CROSSROADS CHRONICLES

Notes on building a life in the Netherlands

Categorie: Culinary Adventures

  • Culinary Adventures: Homecooked Meals – Self-Review #2

    Following my first self-review of homecooked meals here in the Netherlands, I continued my journey of culinary adventures with three new dishes, each inspired by different cultures and traditions. Cooking remains an exciting adventures for me. It’s an opportunity to experiment with flavours, refine techniques, and of course, enjoy some delicious homecooked food.

    This time, I ventured into the bold and aromatic world of Southeast Asian and Mediterranean/North African cuisines. Here’s a look at my creations and my honest self-assessment of each dish.

    Spicy Curry Laksa with Chicken and Eggplant

    The dish was my take on the beloved Southeast Asian classic – Curry Laksa. A rich and aromatic coconut-based broth infused with healthy amount of chili, lemongrass, shrimp paste, and curry paste served as the foundation for this hearty noodle soup. I paired it with spaghetti as a noodle substitute, which surprisingly held up well in the flavorful broth. The addition of eggplant absorbed the spicy coconut flavors beautifully, while tender pieces of chicken added a satisfying protein boost.

    Self-Review: Bold and fragrant, the broth had a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Next time, I’d like to try using authentic rice vermicelli for a more traditional touch and maybe add tofu puffs for extra texture.

    Chicken Tajine with Carrots and Olives

    I delved into Moroccan and Mediterranean flavors by preparing a slow-cooked chicken tajine. The chicken was marinated in a blend of ras el hanout, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, lemon juice, then braised with carrots, green olives, and tomatoes. The result was a dish bursting with savory, slightly tangy, and subtly sweet notes.

    Self-Review: Wonderfully aromatic, with a depth that developed beautifully over slow cooking. The chicken was incredibly tender, falling apart effortlessly. Next time, I might add dried apricots or raisins for a bit of natural sweetness to contrast with the briny olives, and using preserved lemon instead of lemon juice to deepen the flavor.

    Chicken Curry with Potatoes

    This dish was inspired by the bold flavours of Malaysian chicken curry or “Kari Ayam.” I cooked then chicken with a fragrant blend of turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili paste, tamarind paste (asam jawa), and curry powder, creating a rich, flavorful broth. The potatoes soaked up the spices beautifully, making each bite hearty and satisfying. A boiled egg added extra depth and authenticity, as is common in many traditional Malaysian dishes.

    Self-Review: Deep, warm and comforting. The spices blended well, but I think a bit more coconut milk could enhance the creaminess. A touch of curry leaves and palm sugar might add extra layer of complexity to the dish and enhance the authentic fragrance.

    Each of these dishes brought a unique culinary experience to my kitchen, combining comfort, memories and adventures. However, finding the right herbs and ingredients in the Netherlands can sometimes be a challenge, requiring substitutions or creative solutions. While each meal had its own standout moments, I enjoyed the learning process just as much as the final results. For me, cooking at home continues to be an exploration of flavours, cultures, and creativity. One dish at a time!

  • Lunch, but make it in 15 minutes

    I grew up having hot lunches every day, 365 days a year. Preparing hot lunch often took some time (in an Asian household). But since moving to the Netherlands, hot lunches have become a rarity and somehow I have come to appreciate the Dutch lunch culture for its convenience and practicality.

    Eggs and tomatoes on toast
    Lumpia/Popiah/Spring roll
    Pasta salad
    Filet Americain + hardboiled egg on bread
    Canned sardines + Avocado on cracker
    Classic scrambled eggs on bread

    Apart from the lumpia/popiah/spring rolls, the rest of the meal is prepared in about 15 minutes! I made the lumpia/popiah/spring rolls a week before and kept them frozen. While making them from scratch took at least 40 minutes, it took less than 15 minutes to defrost, deep-fry, and have them ready for lunch. They’re best served warm, but I also enjoy them at room temperature.

    Notice that my most of my quick lunches involved eggs? To me, eggs are a superior food. You can eat them with almost everything, and taste equally great warm or cold.

    What’s your favorite quick lunch meal?

  • Culinary Adventures: Homecooked Meals – Self-Review #1

    Between classes, huiswerk, travels, countless visits, rugpijn and anxiety, I managed to spent some time to continue exploring my culinary skills in the kitchen. I tried making Asian foods as much as I can – not out of homesickness, but to re-create the flavors that are already familiar to me. And the fun part is I get to be my own food critic, comparing my creations to my food memories from Asia. After all, you can’t thoroughly and carefully review dishes you’ve never tasted before, right?

    So here are my top 5 home-cooked dishes so far:

    Malaysian Nasi Lemak

    My first homemade nasi lemak in the Netherlands was a triumph. The sambal, which is the heart and soul of the dish, turned out perfectly. The whole dish tasted just like of those famous nasi lemak you can find in the street in Kuala Lumpur.
    Rating: Definitely 5/5
    p/s I’m incredibly proud of recreating this iconic Malaysian dish from scratch. I think I even shed a tear when I took the first bite.

    Kedgeree with Mackerel

    I followed a recipe from Koken met Karin [zonder pakjes & zakjes], Kedgeree met Makrel on page 90. Contrary to my initial believe, this classic Anglo-Indian dish was surprisingly easy to make. This delightful fusion somehow remind me of Indonesian/Malaysian nasi goreng.
    Rating: 3.8/5

    Shrimp and Spinach Spaghetti Aglio e Olio

    With shrimp, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, unsalted butter, herbs and of course, spaghetti, this dish was a breeze to whip up. Who can resist the charm of a little piece of Italy from their own kitchen anyway?
    Rating: 5/5

    Stir-fried Baby Spinach with Garlic

    So what do you do with your baby spinach if you happen to have a lot of them in your fridge? You stir fried them good with fresh garlic (and adding mixed seafood for an extra twist). I promise you it’s a delicious, healthy and aromatic dish that’ll leave you craving more with every bite.
    Rating: 4.2/5

    Dry Thai Red Curry Chicken

    Far from the authentic taste, but this dish was still quite satisfying. I swapped green beans for carrots and bell pepper (out of my sheer laziness to grocery shop) and used the Sum & Sam Thaise rode curry pasta. Then I enjoyed it like a true Asian – with steamed white rice topped with fried eggs.
    Rating: 3.9/5

    Reflecting on my culinary journey so far, I feel a sense of accomplishment. Rating my own dishes provided a validation I didn’t even realize I needed. The funny thing is, while doing this, I can almost hear my mother and sister critiquing my dishes for not using enough herbs and/or salt or for substituting ingredients. I actually wish they were here to rate my cooking – I’d love to hear their critical feedback.

    Cooking familiar dishes is like a heartfelt conversation with home; each bite brings back cherished memories and a sense of belonging, no matter how far you are.

    crossroadschronicles

  • Comfort in a Bowl of Instant Noodles

    For me, growing up in an Asian household, instant noodles were more than just a quick meal; they were woven into the fabric of my fondest food memories, symbolizing comfort, warmth, and familial love.

    In our home, instant noodles were cherished like culinary treasures. Whether it was a rainy day or a late-night craving, a steaming bowl of noodles never failed to bring joy to our hearts. We relished their simplicity, their convenience, and above all, their ability to transport us back to the cozy confines of home with every savory slurp.

    But life has a way of leading us down unexpected paths, and mine led me across oceans to the Netherlands. Amidst the picturesque canals and liberal attitudes, there was one thing I couldn’t shake off: the yearning for the familiar taste of home, embodied by a humble bowl of instant noodles. Their absence left a void in my culinary journey, a longing for the flavors that had once defined my sense of belonging.

    Today, armed with a packet of the famous Indomie Mi Goreng, a staple in many Asian households, I set out to rediscover the essence of comfort in a foreign land.

    As the noodles danced in the simmering water, I cracked a fresh egg into the pan. With a gentle sizzle, the sunny side up egg took shape, adding an extra layer of richness to this modest dish.

    As I ladled the steaming noodles into a bowl and crowned them with the perfectly cooked egg, a sense of contentment washed over me. In that moment, I realized that home wasn’t just a place; it was a feeling, a connection forged through shared experiences and cherished traditions.

    For in that bowl of Indomie Mi Goreng, I found not just sustenance, but solace, a reminder that no matter how far I roam, a piece of home will always be within reach.

    crossroadschronicles

    With a grateful heart and a rumbling stomach, I raised my chopsticks to the heavens and uttered a silent thank you to this unpretentious Indomie Mi Goreng, for reminding me that no matter where life may take me, the comfort of home will always reside in the simplest of pleasures.

    And so, with every blissful bite, I savored not just the flavors of the dish before me, but the memories, the love, and the sense of belonging that it brought with it.

    Bon appétit, indeed.

  • Soul-Soothing Moroccan Salad

    Let’s embrace the soothing rhythm of chopping and let the art of salad making transport us to a place of peace and serenity.

    crossroadschronicles

    Amidst the chaotic charm in the bustling streets of Marrakesh, I stumbled upon a true gem – the Moroccan Salad. It was humble, yet it held an undeniable charm that captured my heart with every bite. Each taste seemed to whisper stories of distant lands and age-old traditions, wrapping me in a blanket of tranquility that I couldn’t resist.

    When I returned home, the memory of that salad stayed with me. So I decided to recreate its magic in my own kitchen.

    And now, dear fellow kitchen newcomers, I bring to you a beginner-friendly Moroccan salad recipe born out of passion and simplicity. It’s a dish that not only delights the senses but also serves as a comforting escape from life’s trials and tribulations.

    Ingredients: Cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onion, pinch of salt, juice of fresh lime, drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

    How to make it?

    1. Peel the cucumbers if desired, then slice them into rounds of uniform thickness. If using organic cucumbers, you may leave the peel on for added texture and nutrients.

    2. Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are ripe and juicy for maximum flavor.

    3. Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the sliced onion in cold water for a few minutes, then drain before adding to the salad.

    4. Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onions.

    5. Drizzle the freshly squeezed lime juice over the vegetables, allowing the citrusy tang to infuse every bite.

    6. Add a generous pinch of salt to enhance the flavors, adjusting according to your taste preferences.

    7. Finally, drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the salad, gently tossing everything together to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.

    8. Once combined, let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, intensifying with each passing moment.

    9. Serve your Moroccan salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or parsley for a touch of herbal freshness.

    Enjoy the vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors of this refreshing Moroccan salad, transporting your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with every bite! Bon appétit, friends, and may your kitchen forever be a cozy haven filled with good food!