q/PIvlIYwJs3w/s640/IMAG4192.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - 4" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBOzXa_ZXS8/Uqcp5NGQboI/AAAAAAAAQ8Y/TRyCI6wjAQw/s1600/IMAG4196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBOzXa_ZXS8/Uqcp5NGQboI/AAAAAAAAQ8Y/TRyCI6wjAQw/s640/IMAG4196.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - 5" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
This recipe makes a whole of a medium sized mackerel and serves about 5-6 people<br />
<br />
<em>*Spoon herein refers to 10ml volume</em><br />
<br />
A mackerel cut into 10 - 12 pieces (if you like your fish pieces fried first just like me, marinade them with two tablespoons of turmeric powder and salt to taste and fried till cooked)<br />
1 lemon grass - cut into two and crushed<br />
2 brinjals - slit in halves and cut into threes<br />
2 tomatoes - quartered<br />
200 ml of coconut cream<br />
2 small bowls of water (about 400 ml)<br />
2 pieces of tamarind peels<br />
1 spoon sugar<br />
1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder (add this only if you are not frying your fish pieces)<br />
1 teaspoon of Ajinamoto (optional)<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>**Items to be blended into a food processor with a little bit of water to form a paste</u></em></strong><br />
1 large onion**<br />
4 shallots** <br />
6 garlics**<br />
2 cm ginger**<br />
3 red bird's eye chillies** - you can also mix with green ones and feel free to add more if you like smoke out of your ears!<br />
1 fresh red chilli** <br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnaBiIDATmE/UqcqLfv02SI/AAAAAAAAQ8g/D9lji7vSVw4/s1600/IMAG4172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YnaBiIDATmE/UqcqLfv02SI/AAAAAAAAQ8g/D9lji7vSVw4/s640/IMAG4172.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 1" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat oil from fish frying in deep based pan. For those who are not frying your fish pieces, you will have to heat up fresh cooking oil of course.<em> </em>Once heated, add in the crushed lemon grass. Saute for a few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvn-ESrKqeo/UqcqawXZVcI/AAAAAAAAQ8o/65OU1f5rEmw/s1600/IMAG4173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pvn-ESrKqeo/UqcqawXZVcI/AAAAAAAAQ8o/65OU1f5rEmw/s640/IMAG4173.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 2" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the blended ingredients. Saute for about a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxApcsyQFAw/Uqcqq9PoKJI/AAAAAAAAQ8w/yEjQMi9p5bQ/s1600/IMAG4174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sxApcsyQFAw/Uqcqq9PoKJI/AAAAAAAAQ8w/yEjQMi9p5bQ/s640/IMAG4174.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 3" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in sugar, Ajinamoto if you prefer, salt to taste and tamarind peels. For those who are not frying your fish pieces, this would also be the time to add in your turmeric powder.<em> </em>Saute until oil separates.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JgJVKR9QiY/UqcrKiBlAII/AAAAAAAAQ9A/vY5BT48c7IE/s1600/IMAG4176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9JgJVKR9QiY/UqcrKiBlAII/AAAAAAAAQ9A/vY5BT48c7IE/s640/IMAG4176.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 4" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Once the sautéing mix looks a bit dried and you see oil collecting at the gaps of your mix, oil has separated.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4r1WQ0fKhY/UqcrgYI9HwI/AAAAAAAAQ9I/ayIVeJJjkLs/s1600/IMAG4177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W4r1WQ0fKhY/UqcrgYI9HwI/AAAAAAAAQ9I/ayIVeJJjkLs/s640/IMAG4177.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 5" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in coconut cream. Give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbLe8Byhz-o/UqcruIzgGaI/AAAAAAAAQ9Q/rPZ1iCWxIC4/s1600/IMAG4178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cbLe8Byhz-o/UqcruIzgGaI/AAAAAAAAQ9Q/rPZ1iCWxIC4/s640/IMAG4178.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 6" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in water. Give a stir. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1nlRPq9WFc/Uqcr6pJ5TPI/AAAAAAAAQ9Y/y6fm-4HB6JU/s1600/IMAG4179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g1nlRPq9WFc/Uqcr6pJ5TPI/AAAAAAAAQ9Y/y6fm-4HB6JU/s640/IMAG4179.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 7" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Bring fire to medium. Add in brinjals. If you are not frying your fish pieces, you may add your fish pieces in now. Bring to boil whilst stirring continuously (to prevent the cream from curdling or "pecah minyak" as it is known in Malay) until the fish pieces and the brinjals are cooked. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfLEpGwlurw/UqcsH9Kv_aI/AAAAAAAAQ9g/FCqEEe4P_dM/s1600/IMAG4181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WfLEpGwlurw/UqcsH9Kv_aI/AAAAAAAAQ9g/FCqEEe4P_dM/s640/IMAG4181.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 8" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Add in the fried fish pieces. <em>If you cooked your fish pieces in step no. 7, you can omit this step.</em></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XltJJ2_I0Ik/UqcsXgbUzTI/AAAAAAAAQ9o/GOgenv3Cl0U/s1600/IMAG4182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XltJJ2_I0Ik/UqcsXgbUzTI/AAAAAAAAQ9o/GOgenv3Cl0U/s640/IMAG4182.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 9" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Add in the cut tomatoes. Let simmer for another minute or two whilst continuing to stir. Don't forget to do a taste check! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugIGa_-PJrg/UqcskyAR37I/AAAAAAAAQ9w/ksU7WSm4bEI/s1600/IMAG4183.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ugIGa_-PJrg/UqcskyAR37I/AAAAAAAAQ9w/ksU7WSm4bEI/s640/IMAG4183.jpg" title="Mackerel in Bird's Eye Coconut Cream (Tenggiri Masak Lemak Cili Padi) - Method 10" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Off fire and serve.</div>
<br />
Enjoy with white rice or white bread. Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-24434990831921772142013-12-08T17:40:00.003+08:002013-12-12T11:27:31.753+08:00Mughlai Biryani (Biryani Mughlai)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlFSfmq5vfg/UqMnIjtokWI/AAAAAAAAQx0/AaW7jOcvg20/s1600/IMAG4171.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NlFSfmq5vfg/UqMnIjtokWI/AAAAAAAAQx0/AaW7jOcvg20/s640/IMAG4171.jpg" title="Mughlai Biryani (Biryani Mughlai)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, it is a left inner ear imbalance that has aggravated symptoms whenever I am unwell. That explains the dizziness that I kept having whenever I am ill all these years. Over the recent flu and asthma attack, I felt like a pregnant woman all over again. Dizziness and nausea. To the point of fainting. Initially, I was told that there could be ear imbalance. Well whatever it is, both my ears are at the same level when I looked in the mirror. Nothing imbalanced externally. It was only after the visit to the ear nose and throat specialist that I understood the problem that I have. I was let off with a few head exercises that I need to do regularly in the hopes of relieving my symptoms in time to come. Otherwise, I'll just have to keep taking the medicines when the symptoms are on a full blast attack. The bad news is that a bad ear is forever a bad ear. There is no cure to it.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3xfyMFUz1s/UqMnV3GQWTI/AAAAAAAAQx8/zwzzZkik7xg/s1600/IMAG4170_20131207163809762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3xfyMFUz1s/UqMnV3GQWTI/AAAAAAAAQx8/zwzzZkik7xg/s640/IMAG4170_20131207163809762.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxnB46VLtp0/UqMn-vDvg7I/AAAAAAAAQyE/3XEXzn5vpdU/s1600/IMAG4147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wxnB46VLtp0/UqMn-vDvg7I/AAAAAAAAQyE/3XEXzn5vpdU/s640/IMAG4147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As a result of the past few days of dizziness and breathlessness, I did not really have much quality time with both my lover boys! Our family was not even able to properly celebrate the recent first birthday of my second one, Suhaym. Too much head movements made me felt even more dizzy and nauseated. I was in bed most of the time and only got up to cook. Then, I was back in bed. My recent posts were also typed over my lappy on bed.<br />
<br />
However, I managed to make up for it all yesterday. The dizziness were much lesser and I can breathe better. So I decided to have a little belated birthday celebration for Suhaym's first birthday. I decided to cook a meal fit for a Moghul King! Mughlai Biryani served with sliced cucumber and diced tomatoes topped with Coriander Chutney and Appalam (Indian crackers) as a side. Both my mother-in-law and my husband loved it. Sayf loved it. My kitchen-ing assistant loved it. I fed Suhaym some of the rice which I had to mash first of course and enjoyed it Suhaym did.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPJbWmyiPGc/UqMoW6Z8xVI/AAAAAAAAQyU/lmxiTyIQaLs/s1600/IMAG4140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mPJbWmyiPGc/UqMoW6Z8xVI/AAAAAAAAQyU/lmxiTyIQaLs/s640/IMAG4140.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NApzNfBGEAg/UqMoJl2wNQI/AAAAAAAAQyM/82VKzDLyfpY/s1600/IMAG4153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NApzNfBGEAg/UqMoJl2wNQI/AAAAAAAAQyM/82VKzDLyfpY/s640/IMAG4153.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This was the first time I made this dish. The source of the recipe was from Petrina Verma Sarkar. I have however edited the recipe and the cooking methods to suit my own preference. You can find the original recipe <a href="http://indianfood.about.com/od/ricerecipes/r/mughlaibiriyani.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">HERE</a>. The recipe requires the use of the "garam masala" spice which I don't have in stock and I can't find it at the local supermarkets that I frequent either so I made my own. That, I will share with you in another post. It also requires that the rice and chicken be layered in a baking dish and baked at 180 degrees celsius for about 20 minutes at the end of the whole cooking process. I skipped this step. I also used Ponni rice which is the usual rice that I eat instead of Basmati rice. Whatever it is this dish is heavenly enough for me. This is definitely a must try recipe. The taste of the gravy is different from the usual biryani. Definitely delicious and finger licking good!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---l4AI9uzY8/UqMokJXdEGI/AAAAAAAAQyc/VYm_KHj8EQM/s1600/IMAG4142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---l4AI9uzY8/UqMokJXdEGI/AAAAAAAAQyc/VYm_KHj8EQM/s640/IMAG4142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Ftw1AQf4k/UqMo9B9eDHI/AAAAAAAAQys/2_Xzb8-f3F8/s1600/IMAG4161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1Ftw1AQf4k/UqMo9B9eDHI/AAAAAAAAQys/2_Xzb8-f3F8/s640/IMAG4161.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCfdwLhDrSA/UqMowLFQo0I/AAAAAAAAQyk/2KF-TDl-7P4/s1600/IMAG4143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FCfdwLhDrSA/UqMowLFQo0I/AAAAAAAAQyk/2KF-TDl-7P4/s640/IMAG4143.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Mughlai Chicken</u><br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
*<em>note that spoonful here refers to 10ml volume and tablespoonful refers to 20ml volume</em><br />
*<em>note also that this dish serves about 10 to 12 people</em><br />
<em></em><br />
12-20 pieces of chicken parts - cleaned (and skin removed if you want)<br />
2 large onions - finely sliced<br />
3 green chillies - slit in halves and cut into twos<br />
1 stick of cinnamon - about 3 to 4 cm long<br />
5 cardamom pods<br />
5 cloves<br />
2 star anises<br />
1 teaspoonful of tomato puree<br />
1 teaspoon of coriander powder<br />
1 teaspoon of cumin powder<br />
1 teaspoon of white ground pepper<br />
1 spoonful of biryani powder<br />
1 spoonful of red chilli powder (you can add more if you like it spicy)<br />
1 tablespoon of garam masala powder<br />
6 tablespoonsful of full cream yogurt<br />
1 piece of Knorr chicken cube dissolved in <strong>half a small bowl</strong> of water - the bowl is about the size of a Chinese rice bowl <br />
12 pieces of mint leaves - chopped<br />
3-4 stems of coriander leaves with stems - chopped<br />
1 spoonful of sugar<br />
2 teaspoons of Ajinamoto (optional)<br />
salt to taste<br />
2 tablespoonsful of ghee<br />
<br />
<u><em><strong>(**Items to be blended in a food processor with a little bit of water to form a paste)</strong></em></u><br />
2 large onions**<br />
6 garlics**<br />
3 cm ginger**<br />
<u></u><br />
<u><em><strong>(**Items to be blended in a food processor with a little bit of water to form a paste)</strong></em></u><br />
10 pieces of cashew nuts <br />
10 pieces of almonds <br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UsWiKrzvEBQ/UqMpIqH6RVI/AAAAAAAAQy0/U2vbNqJrk3o/s1600/IMAG4091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UsWiKrzvEBQ/UqMpIqH6RVI/AAAAAAAAQy0/U2vbNqJrk3o/s640/IMAG4091.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Put all the chicken pieces in a mixing bowl.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AX8mtmxaark/UqMpUZfJn9I/AAAAAAAAQy8/MeMRkFa7Mh4/s1600/IMAG4092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AX8mtmxaark/UqMpUZfJn9I/AAAAAAAAQy8/MeMRkFa7Mh4/s640/IMAG4092.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in yogurt.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG--Sw6Yko4/UqMpgI8fnUI/AAAAAAAAQzE/hnWXTqxPgNk/s1600/IMAG4093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BG--Sw6Yko4/UqMpgI8fnUI/AAAAAAAAQzE/hnWXTqxPgNk/s640/IMAG4093.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the almond and cashew paste.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThE21rxI9Gk/UqMpwsbGrWI/AAAAAAAAQzM/W0sIhaySfZk/s1600/IMAG4094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThE21rxI9Gk/UqMpwsbGrWI/AAAAAAAAQzM/W0sIhaySfZk/s640/IMAG4094.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in the garam masala powder.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KDpojv5jYM/UqMqAd32sJI/AAAAAAAAQzU/o6N79ogjNEY/s1600/IMAG4095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KDpojv5jYM/UqMqAd32sJI/AAAAAAAAQzU/o6N79ogjNEY/s640/IMAG4095.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in the chopped coriander and mint leaves. With your hands, fold and mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are properly combined.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpM3wUBP3u8/UqMqMsFuYLI/AAAAAAAAQzc/-I16JbvrZ3M/s1600/IMAG4096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jpM3wUBP3u8/UqMqMsFuYLI/AAAAAAAAQzc/-I16JbvrZ3M/s640/IMAG4096.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in salt to taste and Ajinamoto. Mix thoroughly. Set aside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvMoBrS-AVQ/UqMqXwtFviI/AAAAAAAAQzk/Cf-mQ1FFkSo/s1600/IMAG4097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fvMoBrS-AVQ/UqMqXwtFviI/AAAAAAAAQzk/Cf-mQ1FFkSo/s640/IMAG4097.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. In a pot, heat up 2 tablespoons of ghee with a little bit of cooking oil. Once heated, add in the cinnamons, cloves, cardamoms and star anises. Saute for a few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i74CcLvDknI/UqMqk_QoUYI/AAAAAAAAQzs/Sq-72-EMR_I/s1600/IMAG4098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i74CcLvDknI/UqMqk_QoUYI/AAAAAAAAQzs/Sq-72-EMR_I/s640/IMAG4098.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Add in the sliced large onions. Saute until the onions are withered.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VxD92Pl4o0M/UqMrHOw4QqI/AAAAAAAAQz0/hS9s1iq7snk/s1600/IMAG4099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VxD92Pl4o0M/UqMrHOw4QqI/AAAAAAAAQz0/hS9s1iq7snk/s640/IMAG4099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Add in the blended ingredients. Saute for a minute or two.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wc_VfIj2Qkc/UqMrkDh6UkI/AAAAAAAAQz8/aeQeiu4d7SI/s1600/IMAG4100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wc_VfIj2Qkc/UqMrkDh6UkI/AAAAAAAAQz8/aeQeiu4d7SI/s640/IMAG4100.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Add in the coriander powder, cumin powder, chilli powder, ground white pepper and biryani powder. Saute for about a minute. Add in the sugar and give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b17KCmsqBTg/UqMrvUYHr4I/AAAAAAAAQ0E/vHUw-s-LWkk/s1600/IMAG4101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b17KCmsqBTg/UqMrvUYHr4I/AAAAAAAAQ0E/vHUw-s-LWkk/s640/IMAG4101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Add in the tomato puree. Saute until oil separates.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t05zIvVU9-U/UqMtNFGUmKI/AAAAAAAAQ0Q/1X6AzUR91jQ/s1600/IMAG4102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t05zIvVU9-U/UqMtNFGUmKI/AAAAAAAAQ0Q/1X6AzUR91jQ/s640/IMAG4102.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Once you see oil at the gaps of the sautéing mix, oil has separated.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xy8m9IVKQA/UqMt7klkDFI/AAAAAAAAQ0Y/fyQcOm5f2TQ/s1600/IMAG4103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--xy8m9IVKQA/UqMt7klkDFI/AAAAAAAAQ0Y/fyQcOm5f2TQ/s640/IMAG4103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. Add in the half bowl of chicken stock. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDcwgLjDVyI/UqMuIynHgqI/AAAAAAAAQ0g/mFhq0_mEt98/s1600/IMAG4105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KDcwgLjDVyI/UqMuIynHgqI/AAAAAAAAQ0g/mFhq0_mEt98/s640/IMAG4105.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. Give a good stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1faWpptwa2Y/UqMuUm_UPSI/AAAAAAAAQ0o/eK4sYzSzgbM/s1600/IMAG4108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1faWpptwa2Y/UqMuUm_UPSI/AAAAAAAAQ0o/eK4sYzSzgbM/s640/IMAG4108.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15. Add in the marinated chicken and the green chillies.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXyg5g-NlZQ/UqMu5GZBJaI/AAAAAAAAQ0w/geAWbRNGzw0/s1600/IMAG4110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VXyg5g-NlZQ/UqMu5GZBJaI/AAAAAAAAQ0w/geAWbRNGzw0/s640/IMAG4110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
16. Stir to combine.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfMFXCgNZRU/UqMvCSje4tI/AAAAAAAAQ04/mwOkR-c3RPY/s1600/IMAG4112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfMFXCgNZRU/UqMvCSje4tI/AAAAAAAAQ04/mwOkR-c3RPY/s640/IMAG4112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
17. Cover your pot and put something heavy on it. I put a pestle on it to prevent steam from escaping.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bmWR28V6pk/UqMvPAt_8kI/AAAAAAAAQ1A/79B6gXpga_A/s1600/IMAG4111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4bmWR28V6pk/UqMvPAt_8kI/AAAAAAAAQ1A/79B6gXpga_A/s640/IMAG4111.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
18. Bring fire to medium and let your chicken cook through for about 20 to 30 minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqk4c-90Sfc/UqMvcVOmGoI/AAAAAAAAQ1I/9ergnGzosTQ/s1600/IMAG4114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tqk4c-90Sfc/UqMvcVOmGoI/AAAAAAAAQ1I/9ergnGzosTQ/s640/IMAG4114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
19. Once your chicken has cooked through. Remove lid and give a stir. <strong>(<em>There will be plenty of oil but that is the result of a good cooking process thus the oil is separated from the gravy. You can scoop up and get rid of the excess oil but keep about half to one cup for later use on the rice.)</em></strong> Do a taste check to see if you need more salt.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAL79Vpncdk/UqMvsR-qgLI/AAAAAAAAQ1Q/sDkL54egIKM/s1600/IMAG4115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CAL79Vpncdk/UqMvsR-qgLI/AAAAAAAAQ1Q/sDkL54egIKM/s640/IMAG4115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
20. Sprinkle fried shallots on the surface of the gravy. Then sprinkle with a pinch of the garam masala powder and replace lid until ready to be served.</div>
<br />
<u>Mughlai Biryani Rice</u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>*Note that if you find that it is a hassle to cook the rice in the method that I showed you here, you can always use the usual method, which is actually my preferred method that is - by sautéing the spices and pouring them straight into the rice cooker which has been filled up with rice and water as required.</em></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
2 and a 1/2 average drinking mug of any kinds of rice - washed and set aside (best if you use Basmati rice, washed and soaked for about 20 to 30 minutes, drained and then set aside)<br />
2 tablespoonsful of ghee<br />
4 shallots - finely sliced<br />
2 garlics - finely sliced<br />
1 cm ginger - finely sliced<br />
3 cm cinnamon stick<br />
3 cloves<br />
3 cardamom pods<br />
1 star anise<br />
1 teaspoon of biryani powder<br />
1 piece of chicken cube (I used Knorr brand)<br />
2 pieces of pandan leaves (also known as screw pine leaves) - washed and tied into a knot<br />
1 tablespoon of full cream yogurt<br />
1 teaspoon sugar<br />
1 teaspoon of Ajinamoto (optional)<br />
salt to taste<br />
1/2 to 1 cup of oil from the Mughlai Chicken gravy (optional)<br />
2 drops of green colouring mixed with a little bit of water in a bowl<br />
2 drops of yellow or orange colouring mixed with a little bit of water in a bowl<br />
10 pieces of mint leaves - chopped or torn into smaller pieces<br />
3 stems of coriander leaves - chopped into smaller pieces<br />
a handful of fried shallots<br />
<u></u><br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdtyS6ll7ZM/UqMv7swP18I/AAAAAAAAQ1Y/-GZUnq3FiyQ/s1600/IMAG4118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pdtyS6ll7ZM/UqMv7swP18I/AAAAAAAAQ1Y/-GZUnq3FiyQ/s640/IMAG4118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat up 2 tablespoons of ghee in the rice cooker. Once heated add in the cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms and star anise. Saute for a few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYfG7bMwos0/UqMwKU6C4AI/AAAAAAAAQ1g/tQ8FVX3BOP8/s1600/IMAG4119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XYfG7bMwos0/UqMwKU6C4AI/AAAAAAAAQ1g/tQ8FVX3BOP8/s640/IMAG4119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the sliced onions, garlics, ginger and pandan leaves. Saute for a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFtWcHVb9HQ/UqMwYIA_lcI/AAAAAAAAQ1o/UiByHNlMojc/s1600/IMAG4120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jFtWcHVb9HQ/UqMwYIA_lcI/AAAAAAAAQ1o/UiByHNlMojc/s640/IMAG4120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the biryani powder and sauté for a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ViNbZz1SlZE/UqMwvWRaBbI/AAAAAAAAQ1w/-HQVYoSF4MQ/s1600/IMAG4121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ViNbZz1SlZE/UqMwvWRaBbI/AAAAAAAAQ1w/-HQVYoSF4MQ/s640/IMAG4121.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in the chicken cube and press on it a few times and sauté until complete dissolved.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13ZQWlpUmo8/UqMw8SIaUEI/AAAAAAAAQ14/qjt-IrUGS_w/s1600/IMAG4122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-13ZQWlpUmo8/UqMw8SIaUEI/AAAAAAAAQ14/qjt-IrUGS_w/s640/IMAG4122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in rice and stir thoroughly to combine the rice and the sautéing spices. Off fire.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTsc2Kq50s8/UqMxHxFt_BI/AAAAAAAAQ2A/QcF71eKeAQc/s1600/IMAG4126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KTsc2Kq50s8/UqMxHxFt_BI/AAAAAAAAQ2A/QcF71eKeAQc/s640/IMAG4126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in water as you would normally require to cook your rice. (<em>If you are using Basmati rice, the proportion would be 1 mug of rice to 1 and a 1/2 mug of water. In this case, 2 and a 1/2 mugs of Basmati rice would require 4 mugs </em><em>of water.) </em>Add in sugar, Ajinamoto if you prefer and salt to taste. Add in the tablespoon of yogurt. Give a good stir to combine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4NPxwFaaI8/UqMxT0SUorI/AAAAAAAAQ2I/k1sj2NDXfJ8/s1600/IMAG4127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4NPxwFaaI8/UqMxT0SUorI/AAAAAAAAQ2I/k1sj2NDXfJ8/s640/IMAG4127.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Place the lid of the rice cooker and turn on the power to cook your rice as usual. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79OmugWTQ3E/UqMxp3cBcrI/AAAAAAAAQ2Q/JtyljoYX_1E/s1600/IMAG4128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-79OmugWTQ3E/UqMxp3cBcrI/AAAAAAAAQ2Q/JtyljoYX_1E/s640/IMAG4128.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. When your rice are about 3/4 cooked, lift up the cooker lid, make small holes on the surface of the rice with a chopstick. Using a teaspoon, drip a few drops of green colouring into the holes on the rice on one side of the cooker and a few drops of yellow colouring into the holes on the rice on the other side of the cooker just like in the picture above. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKdNMdfIB4I/UqMx3PIjwOI/AAAAAAAAQ2Y/6c1H_pqP9OI/s1600/IMAG4129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TKdNMdfIB4I/UqMx3PIjwOI/AAAAAAAAQ2Y/6c1H_pqP9OI/s640/IMAG4129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Sprinkle all over the top of the rice with the mint and coriander leaves followed by fried shallots and replace the lid. Let rice cook completely. Before serving, pour the oil from the mughlai chicken gravy all over the surface of the rice <em>(this is so that your rice will look shiny and remain soft and supple) </em>and then fold the rice from the bottom to the top.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Serve the rice on a plate and top it with the Mughlai Chicken and the gravy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Feast like a king and be in heaven. Happy Kitchen-ing!! </div>
<br /></div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-22430580999059341302013-12-04T14:49:00.001+08:002013-12-10T17:35:46.692+08:00Yellowtail Scad with Salted Beans (Ikan Selar Masak Taucu)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mX0AhtLcGT4/Up2gPAcF4nI/AAAAAAAAQY0/nSDtoZr1ujA/s1600/IMAG4063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="432" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mX0AhtLcGT4/Up2gPAcF4nI/AAAAAAAAQY0/nSDtoZr1ujA/s640/IMAG4063.jpg" title="Yellowtail Scad with Salted Beans (Ikan Selar Masak Taucu)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hello Cooks! I may not be updating so often for the next few days. Honestly, I have been unwell. Very unwell. Dizziness and asthma. Both decided to pay me a visit at one go and has made no plans of flying back home. The cold weather makes it worse. I am so tormented! I could not even spend much quality time with my two lover boys! Sulky sulky :( Be that as it may, I still cannot stop myself from cooking. My passion. My way of de-stressing myself and making myself happy which would not have been possible at all for me if I had not had my kitchen-ing assistant assisting me. Thanks very much to her! I am so blessed.</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PI0NZtJHb6w/Up2gd-7gdsI/AAAAAAAAQY8/6C-tShaw_Xs/s1600/IMAG4065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PI0NZtJHb6w/Up2gd-7gdsI/AAAAAAAAQY8/6C-tShaw_Xs/s640/IMAG4065.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AXbsIS_mCc/Up2gywjEHvI/AAAAAAAAQZE/Rgr1KOssdJI/s1600/IMAG4066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0AXbsIS_mCc/Up2gywjEHvI/AAAAAAAAQZE/Rgr1KOssdJI/s640/IMAG4066.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am totally in no mood for chicken or meat. So fish and fish have been on the menu. This recipe uses salted beans (or what is known as "<em>taucu</em>" in Chinese and Malay) as one of it's ingredients and it is also very common amongst the Malays. You can easily find it at the various provision shops and local supermarkets. For those staying overseas I am not sure if you can find this ingredient readily available but you can try finding it at your local Chinatown market. It is also very easy to prepare this dish. Not much hassle though your fishes will have to be fried first. There can be variations into cooking this dish but this is the way that I like it most. My mother-in-law loves this. The first time she ate it, she gave me a compliment. That certainly made me feel good. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdMYSM6wPYw/Up2hA4a4y6I/AAAAAAAAQZM/6bIBqu2gjko/s1600/IMAG4074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IdMYSM6wPYw/Up2hA4a4y6I/AAAAAAAAQZM/6bIBqu2gjko/s640/IMAG4074.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-0B3Aar6S4/Up2hSQU8VII/AAAAAAAAQZU/7XNo15guEQ4/s1600/IMAG4075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-0B3Aar6S4/Up2hSQU8VII/AAAAAAAAQZU/7XNo15guEQ4/s640/IMAG4075.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok cooks! Like I said earlier, I am still unwell and asthmatic. Along with my lungs, my fingers are getting breathless doing all the typing...ok, I know I am talking crap but my mind is totally not in much of a functioning mode with all this panting so I will stop crapping and get straight to the ingredients! ;p</div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
*<em>note that spoonful here refers to 10ml volume</em><br />
<br />
5 - 8 pieces of yellowtail scad - halved and cleaned, marinated with 2 tablespoons of turmeric powder and salt to taste, fried till cooked and set aside (I always fry them till cripsy, that's how I love it most)<br />
2-3 pieces of bean curds - triangularly quartered, sprinkled with salt to taste and fried till golden brown and set aside<br />
2 tomatoes - cut into sixes<br />
2 lemon grass - cut into two and crushed<br />
2 large onions - finely sliced<br />
4 garlics - finely sliced<br />
2 cm ginger - finely sliced in strips<br />
1 fresh red chilly - sliced (feel free to add more or even substitute with bird's eye chillies if you like it hot and spicy)<br />
1 fresh green chilly - sliced<br />
3 tamarind peels<br />
3 small bowls of water - more or less depending on your preference<br />
3/4 teacup of evaporated milk - more or less depending on your preference<br />
4 spoonsful of salted soy beans<br />
1 spoonful of sugar<br />
1-2 teaspoons of Ajinamoto, if you prefer<br />
salt to taste - only if necessary as salted soy beans are obviously salty<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SpUVhHlzuh8/Up2hejlJNpI/AAAAAAAAQZc/qZsUa28-jJg/s640/IMAG4039.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat up some of the oil used for fish frying in deep based pan. Add in lemon grass and saute for about a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUA17RciAmo/Up2hyYBAllI/AAAAAAAAQZk/CYDeYf_c1Gg/s640/IMAG4040.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the sliced onions, garlics, ginger and chillies. Saute for about two to three minutes or until the onions are withered.</div>
<br />
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JmzUp9GIBMk/Up2iA3QcugI/AAAAAAAAQZs/l1dPnwNkZBI/s640/IMAG4041.jpg" width="640" /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in the tamarind peels and saute for about half a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OMR94aGOpM4/Up2iR9i2PGI/AAAAAAAAQZ0/JIYABEnmrsQ/s640/IMAG4044.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in water, more or less to your preference. Add in sugar. Give a stir and bring to boil.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SBnPSil9fiU/Up2ioRavXdI/AAAAAAAAQZ8/MqbK0Dim9Ek/s640/IMAG4046.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in the salted soy beans and give a stir. Let simmer for about a minute or two.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-poLzm2h5nUY/Up2i355U9BI/AAAAAAAAQaE/kd00PJaieMI/s640/IMAG4048.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in the evaporated milk and give a stir. Depending on your preference, you may add more or lessen the quantity.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FddEkmtCBzk/Up2jHtseYtI/AAAAAAAAQaM/m2gZZeD5wkw/s640/IMAG4050.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
7. Add in the fried bean curd pieces and bring to boil whilst stirring every now and then. Do a taste check and add salt to your taste if necessary.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uSzBapGJh_U/Up2jVTF9w8I/AAAAAAAAQaU/uFqmE8YnudQ/s640/IMAG4051.jpg" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Add in the fried fish pieces and fold them into the gravy. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Eg_nuISd6R4/Up2jj_xVXLI/AAAAAAAAQac/ziANd9vyKEU/s640/IMAG4058.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
9. Add in the cut tomatoes and fold them in.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuzYwHVN66M/Up2jxhiC75I/AAAAAAAAQak/aAItfbdcCmE/s640/IMAG4062.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Bring fire to medium and let simmer for about one to two minutes. Off fire and serve.</div>
<br />
Serve with white rice. Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-46282732956696552052013-12-02T08:53:00.001+08:002013-12-10T17:36:15.325+08:00Oelek Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar Oelek)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ2lDP9ZZYM/UpsgCgjAOvI/AAAAAAAAQPY/s2Ouwtfy-0E/s1600/IMAG4017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hQ2lDP9ZZYM/UpsgCgjAOvI/AAAAAAAAQPY/s2Ouwtfy-0E/s640/IMAG4017.jpg" title="Oelek Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar Oelek)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Still recovering from asthma, I am back to basics yet again. Still panting whenever I strained myself so I try to limit the work that I do in the kitchen. However, I had been thinking of my Oelek Grilled Fish for days so I thought of grilling some fish and that would have meant I wanted to cook, sick or not! Besides, Oelek Grilled Fish is quite simple and easy to make. Not so much work needed. My husband drove me to the market yesterday morning and I bought some yellowtail scad and my all time favourite, mackerel. <br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-axRd0bDFM/UpsgOqYGuBI/AAAAAAAAQPg/dmofOMqgtnk/s1600/IMAG4011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q-axRd0bDFM/UpsgOqYGuBI/AAAAAAAAQPg/dmofOMqgtnk/s640/IMAG4011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpx-YsKj91U/UpsgZIjl8CI/AAAAAAAAQPo/mfANsuYZOhM/s1600/IMAG4012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kpx-YsKj91U/UpsgZIjl8CI/AAAAAAAAQPo/mfANsuYZOhM/s640/IMAG4012.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I used my double sided happy call pan to do the grilling. Lunch was oh so good! I cooked white rice and to go with it were my grilled yellowtail scad stuffed with sambal oelek and Chinese Cabbage in Coconut Cream (it is called <em>Sawi Putih Masak Lemak </em>in Malay). The grilled fish tasted good right to the bones but please don't eat the bones! I just like sucking on them at the end of it all especially the head. Oh yes! I am gross! But hey, good food are meant to be enjoyed so savour it while you can. <br />
<br />
For those who are not aware, "Sambal Oelek" means fried chilli grounded into a paste or fried grounded chilly paste or just chilli grounded into a paste. Don't get lost in translation ;p but some of us might just get confused! Well basically, they are all grounded chilli. The differences lie in whether you fry them before or after you ground them or you ground them without frying them at all. Modern generation like us nowadays would generally use the food processor to do all the grinding in order to save time. Those more traditional amongst us however, would usually prefer to pound their sambal oelek in a mortar and pestle.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEMojuRFyX0/Upsgk0imMQI/AAAAAAAAQPw/HZkx98Kt8QE/s1600/IMAG4015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mEMojuRFyX0/Upsgk0imMQI/AAAAAAAAQPw/HZkx98Kt8QE/s640/IMAG4015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
I reached office at 8.00 am today and I am in the office right now as I am typing this post. I need to prepare some stuff for what I must say would be quite a long and tough day at work. I shall stop now and get to this recipe of mine. For those of you who have seen the picture on my Facebook page and are anxiously waiting and looking forward to make this Oelek Grilled Fish, have a blast!</div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
4-6 pieces of yellowtail scad (cleaned and set aside)<br />
6 red chillies<br />
3 green chillies<br />
4 shallots<br />
4 garlics<br />
tamarind extract from about a handful of tamarind<br />
sugar to taste<br />
salt to taste<br />
2 teaspoons of Ajinamoto (optional)<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSF5PGmiOvg/Upsguzkr80I/AAAAAAAAQP4/aGMyNm1riJQ/s1600/IMAG3994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MSF5PGmiOvg/Upsguzkr80I/AAAAAAAAQP4/aGMyNm1riJQ/s640/IMAG3994.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Assemble the green and red chillies together with the shallots and garlics in a plate and set aside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ7Kh3Npaw0/Upsg6KU_RwI/AAAAAAAAQQA/lPcKdXBRC98/s1600/IMAG3995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UQ7Kh3Npaw0/Upsg6KU_RwI/AAAAAAAAQQA/lPcKdXBRC98/s640/IMAG3995.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Cut a slit at the back on both sides of the yellowtail scad as in the picture above.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nhtlAPtrvg/UpshH5iXcMI/AAAAAAAAQQI/3necqSNA4OM/s1600/IMAG3996.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--nhtlAPtrvg/UpshH5iXcMI/AAAAAAAAQQI/3necqSNA4OM/s640/IMAG3996.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Cut some strips on the surface of both sides of the yellowtail scad to allow even cooking during grilling. Set aside.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbK22ilSLl4/UpshSSfZzOI/AAAAAAAAQQQ/u7DDtHu3Uu0/s1600/IMAG3997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QbK22ilSLl4/UpshSSfZzOI/AAAAAAAAQQQ/u7DDtHu3Uu0/s640/IMAG3997.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Heat up some oil in a pan with a lid. Once oil is heated, add in the red and green chillies, garlics and shallots. Cover the pan (or yourself, whichever is safest, hehe...) with the lid as the oil will be popping ferociously but do lift up the lid from time to time to give a stir. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZGvHpTL9oU/Upshc24MZSI/AAAAAAAAQQY/lu1PM6psin0/s1600/IMAG3998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZGvHpTL9oU/Upshc24MZSI/AAAAAAAAQQY/lu1PM6psin0/s640/IMAG3998.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Once the ingredients in the pan have stopped popping, you can remove the lid and stir fry the ingredients until the shallots and garlics are caramelized.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP3uxy9u2V0/Upshr7KGKlI/AAAAAAAAQQg/mWqT1cYHyos/s1600/IMAG3999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wP3uxy9u2V0/Upshr7KGKlI/AAAAAAAAQQg/mWqT1cYHyos/s640/IMAG3999.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. You can off fire once the ingredients look like the above picture. Leave for five minutes for the heat to subside and oh, save the oil used for frying.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umisZru2OjA/Upsh3ehJlQI/AAAAAAAAQQo/zRqgdHaMC18/s1600/IMAG4001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-umisZru2OjA/Upsh3ehJlQI/AAAAAAAAQQo/zRqgdHaMC18/s640/IMAG4001.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Add some of the fried ingredients (as you will not be able to fit all at one go) in the food processor. Add some salt and sugar to taste. For those who prefer, you can also add in Ajinamoto. Grind the ingredients, then add in the rest of the ingredients and grind again until you have grounded all of the fried ingredients.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vI7UfisGIxg/UpsiEcQOFiI/AAAAAAAAQQw/-J-k54SxAMo/s1600/IMAG4003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vI7UfisGIxg/UpsiEcQOFiI/AAAAAAAAQQw/-J-k54SxAMo/s640/IMAG4003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Once you are done grinding, do a taste check and see if you need to add any more sugar and salt to your taste (<em>there must be a good combination of salty and sweet taste</em>). Set aside. By the way, this sambal oelek is also good enough as a condiment or to go with everything else. The taste is a killer. Try it!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C-J2VhPTFhA/UpsiXugy7yI/AAAAAAAAQQ4/ieGwdhzCdO4/s1600/IMAG4004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C-J2VhPTFhA/UpsiXugy7yI/AAAAAAAAQQ4/ieGwdhzCdO4/s640/IMAG4004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Take a pot or plate and pour in the tamarind extract. Season all your fish pieces thoroughly with the tamarind extract. Then thoroughly rub some salt to taste on your fish pieces. This is the part that makes your fish taste so good! The tamarind extract really adds flavour.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHcoM7gmOJ0/UpsikO-S-gI/AAAAAAAAQRA/xncPQASEc9U/s1600/IMAG4007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oHcoM7gmOJ0/UpsikO-S-gI/AAAAAAAAQRA/xncPQASEc9U/s640/IMAG4007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Using a teaspoon, stuff the sambal oelek into the back slits of the fish pieces. I always make extra of the sambal oelek as I just cannot have enough of it and I will pinch off the flesh of the grilled fish with my hands and dab it on the sambal oelek again during eating. :) I love good stuff!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6YdjddE76E/Upsivfp0uiI/AAAAAAAAQRI/sOvIyYBKJnY/s1600/IMAG4008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b6YdjddE76E/Upsivfp0uiI/AAAAAAAAQRI/sOvIyYBKJnY/s640/IMAG4008.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Now your fish is ready for grilling. I used the Happy Call double sided pan to grill my fish pieces.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bf_vCyt4y8/UpsjBE9OeVI/AAAAAAAAQRQ/Kg9rby3L61c/s1600/IMAG4009_20131201193430844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bf_vCyt4y8/UpsjBE9OeVI/AAAAAAAAQRQ/Kg9rby3L61c/s640/IMAG4009_20131201193430844.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Grill your fish pieces on both sides until your fish pieces are cooked through. Drizzle the remaining oil used to fry the chillies onto the grilled fish pieces before serving.</div>
<br />
Enjoy as it is or with white rice as the Oelek Grilled Fish kills you! Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-35145938521690094952013-12-01T00:01:00.002+08:002013-12-10T17:36:45.360+08:00Soy Sauce Anchovies (Ikan Bilis Masak Kicap)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF-4ogkIFHU/Uph179Bb6lI/AAAAAAAAQCs/p1dE3tFZoOQ/s1600/IMAG3888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fF-4ogkIFHU/Uph179Bb6lI/AAAAAAAAQCs/p1dE3tFZoOQ/s640/IMAG3888.jpg" title="Soy Sauce Anchovies (Ikan Bilis Masak Kicap)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Simplicity at its best. When I am totally not in the mood for anything elaborated or complicated, I usually go back to basics. The dish that was ever so common to my siblings and I during our childhood days but never failed to satisfy us at each and every meal. We grew up with it!</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef4r5sfk8oU/Uph0uaehNoI/AAAAAAAAQCU/KU07RhvaxHU/s1600/IMAG3885.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ef4r5sfk8oU/Uph0uaehNoI/AAAAAAAAQCU/KU07RhvaxHU/s640/IMAG3885.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My father wasn't really earning much when we were kids. In order to make ends meet and to meet the monthly budget of maintaining the family, my mother had limited expenditure for everything including our food. Anchovies and eggs were quite the daily source of food except for certain days of the month when we were the happiest kids on earth! We were all carefree kids then. What we saw was what we got and what we got was what we ate and soy sauce anchovies with fried omelette is an all time favourite even now. All the more so when I am sick or just "lost" in the kitchen!<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l9PprO_525c/Uph1dER5JuI/AAAAAAAAQCc/DJ2jWdVSMMk/s640/IMAG3886.jpg" width="360" /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I had a terrible asthma attack together with flu over the course of last week, I did not really have that much appetite. Whenever this happens and whenever I am out of ideas on what to cook for the meal of the day, soy sauce anchovies would be just the right kind of dish to save my taste bud. In fact, I tend to eat more than usual amount of rice whenever I cook this dish and this is not really a good thing for someone like me. You see, I suffer from temporary amnesia whenever I am eating. I only remembered the fact that I was supposed to be on a diet after I had finished my food. Oh well...I am just being the supermodel me! Hehe... :) </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So last Thursday, I cooked Soy Sauce Anchovies or <em>Ikan Bilis Masak Kicap </em>as we always call it at home.<em> </em>Honestly, all you need is just white rice with soy sauce anchovies (though it is a habit in our family to always have the one and only thing that is just perfect to go with it and that is fried omelette!) and you are all set to heaven with this sweet, sour and spicy dish. You also have the choice of having your anchovies just right or really crispy and chewy. My siblings and I love it crispy and chewy but this is definitely not an option for people with weak teeth or dentures (to all the bold and beautiful oldies out there, you better stick it up!). ;p</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miFacD-udDc/Uph1tKJSyII/AAAAAAAAQCk/UNRSpzIq0y0/s1600/IMAG3887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-miFacD-udDc/Uph1tKJSyII/AAAAAAAAQCk/UNRSpzIq0y0/s640/IMAG3887.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think most of the Malays, are very familiar with this dish. It is quite a common dish amongst us. All I can say is that it will be a guaranteed favourite regardless of race, language or religion! Definitely a must when you are out of ideas as to what to cook for a meal or when you need something savoury and satisfying to be done chop-chop in just a matter of minutes. Here it is the way my beloved mum does it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XpEpF74zIlo/Uph2Zkf3eOI/AAAAAAAAQC0/4xm9kT0Hz98/s1600/IMAG3893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XpEpF74zIlo/Uph2Zkf3eOI/AAAAAAAAQC0/4xm9kT0Hz98/s640/IMAG3893.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
2 rice bowls of anchovies or "ikan bilis" as it is known in Malay - rinsed and set aside<br />
6-8 nos of calamansi - juice extracted<br />
3/4 teacup of sweet soya sauce - more or less depending on your preference (I used Habhal's brand)<br />
2 large onions - finely sliced<br />
2 garlics - finely sliced<br />
1 fresh red chilly - finely sliced } use more or substitute with bird's eye chillies if you dare!<br />
1 fresh green chilly - finely sliced }<br />
1 teaspoon of Ajinamoto - optional<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQgm5YBCeX8/Uph2oFWyTPI/AAAAAAAAQC8/t-ibJ36YWtA/s1600/IMAG3873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BQgm5YBCeX8/Uph2oFWyTPI/AAAAAAAAQC8/t-ibJ36YWtA/s640/IMAG3873.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat up oil in pan.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPSnZvsLYPo/Uph3pb4Ex-I/AAAAAAAAQDI/U-K56QEWokY/s1600/IMAG3875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PPSnZvsLYPo/Uph3pb4Ex-I/AAAAAAAAQDI/U-K56QEWokY/s640/IMAG3875.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the anchovies. Fry for about one to two minutes. If you want it crispy and chewy, you can fry it for about another one to two minutes but no longer than that or the anchovies will get too hard.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F34gYs1dEAw/Uph91OAHuGI/AAAAAAAAQDY/1Cw2nRm7Ah8/s1600/IMAG3876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F34gYs1dEAw/Uph91OAHuGI/AAAAAAAAQDY/1Cw2nRm7Ah8/s640/IMAG3876.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the sliced onions, garlics and chillies.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxmsdZpbKxE/Uph-Jrq4U5I/AAAAAAAAQDg/wr4gzhOWbbo/s1600/IMAG3877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxmsdZpbKxE/Uph-Jrq4U5I/AAAAAAAAQDg/wr4gzhOWbbo/s640/IMAG3877.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Stir fry until the onions are withered or translucent. Add in Ajinamoto (if you prefer) and salt to taste.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8DsVWq5leU/Uph-Xkz1vYI/AAAAAAAAQDo/R-MFKVhiXXI/s1600/IMAG3878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8DsVWq5leU/Uph-Xkz1vYI/AAAAAAAAQDo/R-MFKVhiXXI/s640/IMAG3878.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in the sweet soya sauce. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkkIko4h5Fk/Uph-nfoP32I/AAAAAAAAQDw/NfguAqsyFxU/s1600/IMAG3879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VkkIko4h5Fk/Uph-nfoP32I/AAAAAAAAQDw/NfguAqsyFxU/s640/IMAG3879.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Let simmer for a minute or two.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4w1KkKlnl88/Uph_BF-V6MI/AAAAAAAAQD4/hpRH10BNt0U/s1600/IMAG3880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4w1KkKlnl88/Uph_BF-V6MI/AAAAAAAAQD4/hpRH10BNt0U/s640/IMAG3880.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in the calamansi extract. I squeeze them straight with the seeds in and this adds to the aroma of the dish. Give a stir to combine and do a taste check to see if you need to add whatever it is that you need to your taste!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01sQVkJRdZU/Uph_RHbIhiI/AAAAAAAAQEA/KwhL4Fpu9-A/s1600/IMAG3881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-01sQVkJRdZU/Uph_RHbIhiI/AAAAAAAAQEA/KwhL4Fpu9-A/s640/IMAG3881.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Off fire and serve.</div>
<br />
Serve with white rice and oh, remember the fried omelette! Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-90470116183622823822013-11-28T15:03:00.003+08:002013-12-10T17:37:08.571+08:00Kashmiri Chicken (Ayam Kashmir)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxqyCt6YSuA/UpW7SpJ85mI/AAAAAAAAP58/uI_vkJ_aN9E/s1600/IMAG3928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YxqyCt6YSuA/UpW7SpJ85mI/AAAAAAAAP58/uI_vkJ_aN9E/s640/IMAG3928.jpg" title="Kashmiri Chicken (Ayam Kashmir)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On Monday, I was showing symptoms of flu. When I woke up in the morning, I was coughing and sneezing badly. Felt a little bit breathless too. What made it worse was the fact that Suhaym kept waking up the night before which in turn hindered my much needed rest and sleep. I was very tired and felt slightly ill but I went to work anyway hoping that the symptoms would go away once I had taken some leftover medicine from my previous doctor visit.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfYQIqRTgOM/UpW7Hkn2lSI/AAAAAAAAP50/slAxScX4QdA/s1600/IMAG3929.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cfYQIqRTgOM/UpW7Hkn2lSI/AAAAAAAAP50/slAxScX4QdA/s640/IMAG3929.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I worked through the day as usual. Of course, I had more work to do at home. The challenges of being a wife and a mother is that there are no off days even when you are sick unless you are warded in the hospital in which case you ended up having more stress mentally worrying about your husband and children at home. I also do not like to leave the chores of cooking entirely to my kitchen-ing assistant. She has done most of the household chores at home so I'd prefer to at least do something out of love for my family and that is cooking. I also prefer to take care of the kids and some household chores myself once I reach home from work as I believe it is time for my kitchen-ing assistant to get some rest after a whole day of work. Of course I had the option of ordering home delivery or buying food back home when I am ill but I chose not to. At least not until I totally cannot get out of bed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nCv_yLxFNo/UpW8VjzRQCI/AAAAAAAAP6c/9fUbeLdtxhI/s640/IMAG3947.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I made Kashmiri Chicken that night. Sayf loves this dish and he would eat more of the chicken and the gravy than he would eat rice. This would be a favourite amongst kids as it has a light taste and non-spicy. For those who like it hot and spicy, you have the choice of adding more chilli powder.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FlXpL27wwg/UpW76NqK9QI/AAAAAAAAP6M/ZJehyBVyfNU/s640/IMAG3939.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wW88vIMgEUY/UpW8HAwXobI/AAAAAAAAP6U/1T4lPWX9MRU/s640/IMAG3943.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
*Note - 1 tablespoonful refers to 20ml volume</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 spoonful refers to 10ml volume</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
12 - 16 pieces of chicken parts of your choice<br />
4 tablespoons ghee (you can substitute wholly or partly with cooking oil)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 piece bay leaf - I ran out of this so I omitted it<br />
2 large onions - diced<br />
2 tomatoes - diced or chopped<br />
1 cinnamon stick<br />
4 cloves<br />
6 cardamom pods<br />
2 star anises<br />
2 tablespoonsful biryani powder<br />
1 spoonful chilli powder <br />
1 teaspoonful ground cumin <br />
1 teaspoonful ground coriander<br />
1 spoonful of tomato puree<br />
2 heaping tablespoons of yogurt<br />
1 small bowl of water<br />
2 teaspoonsful sugar (or 2 teaspoons of Ajinamoto, if you prefer)<br />
a small bunch of coriander leaves - about 3-4 stalks<br />
a handful of fried shallots<br />
<br />
<strong><u><em>(**items to be blended in a food processor with a little water into a paste)</em></u></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 large onions**<br />
3 cm ginger**<br />
6 garlics**<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ23H5JfoK4/UpbEiZDq4_I/AAAAAAAAP8U/sYkoVo2HdaI/s640/IMAG3896.jpg" /><br />
<br />
1. Heat ghee/oil in a deep based pan or pot. Once the ghee/oil is really hot, add in the cardamoms, cloves, cinnamons and star anises. Let them pop for about ten seconds.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EREJX6jutyc/UpW8hlS20XI/AAAAAAAAP6k/_uO-ewiZiU0/s1600/IMAG3897.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EREJX6jutyc/UpW8hlS20XI/AAAAAAAAP6k/_uO-ewiZiU0/s640/IMAG3897.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
2. Add in the diced onions. This would also be the time to add in the bay leaf. Saute until the onions are withered or translucent.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJU-qbEASgs/UpW9AfUbQcI/AAAAAAAAP6s/PSirBQu8Nj8/s1600/IMAG3899.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mJU-qbEASgs/UpW9AfUbQcI/AAAAAAAAP6s/PSirBQu8Nj8/s640/IMAG3899.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
3. Add in the blended ingredients. Saute for about two to three minutes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sDbLgt0lT0/UpW9UxxdN0I/AAAAAAAAP60/uKXoLooTVNw/s1600/IMAG3900.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7sDbLgt0lT0/UpW9UxxdN0I/AAAAAAAAP60/uKXoLooTVNw/s640/IMAG3900.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
4. Add in the cumin powder, coriander powder, chilli powder and biryani powder. Saute for about another two to three minutes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXOEF1FYrk0/UpW9iTKB2zI/AAAAAAAAP68/TZs-5WGneiE/s1600/IMAG3901.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jXOEF1FYrk0/UpW9iTKB2zI/AAAAAAAAP68/TZs-5WGneiE/s640/IMAG3901.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
5. Add in the diced tomatoes. Saute for about ten minutes.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnw5GBv29os/UpW-Rg3AbNI/AAAAAAAAP7E/sP5LVut2JUA/s1600/IMAG3902.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tnw5GBv29os/UpW-Rg3AbNI/AAAAAAAAP7E/sP5LVut2JUA/s640/IMAG3902.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
6. After ten minutes, once you see oil collecting in the sautéing mix just like in the picture above, add in salt to taste, sugar (or Ajinamoto, if you prefer).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwzcmRfrzTk/UpW-vP1O9lI/AAAAAAAAP7M/egiNvsXBiCo/s1600/IMAG3903.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VwzcmRfrzTk/UpW-vP1O9lI/AAAAAAAAP7M/egiNvsXBiCo/s640/IMAG3903.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
7. Add water. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74K4M44VhCI/UpW-6Yqc4LI/AAAAAAAAP7U/5QuonTGNjgM/s1600/IMAG3904.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-74K4M44VhCI/UpW-6Yqc4LI/AAAAAAAAP7U/5QuonTGNjgM/s640/IMAG3904.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
8. Add tomato puree. Stir for a minute.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT2mjprjcEU/UpW_TBt279I/AAAAAAAAP7c/pzc1jFP5IXU/s1600/IMAG3906.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bT2mjprjcEU/UpW_TBt279I/AAAAAAAAP7c/pzc1jFP5IXU/s640/IMAG3906.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
9. Bring to boil.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NslLWt1gPS0/UpW_pjWl3fI/AAAAAAAAP7k/cV1HOnSV9sk/s1600/IMAG3909.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NslLWt1gPS0/UpW_pjWl3fI/AAAAAAAAP7k/cV1HOnSV9sk/s640/IMAG3909.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
10. Add in the chicken pieces.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggCWNevX3v8/UpW_3xi6ieI/AAAAAAAAP7s/CyMwtJS-row/s1600/IMAG3913.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ggCWNevX3v8/UpW_3xi6ieI/AAAAAAAAP7s/CyMwtJS-row/s640/IMAG3913.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
11. Add in yogurt. Fold the yogurt and chicken pieces in to properly combine. Bring fire to medium. Cover your pan or pot and let cook for 25 minutes or until the chicken pieces are cooked. Give a stir every now and then.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GZrg7xgmD8/UpXAD_ua28I/AAAAAAAAP70/9Ginqbdz3W4/s1600/IMAG3919.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GZrg7xgmD8/UpXAD_ua28I/AAAAAAAAP70/9Ginqbdz3W4/s640/IMAG3919.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
12. After 25 minutes or after the chicken pieces are cooked, lift up cover. Do a taste check and add salt as necessary. Add in the chopped coriander leaves. Stir them in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikPmNVaMdIQ/UpXAS1EOU8I/AAAAAAAAP78/MB_BwDt47cU/s1600/IMAG3922.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ikPmNVaMdIQ/UpXAS1EOU8I/AAAAAAAAP78/MB_BwDt47cU/s640/IMAG3922.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
13. Add in the fried shallots and stir them in.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkooRD_TRHk/UpXAfkA3nGI/AAAAAAAAP8E/okQYmFFYRWg/s1600/IMAG3924.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CkooRD_TRHk/UpXAfkA3nGI/AAAAAAAAP8E/okQYmFFYRWg/s640/IMAG3924.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />
14. Off fire and serve. This dish taste even better the next day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Serve with white rice, biryani, pilafs or white bread. Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-37816646471781435922013-11-26T09:46:00.001+08:002013-12-10T17:37:53.260+08:00Super Easy Recipe Prata Pops (Resepi Mudah Pop Prata)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DSbm3zNGKM/UpKnMLosZaI/AAAAAAAAPpM/iHZA8kyfPAc/s1600/IMAG3865.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6DSbm3zNGKM/UpKnMLosZaI/AAAAAAAAPpM/iHZA8kyfPAc/s640/IMAG3865.jpg" title="Prata Pops (Pop Prata)" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For the first time, on a Sunday afternoon, I was so bored. My Sundays were usually very occupied with the two precious boys of my life and one very old boy whom I love very much. It was about one hour after lunch. My husband and Sayf were both napping on the bed. Suhaym was napping as usual. My kitchen-ing assistant was folding the dried laundry. My mother-in-law was in her room. As for me? I was sitting down at the dining table staring in the air....</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSdQOxP53II/UpKnYqkl7xI/AAAAAAAAPpU/AtGNf8M6r-w/s1600/IMAG3866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSdQOxP53II/UpKnYqkl7xI/AAAAAAAAPpU/AtGNf8M6r-w/s640/IMAG3866.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All of a sudden, life was too quiet without Sayf there to annoy or irritate me. I wished he was awake to drive me crazy then. I realised that it is actually a love hate relationship that I have with my three year old. I freaked almost all the time with Sayf. Panicking over everything, fearing that he might hurt himself whilst running around the house or jumping from the sofa to the floor or when he was running around in the kitchen when I am busy cooking or handling anything hot. Needless to say that when he did hurt himself, my heart flew right out of my chest and ran to him before I could. I really don't like having to go through such a feeling. I would then hope that he was away in school or just somewhere in the house doing things with my husband and I don't have to care about him as I have a hundred and one other things to get done or to see to. Yet when he was safely asleep on the bed with my husband, I wanted him near me because life is too still and quiet. I simply don't mind if he were to annoy or irritate me again. I know I will always be there to do my best and watch out for him and I don't care if I have to scream at the top of my lungs like a mad woman and annoy my neighbours (if I was really ever that loud)! I just need Sayf near me to feel complete. He is like my eye ball walking around in the house. I am so one-eyed without him near me! Hehe... ;p</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BSGrY5m7lo/UpKnj6luUeI/AAAAAAAAPpc/xDlfziVwhFs/s1600/IMAG3867.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="380" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3BSGrY5m7lo/UpKnj6luUeI/AAAAAAAAPpc/xDlfziVwhFs/s640/IMAG3867.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now that, I am feeling so alone, I needed to do something badly to fill up that void of the moment in me. I can't be cooking cos we just had lunch. So baking something for tea time would be good but I had ran out of flour in the pantry. Think, think, think Tilah! And yes! My Spring Home Instant Prata! I don't care about what I can do with it. I just have to do something with it. I don't know where I was going or what I was doing with it but get cracking on it I sure would. Just for the sake of doing something, I have managed to make prata pops! Perfect as tea time biscuits. Crispy and crunchy. Coming to think of it, it would also be good to serve it as prata sticks. All you need to do is spread some butter on the instant prata, cut long strips out of it, bake it and serve it with any kind of dips (sweet, sour or savoury)! Something super easy and simple if you are preparing for a party or as an appetizer before a meal or just simply as a family snack in front of the tv.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cjnxjHgSAI/UpKntMFFSEI/AAAAAAAAPpk/fSedVaIwRD0/s1600/IMAG3860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cjnxjHgSAI/UpKntMFFSEI/AAAAAAAAPpk/fSedVaIwRD0/s640/IMAG3860.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
By the time I was done, the living room was suddenly filled up with noises again. My husband and Sayf had woken up from their nap, my mother-in-law was on the sofa watching the television and my kitchen-ing assistant was hanging around in the kitchen and playing with Suhaym in her arms. It was time to serve something for tea. We definitely enjoyed the crispy and crunchy Prata Pops!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyGfNfekclU/UpKn4DQ4BCI/AAAAAAAAPps/N8zjkFe3tgk/s1600/IMAG3871.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="474" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zyGfNfekclU/UpKn4DQ4BCI/AAAAAAAAPps/N8zjkFe3tgk/s640/IMAG3871.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikyxYsejWh8/UpKoCxN5faI/AAAAAAAAPp0/Cvq0pGVyxb8/s1600/IMAG3872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ikyxYsejWh8/UpKoCxN5faI/AAAAAAAAPp0/Cvq0pGVyxb8/s640/IMAG3872.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
A few pieces of Spring Home instant prata - leave these in the freezer until you are ready to bake them (I am not sure if this works with any other brands of instant prata, but you can always try)<br />
Butter - at room temperate (as much as you need)<br />
Icing sugar (as much as you need)<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<div align="center">
1. Ten minutes before you start, pre-heat your oven at 190 degrees celsius.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEVBpWY6KIk/UpKoT3YBPiI/AAAAAAAAPp8/kbcH2SzFdTo/s1600/IMAG3855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iEVBpWY6KIk/UpKoT3YBPiI/AAAAAAAAPp8/kbcH2SzFdTo/s640/IMAG3855.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Glaze butter on your baking pan and lay your frozen prata on it.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brq59pVGCeg/UpKooGdz11I/AAAAAAAAPqE/HSKLVz44iE8/s1600/IMAG3856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-brq59pVGCeg/UpKooGdz11I/AAAAAAAAPqE/HSKLVz44iE8/s640/IMAG3856.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Using a brush, glaze some butter on your prata pieces.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jN7HfhImPtQ/UpKo9g0yopI/AAAAAAAAPqM/OJXoU7mR0b8/s1600/IMAG3857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jN7HfhImPtQ/UpKo9g0yopI/AAAAAAAAPqM/OJXoU7mR0b8/s640/IMAG3857.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Then, using a knife, cut the instant prata in vertical strips and one horizontal strip in the middle as in the picture above.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><em>If you are making sticks for dips out of these, just cut thin vertical strips.</em></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtpwr-05Pu8/UpKpN0ImWqI/AAAAAAAAPqU/PSJ0OdGOwAQ/s1600/IMAG3858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xtpwr-05Pu8/UpKpN0ImWqI/AAAAAAAAPqU/PSJ0OdGOwAQ/s640/IMAG3858.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. This is how the cut prata pieces should look like before baking.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fn5CS2lzKj4/UpKph-Nb7RI/AAAAAAAAPqc/0UtYjvacYLk/s1600/IMAG3859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fn5CS2lzKj4/UpKph-Nb7RI/AAAAAAAAPqc/0UtYjvacYLk/s640/IMAG3859.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Bake at 190 degrees celsius in the oven for about 20 to 30 minutes or until the top is browned.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2uCkvZo-JM/UpKp_1n53BI/AAAAAAAAPqo/wLXssSTmGzY/s1600/IMAG3861.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k2uCkvZo-JM/UpKp_1n53BI/AAAAAAAAPqo/wLXssSTmGzY/s640/IMAG3861.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
7. Using a spoon, transfer your baked prata pops onto a plate using a spoon.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><em>If you are making sticks for dips, your prata sticks are now ready to be served with your favourite dip.</em></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taG3vcI3b94/UpKqPU8l-WI/AAAAAAAAPqw/wwmmdBAkm5U/s1600/IMAG3864.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_lm_424530="null" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-taG3vcI3b94/UpKqPU8l-WI/AAAAAAAAPqw/wwmmdBAkm5U/s640/IMAG3864.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Sprinkle some icing sugar over them and toss them about to properly coat with the sugar before serving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Enjoy and Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-5405291269744212692013-11-24T21:05:00.003+08:002013-12-21T12:03:33.875+08:00Beef Soup (Sop Daging Lembu)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVV77aaPpMY/UpGN9Z-F4cI/AAAAAAAAPeo/dEv2x-PjRVg/s1600/IMAG3853_20131123230819065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rVV77aaPpMY/UpGN9Z-F4cI/AAAAAAAAPeo/dEv2x-PjRVg/s640/IMAG3853_20131123230819065.jpg" title="Beef Soup (Sop Daging Lembu)" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enough of curries! It is time for something soupy. Enough of chicken! It is time for some beef. So over the weekend, yesterday, I made some beef soup. It was just nice for my kitchen-ing assistant who caught the flu. She had dizziness to the point of fainting. I was scared out of my wits. Could I have overworked her? Nope, I did not.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLjYYr64Dx0/UpGOQbujQMI/AAAAAAAAPe4/YGSGPPsYx9Y/s1600/IMAG3845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qLjYYr64Dx0/UpGOQbujQMI/AAAAAAAAPe4/YGSGPPsYx9Y/s640/IMAG3845.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnA69iuKfjU/UpGObFTi7II/AAAAAAAAPfA/GRkoJjj2ZyE/s1600/IMAG3847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MnA69iuKfjU/UpGObFTi7II/AAAAAAAAPfA/GRkoJjj2ZyE/s640/IMAG3847.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
I barred her from the kitchen and household chores after she refused my offer to bring her to the doctor. Then, being the hardworking person that she is, she started work again as soon as she felt better in the evening. After she assured me that she was well enough, I only allowed her light duties. I must say that I am very lucky to have her as a helper. :)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncx4cGYUi2Y/UpGOlI4JWFI/AAAAAAAAPfI/qpQF0DjglPs/s1600/IMAG3849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ncx4cGYUi2Y/UpGOlI4JWFI/AAAAAAAAPfI/qpQF0DjglPs/s640/IMAG3849.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjwonlEheZ0/UpGOulXwZII/AAAAAAAAPfQ/4-VKLnZa1U0/s1600/IMAG3851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="374" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IjwonlEheZ0/UpGOulXwZII/AAAAAAAAPfQ/4-VKLnZa1U0/s640/IMAG3851.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anyway, we had our beef soup with bread yesterday. A very simple meal but definitely fulfilling. The preparations were not that easy however. I was interrupted by Sayf a couple of times during cooking as my husband (Sayf's puppet) was away at work for half of the day. My mother-in-law was helping me to take care of Suhaym, my younger one. With my kitchen-ing assistant being unwell and resting in her room, I had to somehow try and manage for a while. Sayf made me felt that I was taking care of two or three toddlers yesterday. He definitely did not miss the opportunity to keep me very occupied. The fact that I could still snap the step by step photos despite it all, I think I managed quite well. <br />
<br />
The thing that drove me up the wall was that I had to run around the house just to get Sayf to do something or just to get his attention. I spanked his butts twice! I was frustrated at the fact that I had to chase him for practically everything. I felt like a footballer chasing after a ball in the field except that no one cheered when I caught up with him. Hmmm...I must have lost some weight! ;p Now I know the things that most mothers with toddlers are subjected to. I am just glad that I have only one at the moment before Suhaym joins the club in good time! I better be fully geared by then!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfkd9OnbjDc/UpGO3xhozuI/AAAAAAAAPfY/srob1HVphdM/s1600/IMAG3852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfkd9OnbjDc/UpGO3xhozuI/AAAAAAAAPfY/srob1HVphdM/s640/IMAG3852.jpg" width="432" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok, so that's about most of what happened yesterday. Now, we get to the ingredients.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Ingredients</u>:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 kg of fresh beef - cut into small slices (I used frozen beef cubes)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1-2 carrots - sliced into about 1cm pieces (I used small carrots, so my carrots looked different in the pics)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4 potatoes - cut into sixes</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 garlics - crushed</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 cm ginger - crushed</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 large onion - finely sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5 cloves</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
5 cardamoms</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2-3cm cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 spoon kurma powder</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 pieces of Knorr beef cube (optional if you are using fresh beef)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3-4 stalks of celery - chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
4-5 stalks spring onions - chopped</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1-2 handfuls of fried shallots</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1 spoon sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1-2 spoonful(s) of white ground pepper (more or less depending on your preference)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1-2 teaspoon(s) of Ajinamoto (only if you prefer)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Water as needed</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><em><u>(**items to be blended in a food processor with a little bit of water to form a paste)</u></em></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 large onions**</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
6 garlics**</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2 cm ginger**</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Method</u>:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvN0_sC56Ew/UpGPCJHMK-I/AAAAAAAAPfg/s1HJflvNBNI/s1600/IMAG3815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TvN0_sC56Ew/UpGPCJHMK-I/AAAAAAAAPfg/s1HJflvNBNI/s640/IMAG3815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Braise the beef in a pot with enough water to cover together with the crushed garlic and ginger.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFBFLGOGIoQ/UpGQUwIB2BI/AAAAAAAAPgI/5cDaWLiJ6m8/s1600/IMAG3824_20131124124449567_20131124124643353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFBFLGOGIoQ/UpGQUwIB2BI/AAAAAAAAPgI/5cDaWLiJ6m8/s640/IMAG3824_20131124124449567_20131124124643353.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Once the braised beef are tender, remove the pieces of crushed garlics and ginger. Off fire and set aside the braised beef together with the stock.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMMpaAb-_xw/UpGPMepchTI/AAAAAAAAPfo/kVEsngkAqmo/s1600/IMAG3817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nMMpaAb-_xw/UpGPMepchTI/AAAAAAAAPfo/kVEsngkAqmo/s640/IMAG3817.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. In a separate pot, heat up oil. Add in cinnamon, cloves and cardamoms. Saute for a few seconds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSlJGMVA03U/UpGPbzb9B8I/AAAAAAAAPfw/h-QkGQ0RXA8/s1600/IMAG3819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSlJGMVA03U/UpGPbzb9B8I/AAAAAAAAPfw/h-QkGQ0RXA8/s640/IMAG3819.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in the sliced onions. Saute until the onions are withered.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNA-pNfdmvg/UpGPw60oXtI/AAAAAAAAPf4/z3UjT9QlpXM/s1600/IMAG3820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jNA-pNfdmvg/UpGPw60oXtI/AAAAAAAAPf4/z3UjT9QlpXM/s640/IMAG3820.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in the blended ingredients. Saute for about two to three minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKDtOdqrYnE/UpGQC-AG9II/AAAAAAAAPgA/ejXIWJh2HAk/s1600/IMAG3822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BKDtOdqrYnE/UpGQC-AG9II/AAAAAAAAPgA/ejXIWJh2HAk/s640/IMAG3822.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in the kurma powder. Saute until fragrant and oil separates.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RX7dFzcOSss/UpGQmt0KFUI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/kMrD8majkg0/s1600/IMAG3830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RX7dFzcOSss/UpGQmt0KFUI/AAAAAAAAPgQ/kMrD8majkg0/s640/IMAG3830.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Once the sautéing mix looks slightly dried and oil collects in between the gaps of the sautéing mix, oil has separated. By this time, you would also be able to smell the fragrance of the sautéing mix.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI1BIketPbM/UpGQ1MOgAAI/AAAAAAAAPgY/reIcOdmDsdg/s1600/IMAG3831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI1BIketPbM/UpGQ1MOgAAI/AAAAAAAAPgY/reIcOdmDsdg/s640/IMAG3831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Now add in the braised beef together with the stock. Add in water as much as you prefer.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J30GKHAvqMU/UpGRHEtJvZI/AAAAAAAAPgg/kaEE4x04uIQ/s1600/IMAG3833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J30GKHAvqMU/UpGRHEtJvZI/AAAAAAAAPgg/kaEE4x04uIQ/s640/IMAG3833.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Add in the carrots. Bring to boil.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIpjXx4P59M/UpGRTfGE5kI/AAAAAAAAPgo/MmfD4g9L2bw/s1600/IMAG3834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sIpjXx4P59M/UpGRTfGE5kI/AAAAAAAAPgo/MmfD4g9L2bw/s640/IMAG3834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. As the soup starts to boil, add in the potatoes. Add in the beef cubes, sugar, Ajinamoto (if you prefer) and salt to taste.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pApvXIdsabM/UpGRfjKHURI/AAAAAAAAPgw/U2es4Uk2NVY/s1600/IMAG3837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pApvXIdsabM/UpGRfjKHURI/AAAAAAAAPgw/U2es4Uk2NVY/s640/IMAG3837.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Let boil until the carrots and potatoes are cooked <strong><em>(a fork can easily poke into cooked carrots and potatoes)</em></strong>. Bring fire to medium.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BXZ1AusXMc/UpGRphKbEcI/AAAAAAAAPg4/M0m5CwOtwh4/s1600/IMAG3839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BXZ1AusXMc/UpGRphKbEcI/AAAAAAAAPg4/M0m5CwOtwh4/s640/IMAG3839.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Add in pepper. Stir. Do a taste check and add whatever it is to your taste. Let simmer for another five minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nteW-rc7ls/UpGR21EkSJI/AAAAAAAAPhA/KQW2O9Lpc7M/s1600/IMAG3840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5nteW-rc7ls/UpGR21EkSJI/AAAAAAAAPhA/KQW2O9Lpc7M/s640/IMAG3840.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. Off fire. Add in the fried shallots and the chopped spring onions and celery.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPPUiwohB7w/UpGSGG5cpnI/AAAAAAAAPhI/cu2M6yXEscs/s1600/IMAG3841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPPUiwohB7w/UpGSGG5cpnI/AAAAAAAAPhI/cu2M6yXEscs/s640/IMAG3841.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. Give a stir and your soup is ready to be served.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Enjoy with white rice or bread. Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-83905031097016296772013-11-22T10:35:00.003+08:002013-12-10T17:38:44.365+08:00Sevadeekap Chicken (Ayam Sevadeekap)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kv4aIZpOoGc/Uo4ZFHcQnxI/AAAAAAAAPT8/2SJMYEmB1T0/s1600/IMAG3795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kv4aIZpOoGc/Uo4ZFHcQnxI/AAAAAAAAPT8/2SJMYEmB1T0/s640/IMAG3795.jpg" title="Sevadeekap Chicken (Ayam Sevadeekap)" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, I was getting bored in the kitchen and I played with my food last Wednesday evening! :p If you had been here for a while, you would know that I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and doing up new recipes and the fact that I am a half breed (half Indian, half Malay) hehe ;p, I sometimes like to fuse my cooking style. I have incorporated the elements of Malay cooking and Indian cooking by using some of the ingredients used in Thai cooking except that I did not have fresh basil leaves in the fridge which I had therefore had to make do without. After I have had my fun with the food, the end result was what I decided to call Sevadeekap Chicken.<br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nklv14bj8ak/Uo4ZU0rlRcI/AAAAAAAAPUE/csgxB3-306g/s1600/IMAG3796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nklv14bj8ak/Uo4ZU0rlRcI/AAAAAAAAPUE/csgxB3-306g/s640/IMAG3796.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33XTvQ5AvVs/Uo4Z4pj4jAI/AAAAAAAAPUM/wL88sBeDVxs/s1600/IMAG3797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-33XTvQ5AvVs/Uo4Z4pj4jAI/AAAAAAAAPUM/wL88sBeDVxs/s640/IMAG3797.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FXT5Q_u7WI/Uo4gKxVE7NI/AAAAAAAAPXY/W2th6wJEXfo/s1600/IMAG3794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--FXT5Q_u7WI/Uo4gKxVE7NI/AAAAAAAAPXY/W2th6wJEXfo/s640/IMAG3794.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzs__v6uzj8/Uo4aRfe_lYI/AAAAAAAAPUU/Um30yldWMj0/s1600/IMAG3798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bzs__v6uzj8/Uo4aRfe_lYI/AAAAAAAAPUU/Um30yldWMj0/s640/IMAG3798.jpg" width="360" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And why the word "Sevadeekap" of all words, you might ask. Well that's because that was the only unique name I can think of. Of course, I could have made it even more unique if I had decided to name it in the way I fused it and call it "Selamat Datang Vanekam Sawadeekap Chicken" but it takes a whole day to say out that name. So I thought, let's just shorten it and say "Sevadeekap" Chicken. ;p</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGepLmTkNy0/Uo4av6sJwZI/AAAAAAAAPUg/57OMoyN5BC8/s1600/IMAG3799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGepLmTkNy0/Uo4av6sJwZI/AAAAAAAAPUg/57OMoyN5BC8/s640/IMAG3799.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQHMhu8npMY/Uo4gcDTf8gI/AAAAAAAAPXg/kCkq7PMYvQw/s1600/IMAG3790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DQHMhu8npMY/Uo4gcDTf8gI/AAAAAAAAPXg/kCkq7PMYvQw/s640/IMAG3790.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOpmApbhltQ/Uo4bBu9vHJI/AAAAAAAAPUo/5ffrTgDNBLI/s1600/IMAG3804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cOpmApbhltQ/Uo4bBu9vHJI/AAAAAAAAPUo/5ffrTgDNBLI/s640/IMAG3804.jpg" width="360" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqoBiC7SjTQ/Uo4bk7BLI-I/AAAAAAAAPUw/hPSIKGQM5_8/s1600/IMAG3809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqoBiC7SjTQ/Uo4bk7BLI-I/AAAAAAAAPUw/hPSIKGQM5_8/s640/IMAG3809.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My kitchen-ing assistant could not wait and took a piece of the chicken right after I had finished cooking. Sayf ended up just wanting to have the chicken and the gravy without rice. He sipped the gravy like soup with a spoon. My husband was like "talk to the hands cos the ears are not listening" at the dining table. So I thought I should just keep my mouth shut and let them enjoy. Since this playful recipe is a blast, i thought I should just post the photos I snapped and share the recipe on this blog.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB-JjSE03qY/Uo4bxKLWVKI/AAAAAAAAPU4/wV0-LxxUKQ4/s1600/IMAG3805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZB-JjSE03qY/Uo4bxKLWVKI/AAAAAAAAPU4/wV0-LxxUKQ4/s640/IMAG3805.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jA9R8snsDd4/Uo4b6cSpxhI/AAAAAAAAPVA/U_s-Chj1G98/s1600/IMAG3814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jA9R8snsDd4/Uo4b6cSpxhI/AAAAAAAAPVA/U_s-Chj1G98/s640/IMAG3814.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
12 - 16 pieces chicken parts - washed and cleaned<br />
1 stalk lemon grass - cut into two and crushed<br />
2 cm galangal - crushed<br />
1 piece ikan bilis cube (Knorr brand)<br />
2 tablespoons light soya sauce<br />
1 spoon ground white pepper<br />
1 spoon sugar<br />
2 teaspoons Ajinamoto (if you prefer)<br />
2 green limes - extract the juice<br />
1 small box of coconut milk - about 200 ml (Kara brand)<br />
2 small bowls of water<br />
small bunch fresh coriander leaves - chopped<br />
6 kaffir lime leaves - finely sliced - divided<br />
salt to taste<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>(**items to be blended in a food processor with a little bit of water to form a paste)</u></em></strong><br />
4 green chillies**<br />
8 shallots**<br />
1 large onion**<br />
9 garlics**<br />
3 cm ginger**<br />
<br />
<strong><em><u>Tempering</u></em></strong><br />
a handful of fresh basil leaves (I don't have these so I had to leave it out)<br />
2 shallots - finely sliced<br />
3/4 teaspoon coriander seeds<br />
3/4 teaspoon cummin seeds<br />
2 red chillies - sliced into chunks (you can substitute with 4-6 stalks of red bird's eye chillies, if you want it hot)<br />
2 tablespoons oil<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMQpparS3Gg/Uo4cMLt-p2I/AAAAAAAAPVI/AVedH9bdfoI/s1600/IMAG3755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cMQpparS3Gg/Uo4cMLt-p2I/AAAAAAAAPVI/AVedH9bdfoI/s640/IMAG3755.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat oil in a deep based pan or wok and saute the lemon grass and galangal for a a few seconds.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jke-cVpOfSs/Uo4cg80YfNI/AAAAAAAAPVQ/37dm5H7aIoc/s1600/IMAG3757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jke-cVpOfSs/Uo4cg80YfNI/AAAAAAAAPVQ/37dm5H7aIoc/s640/IMAG3757.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the blended ingredients. Saute for a about two to three minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGaT05f0AVs/Uo4cyJBjIgI/AAAAAAAAPVY/KCgcNPVqFes/s1600/IMAG3758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xGaT05f0AVs/Uo4cyJBjIgI/AAAAAAAAPVY/KCgcNPVqFes/s640/IMAG3758.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in ikan bilis cube, sugar and Ajinamoto (if you prefer) and saute for a minute or two. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRq4htvisIk/Uo4c_YWTFUI/AAAAAAAAPVg/Y8w2cqNlM6I/s1600/IMAG3763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rRq4htvisIk/Uo4c_YWTFUI/AAAAAAAAPVg/Y8w2cqNlM6I/s640/IMAG3763.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in half of the sliced kaffir lime leaves and saute until oil separates. This may take a good ten to fifteen minutes.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSitCmyXuTk/Uo4dMyHzwTI/AAAAAAAAPVo/_TQiRF7TYko/s1600/IMAG3764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dSitCmyXuTk/Uo4dMyHzwTI/AAAAAAAAPVo/_TQiRF7TYko/s640/IMAG3764.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. The sauteing mix will later begin to dry up and when you do the ladle slide test, you will see oil collecting at the gap of the sauteing mix like in the above picture. This means that oil has separated and your gravy will not have a raw taste.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XK6XG21vTyI/Uo4dYpmvx3I/AAAAAAAAPVw/bkNkQ7Tp7WQ/s1600/IMAG3769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XK6XG21vTyI/Uo4dYpmvx3I/AAAAAAAAPVw/bkNkQ7Tp7WQ/s640/IMAG3769.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in water. Give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPt1jZtd8p8/Uo4dmA5QL5I/AAAAAAAAPV4/na7jq60o2OQ/s1600/IMAG3771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vPt1jZtd8p8/Uo4dmA5QL5I/AAAAAAAAPV4/na7jq60o2OQ/s640/IMAG3771.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Add in chicken pieces. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtB3YgSj55A/Uo4d3Ov2n9I/AAAAAAAAPWA/8xNpCIsU9sE/s1600/IMAG3772.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rtB3YgSj55A/Uo4d3Ov2n9I/AAAAAAAAPWA/8xNpCIsU9sE/s640/IMAG3772.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Fold them in to combine. Cover your pan/wok for about five to ten minutes or until the chicken pieces are about 3/4 cooked.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9L0ysCBfps/Uo4eHFaczQI/AAAAAAAAPWI/mw1SfJ5RRk0/s1600/IMAG3774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m9L0ysCBfps/Uo4eHFaczQI/AAAAAAAAPWI/mw1SfJ5RRk0/s640/IMAG3774.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Take off lid, bring fire to medium and add in coconut milk. Stir it in.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGm0CRvFf78/Uo4eTowgEQI/AAAAAAAAPWQ/JCnfGwHzAmw/s1600/IMAG3776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BGm0CRvFf78/Uo4eTowgEQI/AAAAAAAAPWQ/JCnfGwHzAmw/s640/IMAG3776.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
10. Add in the light soya sauce and pepper. Give a stir.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHp2sauYvlk/Uo4efvMrEqI/AAAAAAAAPWY/jalsnudozHk/s1600/IMAG3778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHp2sauYvlk/Uo4efvMrEqI/AAAAAAAAPWY/jalsnudozHk/s640/IMAG3778.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
11. Add in the remaining sliced kaffir lime leaves and let simmer for another five to ten minutes or until your chicken pieces are fully cooked whilst stirring every now and then. <strong><em>This stirring is important in order to prevent the cream from curdling or "pecah minyak" as the Malays would call it.</em></strong> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXCF8sMuOy0/Uo4esVbHhBI/AAAAAAAAPWg/rXxfrJ9btYU/s1600/IMAG3781.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rXCF8sMuOy0/Uo4esVbHhBI/AAAAAAAAPWg/rXxfrJ9btYU/s640/IMAG3781.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
12. Once your chicken is fully cooked. Add in the extracted lime juice. Give a stir and do a taste check. Add salt if necessary. Add in the chopped coriander leaves. Give a stir and off fire.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBoL1FjIjGk/Uo4ezxZygbI/AAAAAAAAPWo/ErBGqgX2EQg/s1600/IMAG3782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yBoL1FjIjGk/Uo4ezxZygbI/AAAAAAAAPWo/ErBGqgX2EQg/s640/IMAG3782.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
13. Heat about two tablespoons of oil in skillet. Once oil is hot, bring fire to medium and add in the cummin seeds and the coriander seeds and saute until the colours turn slightly dark.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBH4TZUPsWc/Uo4e61Y9z_I/AAAAAAAAPWw/xg8wwUoFqko/s1600/IMAG3783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBH4TZUPsWc/Uo4e61Y9z_I/AAAAAAAAPWw/xg8wwUoFqko/s640/IMAG3783.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
14. Add in the sliced shallots and saute for about a minute.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9jvmmY6gx8/Uo4fHl0QAII/AAAAAAAAPW4/qUwzvuVLvrY/s1600/IMAG3785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I9jvmmY6gx8/Uo4fHl0QAII/AAAAAAAAPW4/qUwzvuVLvrY/s640/IMAG3785.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
15. Add in the sliced red chillies (or bird's eye chillies) and saute for a minute. This would also be the time to add in the fresh basil leaves.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3w7TJ5yRJ4/Uo4fVAv7ChI/AAAAAAAAPXA/ur9F30n8Sws/s1600/IMAG3787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c3w7TJ5yRJ4/Uo4fVAv7ChI/AAAAAAAAPXA/ur9F30n8Sws/s640/IMAG3787.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
16. Stir fry until the shallots are caramelized. Off fire.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3aTUuGm28w/Uo4fhcTl3jI/AAAAAAAAPXI/OFSDSYKdNUg/s1600/IMAG3788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3aTUuGm28w/Uo4fhcTl3jI/AAAAAAAAPXI/OFSDSYKdNUg/s640/IMAG3788.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
17. Pour everything in the skillet into the chicken gravy. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4m-hLAya7Vk/Uo4f7TC8QdI/AAAAAAAAPXQ/2PaOXaUnEoE/s1600/IMAG3789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4m-hLAya7Vk/Uo4f7TC8QdI/AAAAAAAAPXQ/2PaOXaUnEoE/s640/IMAG3789.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
18. Give a stir and ready to be served.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Enjoy with white rice! Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6952551084682084620.post-83529928204143977492013-11-21T09:42:00.001+08:002013-12-10T17:39:01.241+08:00Kurma Rice (Nasi Kurma)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kaj5QMtPcic/UozCc6i0ixI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/rmamlv-czfA/s1600/IMAG3719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kaj5QMtPcic/UozCc6i0ixI/AAAAAAAAPTQ/rmamlv-czfA/s640/IMAG3719.jpg" title="Kurma Rice (Nasi Kurma)" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I mentioned the other day, I had cooked the "powerful" Indian Chicken Curry and ate it with Kurma Rice. I was actually tired of eating white rice and thought I would cook something different to go with the chicken curry. However, there were some ingredients which I had to do without as there was nothing much left in my fridge. That meant it was time to do some serious marketing. Therefore, my Kurma Rice was very rugged that day. Nevertheless, it had my husband singing my praises. Honestly, that made all the effort in the kitchen very much worth the while for us, don't you agree?</div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZMbsXUrTBM/UozBy39gBeI/AAAAAAAAPSw/Mwuwz1tr-XI/s1600/IMAG3711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QZMbsXUrTBM/UozBy39gBeI/AAAAAAAAPSw/Mwuwz1tr-XI/s640/IMAG3711.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVm3s21LfzU/UozCQAdu6-I/AAAAAAAAPTI/jzJVhI8LIy4/s1600/IMAG3715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bVm3s21LfzU/UozCQAdu6-I/AAAAAAAAPTI/jzJVhI8LIy4/s640/IMAG3715.jpg" width="360" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVqYJCGb0Pc/UozCGVcDmCI/AAAAAAAAPTA/wLlupOuxVFE/s1600/IMAG3714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EVqYJCGb0Pc/UozCGVcDmCI/AAAAAAAAPTA/wLlupOuxVFE/s640/IMAG3714.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0CjcTXoN2I/UozCnowxNEI/AAAAAAAAPTY/UqPCP6FRRrY/s1600/IMAG3717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0CjcTXoN2I/UozCnowxNEI/AAAAAAAAPTY/UqPCP6FRRrY/s640/IMAG3717.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMKHfZ1pF3k/UozB8pTdW3I/AAAAAAAAPS4/HurddaW_Ebs/s1600/IMAG3713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FMKHfZ1pF3k/UozB8pTdW3I/AAAAAAAAPS4/HurddaW_Ebs/s640/IMAG3713.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<br />
Ok ladies, I shall cut to the chase and get to the ingredients.<br />
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u>:<br />
<br />
2 and a 3/4 average drinking mug of any kinds of rice - washed and set aside in your rice cooker (best if you use Basmati rice, washed and soaked for about 20 to 30 minutes, drained and then set aside in the rice cooker)<br />
1 large onion - finely sliced (sometimes I use 4 shallots)<br />
3 garlics - finely sliced or chopped<br />
2 to 3 cm cinnamon<br />
1 to 2 cm ginger - finely sliced or chopped<br />
3 cloves<br />
3 cardamoms<br />
1 teaspoon cumin seeds<br />
3/4 teaspoon fennel seeds<br />
1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder<br />
3-4 stalks of corianders leaves - chopped<br />
2 green chillies - finely sliced <br />
1 spoonful kurma powder (I used House brand)<br />
1 spoonful full cream yogurt<br />
1 piece Knorr chicken cube - dissolved in a small bowl of water<br />
2 pieces pandan leaves - washed and snipped into about 4 cm pieces<br />
1 teaspoon sugar <br />
1 teaspoon Ajinamoto, if you prefer<br />
salt to taste<br />
3-4 stalks of mint leaves - plucked from stems and roughly chopped (I ran out of these)<br />
a handful of fried shallots (I ran out of these)<br />
2 tablespoons of ghee or any cooking oil that you prefer<br />
<br />
<u>Method</u>:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CxsJGwXtQZ0/Uo1WZ9CQ9DI/AAAAAAAAPTo/5Gpa4gjWI-s/s1600/IMAG3683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CxsJGwXtQZ0/Uo1WZ9CQ9DI/AAAAAAAAPTo/5Gpa4gjWI-s/s640/IMAG3683.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
1. Heat ghee in pan. Once ghee is hot, add in cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms, fennel seeds and cumin seeds. Saute for a few seconds.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEcuRLEu7AU/UozAK5hjTDI/AAAAAAAAPRw/p30yzjaT9MU/s1600/IMAG3685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEcuRLEu7AU/UozAK5hjTDI/AAAAAAAAPRw/p30yzjaT9MU/s640/IMAG3685.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2. Add in the finely sliced onions, chopped garlics and chopped ginger. Saute until onions are withered.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd6YnMKzztg/UozAbICzRII/AAAAAAAAPR4/0Ym6Xd7X5MU/s1600/IMAG3687.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Kd6YnMKzztg/UozAbICzRII/AAAAAAAAPR4/0Ym6Xd7X5MU/s640/IMAG3687.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
3. Add in kurma powder. Saute for about three to five minutes or until fragrant.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9R_AXaD6MXc/UozAmElNeeI/AAAAAAAAPSA/ksEWI9RzrL4/s1600/IMAG3688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9R_AXaD6MXc/UozAmElNeeI/AAAAAAAAPSA/ksEWI9RzrL4/s640/IMAG3688.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
4. Add in the chopped coriander leaves and sliced green chillies. Stir fry for about a minute or two.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCecaIWUDeI/UozAzfatdtI/AAAAAAAAPSI/3jwIcN1ujCU/s1600/IMAG3689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nCecaIWUDeI/UozAzfatdtI/AAAAAAAAPSI/3jwIcN1ujCU/s640/IMAG3689.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
5. Add in tumeric powder and stir fry for about another minute or two.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4svtyuSEbo/UozBAr8zxjI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/5w-tEdT5R90/s1600/IMAG3691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N4svtyuSEbo/UozBAr8zxjI/AAAAAAAAPSQ/5w-tEdT5R90/s640/IMAG3691.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
6. Add in the pandan leaves. Stir fry for about another minute or two until you smell the fragrance from the pandan leaves.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8Ftl-y19GY/UozBPUt86QI/AAAAAAAAPSY/x-d124YSy_M/s1600/IMAG3693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j8Ftl-y19GY/UozBPUt86QI/AAAAAAAAPSY/x-d124YSy_M/s640/IMAG3693.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
7. Fill up your rice cooker with the small bowl of water with dissolved chicken cube. Add in water as you would normally require when you cook your rice. <strong><em>(Note: For Basmati rice, for every 1 mug of Basmati rice, you need 1 and a half mug of water)</em></strong>. Add in the stir fried mixture and yogurt. Add in the teaspoon of sugar, salt to taste and Ajinamoto, if you prefer.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ahGujyupOI/UozBaZeFi9I/AAAAAAAAPSg/4Kd1n-Ho7IU/s1600/IMAG3697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7ahGujyupOI/UozBaZeFi9I/AAAAAAAAPSg/4Kd1n-Ho7IU/s640/IMAG3697.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
8. Give a stir to thoroughly combine. Place the lid and cook your rice as per normal. Once your rice is 3/4 cooked, open the lid and fold your rice from bottom to top so that the yogurt is thoroughly mixed with the rice. Replace lid and let rice cooked fully.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGt2ymrhkNM/UozBlmV-viI/AAAAAAAAPSo/jl-k37hXnZk/s1600/IMAG3698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JGt2ymrhkNM/UozBlmV-viI/AAAAAAAAPSo/jl-k37hXnZk/s640/IMAG3698.jpg" width="640" wta="true" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
9. Once rice is cooked, open the lid again and sprinkle the fried shallots and mint leaves all over and fold them into the rice using bottom to top motion. Replace the lid again. Ready to be served after five minutes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Goes with everything curry! Enjoy and Happy Kitchen-ing!!</div>
</div>
Tilah Maricarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16449727279240532298noreply@blogger.com0