We have a love-hate relationship with okra. Lip-smackingly good when deep fried in southern style (Hush Puppies and Fried Okra, anyone?), comfortably filling in rich gumbo, tantalizingly spicy in bhindi masala. Yet the thought of inevitable slimy fingers can be a deterrent. Then like smoky, late afternoon rays filtering through loose, leafy canopies, I chanced […]
gluten-free
Steamed Tofu with Ground Pork and Gogi Berries
Tofu – the ‘miracle’ source of protein from soy that has zero fat and low in calories. Depending on what texture you are seeking, there are silken, soft, firm, rough versions and a slew more in between. There are fresh, fermented, fried, pickled ones to suit different needs. For all its versatility, tofu has only […]
Snap Vegetable Soup
One hour. That was how much time I had to conjure a healthy lunch. Here’s the thing: I do not generally plan for lunches. I am usually the only one at home during the day and I am pretty easy to feed: oatmeal with wheat-germ and blueberries, leftovers from the previous night, cereal with a splash of milk, […]
All-Essential Condiment: Sambal Belachan
Always accompanying Southeast Asian food, belachan is a mainstay in cuisine from south of China, to Thailand, to Malaysia, to Singapore, to Indonesia and to reaches far and in-between. Needless to say, as Straits-cooking is a fusion of Malay, Chinese and Dutch influences, it is an essential condiment to nyonya or Peranakan food. At its heart […]
Steamed Tofu with Ground Turkey
We needed a quick dinner tonight, for today we are watching “Sunday in the Park with George” by Stephen Sondheim and we have 2 hours to get to the theatre. A peek into the fridge and I came up with this steamed tofu dish served over steaming rice. Steamed Tofu with Ground Turkey Save […]
- Appetizers
- ...
Roasted Broccoli and Mushrooms
Easy weekday dinner with minimal clean up! Can also be served as an easy appetizer. 1 lb broccoli, cut into small florets and stemmed 4 cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 tbsp garlic, minced 3 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp cumin seeds 2 tsp sea salt Grated cheddar cheese (or any hard, sharp cheese) Serves 4 Toss […]
- Mains
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Chicken Porridge (‘chook’) 粥
Porridge (粥) is a comfort food especially on cooler evenings. I am partial to the semi-watery version, where the rice is broken into pieces but not so watery that the grains cannot be tasted. The ginger adds a nice touch of heat, countering the evening temperature. This can be eaten on its own, thanks to […]
Bell peppers, Zucchini and Cashews
Summer brings a colourful cornucopia of plants and vegetables. Here is an attractive serving bursting with colours and flavours. ½ cup spam, diced (or chicken, diced and marinated in soy sauce, chinese cooking wine, corn starch) 1 green pepper, diced 1 red pepper, diced ½ cup roasted cashew nuts 1 tsp garlic 3 slices […]
Lemongrass Ginger Patties
Lemongrass has that clean refreshing taste which reminds me of a quiet dawn, the dew still tenuously hanging from tips of branches and leaves, sunlight not yet come of age for the day. Ginger brings to mind secret joys, slightly spicy, slightly heady. Paired, they bring forth an exhilarating tingle at the back of the […]
Omelette with Tomatoes and Chai Poh 菜脯
Chai poh 菜脯 is salted radish and a staple in teochew porridge. I had seen a post by Kitchen Tigress on how to many fluffy Chai Poh Omelette (菜脯卵), combining elements of French and Chinese omelettes. Ever since then I have been waiting for an opportunity to try it out. With only 2 tomatoes and 4 eggs in the […]