CROSSROADS CHRONICLES

Notes on building a life in the Netherlands

Tag: comfortfood

  • 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.