Okra and Tofu

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 […]

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, […]

Braised Eggplant and Ground Pork

Eggplant and Pork 20160517-1

Plump, firm, bright purple in colour – ‘Eggplant’ as it is widely known here in America, commonly called ‘Aubergine’ in Europe, and liltingly called ‘Brinjal’ in my homeland in South-East Asia, is rather bitter when raw but easily absorbs flavours used in the cooking process. Its versatility is evidenced by its widespread use in varying cuisines around the world, using a […]

Celery with Chicken and Cashew nuts

A twist on the classic ‘Cashew Chicken’.  This dish features celery as the main ingredient, making for a healthier option. Season the chicken well, according to your personal taste. A dash of paprika or turmeric adds a more exotic flavor. Chili powder offers a spicy kick. The small amount of protein will go a long way […]

Winter Melon 冬瓜 Soup

winter melon soup

These pale-fleshed, spongy gourds are commonly eaten during winter. Low in calories, it has a mild and refreshing taste. A week ago, the Asian supermarket was selling 2-lb slices at incredibly reasonable prices, despite being an unusual crop for this time of year. I was recovering from a bout of ‘heatiness'(阳 yang); this ‘cooling'(阴 yin) […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

Noodles with Summer Vegetables

Summer brings with it long days, sunshine, clear skies and its cornucopia of lush fruits and vegetables. Looking around my kitchen one afternoon, wondering what to make for dinner, I pondered a single leftover sun-ripened tomato-in-vine and an ear of white corn that recently left the farm. Now I can feast on corn boiled in […]