Kabsa chicken rice

So my cookbook is finally out, yay!.  Its been a dream of mine to create a full-colour page cookbook based on Maldivian cuisine. I believe that it is important to hold on to our food culture, keep it as authentic as possible even though I have to admit I can't live without my canned coconut milk. Big thank you to the ones who bought the book and all the sweet messages I get from some of the readers.  You can click here to read a review of the book written in a local food website, Lonumedhu
It has been ages that I have been wanting to try this recipe. My friend Anth mentioned it a couple of times and I have seen Egyptian chef Manal Al  Alem also make different versions of this Kabsa rice.

Spiced Apple Cake

The first time I heard the name Yotam Ottolenghi was when the IHCC announced him as the featured chef. At that time I didn't have much time and didn't really participate in most of the events. But I started following his Instagram account.

Teriyaki tuna with broccoli and garlic rice

Rice bowl meals have started to be something I love making that I love making for dinner. There is something comforting about eating a meal that contains everything you need: grains check, protein check, vegetables check. Usually, its water to wash it all off although pudding is something that's often there for dessert.

Beetroot and coconut stir fry

I love simple stir-fries. The first time I ate this was in an Indian restaurant in Kuala Lumpur.  This is what I came up with. I used the same method they normally used to make the Sri Lankan mallun so I guess my version is more Sri Lankan than Indian.

Rihaakuru Dhiya

I love rihaakuru! Its a salty fish paste that is a local favorite. I am lucky to be able to get good quality rihaakuru from my hubby's aunt who makes rihaakuru. My mother rarely made this as  she usually made rihaakuru gardhiya which I loved. I gave this a try and its delicious!

Visit to Thodoo

Beautiful beach in Thodoo

 "So where shall we go during this holidays", I asked my husband. Since we decided to be on a low budget during this holidays we decided not to go abroad but explore the islands, here in the Maldives. At first, we thought of visiting the southern part of Maldives but then again this meant purchasing airline tickets and a lot of hassle so my husband came up with the idea of visiting Thodoo, an island situated in Ari Atoll.

Strawberry Eton Mess

I love making Eton Mess. It is messy, easy to make, can be made ahead and still makes a pretty looking dessert. During the previous month of Ramadhan, I made quite a lot of  Pavlova for order and there were times I had extra bits of meringue.

IRANIAN EGGPLANT DISH (MIRZA GHASEMI)

I love the sisters of  Muslimah food bloggers but haven't had time to take part in the past two or three MFB challenges. So when they announced the challenge for this month, I knew I had to join in. The topic for this month's challenge from Iran. To cook a dish from the country of Iran.

SPICED CHICKEN WITH ROASTED PUMPKIN AND CHICKPEAS COUSCOUS BOWL

I know its quite a mouthful, the recipe name. I love beautiful photos on Instagram about bowl food. Or Buddha bowl or rice bowl. I wanted to create a bowl like that but usually, rice for dinner doesn't go very well especially with my little one who takes ages to finish a meal, 45 minutes to be exact. Anyway, I made a couscous bowl with keeping Morrocan flavors in my mind.

SPICY BAKED BEANS WITH TUNA

Baked beans were never my thing.  But I have noticed that its a staple in most buffet breakfast places I have visited.  My kids seem to like it and so does my husband so I wanted to make a spicier version of baked beans. After a few attempts, I have my version of baked beans with the addition of tuna as well, its Maldives we Maldivians cant seem to eat without it.  You can make this without the tuna as well.

Zebra Cake

The first time I saw this cake being made was in a Loraine Pascale's cooking show. I  never realized it was such an easy recipe. The boys love to make this with me although the finished result isn't as neat but still has the wow effect. I love slicing into the cake and taking the first slice and still get excited when I see the dark brown and white lines.