NEW BOOK – EATING OUT AT HOME: ASIAN FUSION CURRY RECIPES

Finally, we got the time to publish our first cookbook. If you love Asian curry and fusion cuisine, you will love our book EATING OUT AT HOME: ASIAN FUSION CURRY RECIPES. Now available in paperback and Kindle versions from Amazon.

Sri Lankan Rabbit Curry

Yeah, Rabbit… What a comeback from our hiatus where we said goodbye to Grandpa and hello to his new Canadian grandson. Also, we move from coast to coast from Vancouver to our new home in Waterloo, ON. It’s still in Canada btw… The Canadian duck has been a staple for us but we thought of…

Sri Lankan Dhal Wade (Parippu Wade)

Wade or Vada are popular snacks in Sri Lanka. They are a staple during the multiple tea breaks Sri Lankans take during a working day. There are two main varieties of wade which are ulundu or dhal. The ulundu wade are soft while the dhal wade are crunchy. This vegetarian snack goes down extremely well…

Oven Baked Chicken Rice

When biriani is too spicy and common, this dish would be the perfect compromise between eastern spicy and western herb rice. With a mediterranean flavor, this dish reminds you of sunny lunches by the beach paired with cold beer. Rich in flavor, a side of salty seafood such as baby shrimp stirfry will complete the…

Sri Lankan Baby Shrimp Stirfry (Koonisso baduma)

Baby shrimp or “koonisso” are tiny shrimp with mega flavor. When theses are deep fried, they bring a distinct flavor profile to any dish. In place of the Chinese chilli paste, you can pair this condemint with mild dishes to add some heat, crunch and salt. The guys will also love it as a bar…

Thai Massaman Chicken Curry

According to CNN Thai Massaman Chicken Curry is number one on the top 50 dishes in the world. Now that is saying something! Although many recipes on the internet use store-bought curry paste, I’ve built the flavor profile from scratch. However, I must warn you that it does take a bit of love and patience…

Jambalaya

Southern American cuisine is usually hearty and full of soul. Jambalaya is a favorite which combines French and Spanish influences to create a tangy and meaty rice dish which incorporates the local seafood in season such as shrimp and crayfish. Served hot, jambalaya warms the body with clean and distinct flavors.

Sri Lankan Black Pepper Pork

Pork is a staple in Sri Lanka whether it’s curry, devilled or stir-fry. Sri Lankans usually eat it with rice or roti which complement the meat. However, the curry can taste oily while the devilled dish can be salty. In contrast, this dish uses pepper and crunchy vegetables to make the dish lean. As a…

Sri Lankan Devilled Prawns

Sri Lanka is an island and naturally full of excellent seafood. By far one of the most favourite appetizers is the spicy devilled tiger prawns which are stir-fried on high heat with onions, banana peppers and chilli flakes. This HOT dish has sweet and sour notes to it which makes it heavenly on a warm…

Thai Khao Soi

Although a melting pot, Bangkok is not all Thailand when it comes to food. This dish is from Chiang Mai which is a northern province of Thailand where the use of coconut in dishes is limited. However, this noodle dish with thick coconut chicken soup is a spicy and rich dish which is enjoyed with…

Steamed Rainbow Trout in Thai Chilli Sauce

Steamed fish with salty and spicy sauce was a favorite when we were in Penang, Malaysia. Typically, it was a decent sized grouper served whole chinese style. In this case, I’m using rainbow trout, which is widely available in Canada and has white delicate flesh similar to a grouper, to make this dish influenced by…

Singapore Fried Bee Hoon

The best Singapore Bee Hoon we’ve had was at a roadside hawker restaurant in Langkawi, Malaysia. The dish was full of fresh prawns and yummy fried pork or “char siu”. In this recipe, I recreate the mildly spicy dish with fried prawns, pork and eggs.

Sri Lankan Egg Curry or Biththara Kirihodi

Eggs are perhaps the most versatile protein available which is a favorite among much of humanity. Apart from the fried, boiled, poached and scrambled eggs, some cultures like cooking them. The Sinhalese in Sri Lanka like cooking eggs in coconut milk which they call “biththara kirihodi”. This is a great dish with rice, string hoppers,…

Sri Lankan Spicy Mutton Curry

Mutton is enjoyed by many Sri Lankans as a spicy curry eaten with rice. Typically cooked with a lot of spices, special care needs to be taken to ensure that the meat is tender. This recipe uses premium cuts of mutton with less fat for a more healthier and tastier experience.

Thai Coconut Seafood Curry

By now you should know that we are big fans of Thai food. We are even bigger fans of seafood. This dish is a new take on the tom yum goong dish but combines the sweet taste of fresh mussels, coconut cream and red Thai curry to create a sweet and sour curry which pairs…

Chicken Maqlooba or Upside Down Chicken Rice

There are many variations of the chicken rice dish ranging from the spicy versions in India and Sri Lanka to the milder sweeter versions of China. The Arabic versions found in the Middle East are very flavorful and rich. This dish, Maqlooba (upside down rice) is particularly tasty as it combines vegetables and meat into…

Sri Lankan Blue Crab Curry

Dungeness crab is great for the world famous Singapore chili crab but the blue crab is king when it comes to curry dishes in Asia. This dish is close to my heart as my mother used to cook it when I was growing up in Sri Lanka.

Mee Goreng Ayam

If you’ve been to Malaysia, Indonesia or Singapore, you would have tasted mee goreng ayam which is a sweet, salty and spicy sitr-fried noodle dish. Mee goreng ayam literally translates to fried chicken noodles. It is best enjoyed as a snack in these countries with iced tea or a cold beer but can double as…

Burmese Chicken

This Burmese chicken dish is a twist on the traditional chicken curry recipes usually found in Asia. Packed with sweetness from the lemongrass, it will pair well with white rice and a tangy salad.

Thai Jungle Curry (Gaeng Bpa Curry)

My husband loves Thai food. He loves my Tom Yum Goong the most. So I thought I’d make something new from Thailand to add some variety. This dish is a traditional Thai recepie which combines a lot of the village Thai flavors. I don’t really know why it’s called a jungle curry but the vegetables…

Thai Jungle Curry Paste (Gaeng Bpa Curry Paste)

Jungle Curry Paste or “Gaeng Bpa Curry Paste” packs some great Thai flavors which are more intense than the popular Red Thai Curry Paste. The paste can be used to make delicious Thai sauces for meat or seafood.

Roast Turkey Leg with Herbal Butter

We don’t usually celebrate thanksgiving. So we don’t really get to enjoy the yummy roast turkey everyone is super excited about close to this North American holiday. Although turkey is super expensive close to thanksgiving, it becomes much more affordable immediately after. Being a leaner meat, turkey is always a preffered taste for us (see…

Canned Mackerel Fry

Coming from Sri Lanka, which is still a developing country, canned mackerel and canned tuna are a regular dish at lunch and dinner. For one, canned fish are cheaper compared to fresh fish, and secondly it is easier and faster to prepare for busy families. Usually eaten with rice or bread, canned mackerel was one…

Mung Kiribath or Green Gram Milk Rice

Mung beans or green gram is a popular food in many Asian countries including Sri Lanka. Packed with a lot of vitamins and nutrients, green gram is an excellent breakfast cereal for the whole family. Mung kiribath, also known as mungata kiribath or green gram milk rice, is a traditional Sri Lankan brakfast similar to…

Chow Mein

Chow mein is a sure item on many chinese takeout menus. It’s a sweet and sour stir-fried noodle dish which is typically made with chicken, pork and seafood. The taste varies from North America to Asian countries such as Singapore and Malaysia where the dish is popular. In this recipe, I combine tastes from North…

Oven Baked Spicy Chicken Wings

We all love chicken wings, whether for a late lunch or with an evening beer. However, I don’t find the deep fried snack too healthy. This recipe concentrates the flavor of classic chicken wings while making it much healthier by baking.

Cuttlefish Curry

If seafood is your thing then cuttlefish, also known as squid, calamari or “dallo”, should be a favorite. Growing up in Sri Lanka, my husband and I have fallen in love with the taste of cuttlefish cooked, fried and salad. The guys love it paired with an evening of local coconut arrak or beer. Although…

Lamb Burgers with Herbal Mayo Sauce

There’s nothing like a good burger with a side of fries to make you feel happy. Although our favorite fast food chains offer tasty burgers at a low price, I wonder how healthy they are for my family. I also don’t trust the frozen burger patties found at the supermarket. So I prefer to make…

Dungeness Kerala Crab Curry

In a previous recepie I introduced dungeness chilli crab cooked Singapore style. In this recipe, I’m cooking dungeness crab in a spicy curry sauce inspired by the style of Kerala in India. Rather than making the sauce too spicy, I’ve tried to add a bit of sweetness to bring out the natural flavors of the…

Curry Pork

Pork is widely consumed and loved in Sri Lanka. This is especially true among the Sinhalese. There are many traditional pork curry recepies indigenous to particular areas. Our favorite is the black pork curry with coconut. However, it is difficult to source all the ingredients needed abroad. This recipe is a versatile spicy pork curry…

Ginger Infused Chicken Soup

Soup is a guilty treat for my husband. Whenever he indulges in a week of rich food, he opts for a dinner of soup one of the days. To keep the soup as light as possible, I make it as a pure broth infused with a lot of ginger and herbs. The amount of vegetables…

Devilled Chicken

Devilled Chicken is one of the absolute favourites in Sri Lanka. It usually complements all Chinese inspired takeaway such as fried rice and fried noodles along with a good dollop of Chinese Chilli Paste. The dish is also a sought after bar food. Usually made with deep fried chicken, a variety of salty sauces and…

Bitter Gourd Salad

Bitter Gourd is all the rage now since it has been identified as a “super food” which can lower blood sugars while preventing cancer. However, it has been used in ayurveda for hundreds, if not thousands, of years as a refreshing side dish which helps maintain good health. On the downside, bitter gourd is a…

Sri Lankan Roasted Curry Powder

Roasted curry powder is a key ingredient in many Sri Lankan curry dishes, especially meat dishes. This can be store bought in Sri Lanka but is hard to find abroad. Also the homemade version tastes better as you can modify the ingredients according to personal taste.

Chicken Biryani

Biryani is synonyms with Indian cuisine allover the world. Odds are, if you have eaten at a proper Indian restaurant, you would have seen Biryani on the menu. I have had it in Asia, Europe, Middle East and America. My husband has had it in the Caribbean, Africa, South America and the Pacific which pretty…

Tangy Tomato Salad

Tomatoes, onions and chillies go well with many spicy Asian dishes. They also add the tanginess which complement the Asian spice rack. This fresh salad is crunchy, tangy and spicy at the same time adding a healthy side to rich Asian mains.

Oven Baked Meatballs

Who doesn’t love meatballs… in spaghetti, in submarine sandwiches, in pizza, in kebabs or just on their own accompanying a beer. Somehow those store bought meatballs don’t really taste authentic. Also, you never know what goes into them. That’s why I prefer to make meatballs at home using lean turkey meat. They are healthy and…

Fluffy Pastries with Eggs and Onion Sambal

Fluffy savory pastries, commonly known as “short eats”, are a major part of the modern Sri Lankan snack scene. Typically consumed at tea breaks all daylong and as an after work or before dinner snack, these pastries go well with hot ginger tea, coffee or ginger ale. I can’t imagine having tea in Sri Lanka…

Sri Lankan Sweet and Spicy Onion Sambal

Sweet and spicy onion sambal or “seeni sambal” is a popular side dish in Sri Lanka typically served alongside milk rice (kiribath), bread, hoppers, string hoppers, roti and many others. It is also used as a filling for a number of savory pastries and buns on its own or paired with boiled eggs. Seeni sambal…

Tom Yum Goong

This sweet, sour and spicy soup, served with white rice, is one of the most popular and the most tasty dishes to come out of Thailand. It is by far my husband’s favorite dish ever. The fresh seafood, mushrooms, lemongrass and lime leaves cooked to a smooth consistency in coconut cream is the ultimate expression…

Chicken Shawarma

Wraps are a close competitor to sandwiches with their light pita or tortillas hiding grilled meat, vegetables, hummus and other tasty seasoning. Known around the world as Turkish kebabs, doner kababs and dönertasche (meat pockets), shawarma would be the menu item you would see on many a food cart in North America. Even the Avengers…

Jeera Rice

Jeera or cumin rice combines many flavors of India. It is a fragrant, delicate and tasty dish which can be served alone with some tomatoes and cucumber or paired with a meat dish such as mutton curry or tandoori chicken.

Garlic Bok Choy

Bok choy is a common vegetable found in Chinese cooking. Being a dark green leafy vegetable with a slight bitter taste, it is best eaten cooked, fried or in soup. Garlic bok choy is a popular side dish served with many chinese influenced dishes in Malaysia. It also goes well with white rice or noodles.

Sri Lankan Chicken Curry Powder

Chicken curry is a regular item in many Sri Lankan meals. To get the rich curry flavour, several curry powders are used. Among these, chicken curry powder is a key ingredient for that authentic Sri Lankan taste.

Chicken Curry

Chicken curry is a staple in most Sri Lankan households served with rice and vegetables. It is also quite versatile and goes well with bread, naan, chapati, roti and parota.

Bow Tie Pasta Alfredo with Broccoli and Ham

Pasta is so versatile that it’s a favorite choice for our weekly dinners. Although we love the classic dishes, we tend to add our own twist to spice the dish to suit our pallet. This dish is a contemporary one which will go well with a nice fruity wine or a cold beer.

Green Beans with Coconut Milk

Green beans are a very tasty vegetable which goes well with rice. Cooking it with coconut cream gives it a sweet taste which complements the spicier meat. Green beans are a common side dish in traditional Sri Lankan lunch.

Sri Lankan Milk Rice

Milk Rice or “Kiribath” (kiri – milk, bath – rice) is THE traditional food of Sri Lanka. Typically cooked for celebrations such as birthdays or the Sinhala/Hindu New Year, many households cook it for traditional breakfast on weekends. This heavy meal is usually cooked using coconut milk, similar to the Malaysian Nasi Lemak, but can…

Sri Lankan Traditional Chilli Paste

The traditional chilli paste of Sri Lanka is called “lunumiris” which literally means salt and chilli even though there are many other ingredients in the recepie. Lunumiris usually complements traditional Sri Lankan dishes such as milk rice (kiribath), hoppers (appa) or pittu.

Sri Lankan Raw Curry Powder

Raw curry powder is a key ingredient in all Sri Lankan curry dishes. This can be store bought in Sri Lanka but is hard to find abroad. Also the homemade version tastes better as you can modify the ingredients according to personal taste.

Dungeness Chilli Crab

Singapore is famed for having the best chilli crab in the world. Mostly the monster Ceylon crabs are imported overnight from Sri Lanka for this dish. In this case we are using dungeness crab which have a lot of meat and flavor. Any crab would work. Basmati rice is optional and probably will be leftover…

Nasi Goreng Ayam

Nasi Goreng Ayam is a popular dish in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. It literally means rice (nasi), fried (goreng) with chicken (ayam). i.e. Chicken Fried Rice. Usually served with a fried egg, chili paste (see recipe here), slices of cucumber and some tomatoes. Nasi Goreng Ayam is a must if you crave spicy food from…

Chinese Chilli Paste

Chinese Chilli Paste is a must in most South Asian dishes which have a Chinese heritage. This spicy mix is so delicious that many countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India offer it as an integral part of most Chinese inspired fast food dishes.