Home-cooked Pasta......

The word "Pasta" has never been in my FOOD  dictionary since when I am young.  I never recall eating even the most common one which is the Spaghetti!!!! As such, I never have the urge of consuming it, maybe its simply because its not our staple food; many years back pasta is not easily available or unpopular once upon a time, and maybe its because I don't know how to prepare it!

Once I remember eating it at a friends place and tends to like the way that its cooked and I remember myself saying "how I wish I can cook this pasta dish!"  This wish of mine takes quite a while for it to materialise, as far as I can recall, its due to the fact that my children, as they gradually grows older is having the like for Pasta.  It is from then that I start to acquire the skills of cooking them.  I recall the 'trial and error' situation and at times it can be rather frustrating, but by not giving up I am happy not only because I can cook my own Pasta dishes but also becoming a favourite of this non-Chinese dish!!

Fresh meat, prawns, mushrooms sausages, bacon, ham and others serves well with pasta, and it can either serve with different types of sauces or even dry, as well as makes good salad with combination of veggies such as tomato, potato, carrot, celery, etc.

Pasta salad

Two different toppings (Left) minced meat (Right) Prawns

Recently, I've tried a hand on spicy pasta with side dishes of tomato prawns and deep-fried chicken tender.  

Today, pasta dishes have become a favourite dish for many as it is easily available in most food courts.  Most mothers are also cooking the dish at home as the ingredients are easily available in our local supermarkets or hypermarkets.  

My favourite bitter veg

Bittergourd, a veg dislike by many happens to be one of my favourite vegetable!! I can just stir-fry a whole bittergourd and have it for my meal and a little bit of rice to go with it.......

This vegetable comes in different shapes and sizes.  I prefer buying one that is of medium size since its only consumed solely by myself in my family.  Bittergourd soup is another of my favourite dish.  It is a refreshing soup especially during hot weather.

Recently, I've tried a hand on stir-fried beehoon or rice vermicelli with bittergourd and chicken slices.  I've tried it once at one of our local foodstall but not only that its not that nice but the bittergourd slices are small and too few.  A favourite bittergourd eater like me would prefer a plate of stir-fried beehoon with bittergourd such as this to really enjoy a satisfying meal.......

A veg with a sophisticated name!!

Simply known as Mani Cai in Chinese and Cangkuk Manis in Malay.  I have been trying to figure out whether this veg has an English name???? Anything that is of interest to me I will try to get to its roots!!  YES, it is called Sauropus androgynus......

In Malaysia, this is a popular veg in Sarawak, whereas in Peninsular Malaysia it is not that well known.  To my knowledge this veg is only used for serving 'Pan Mien'.  For us local Sarawakians this veg is not only  a popular home-cooked dish but its also served at restaurants and food stalls.  A simple stir-fry with eggs makes a delicious and appetizing dish and has been long a favourite dish of many.

Another favourite local specialty is stir-fried beehoon with mani cai and it taste awesome with a generous sprinkle of crispy fried dried shrimps *YUMMY!*

This veg also makes a great 'lemak dish' when cooked together with mani cai, sweet potato and coconut milk!!! This lemak dish is popular among the Malays and trust me, its deliciously nice!  So, if any of you, who are not locals, happen to be in Sarawak, make sure you give it a try - don't miss it!