(UPDATED) SOTONG MASAK HITAM / SQUID IN BLACK INK

This seafood dish, Sotong Masak Hitam (Squid in Black Ink) is cooked  using a squid, simmered in a spicy black ink sauce.

For long long time, I have eaten this  classic dish cooked by my mum. It is so special because it is the only gravy that uses black ink obtained from the squid.

Sotong Masak Hitam (Squid in Black Ink) is quite simple to prepare but you need time to clean the squid. To obtain a  clean white body, an  outer film has to be removed  before slicing it into a ring or other shapes you desire.

Pull out the tentacles from the body, gently poke the eyes to remove the liquid  and hard substance found on the head  You could get the ink sac in between the innards, remove and save it. If more ink is used it turns more darker tone.

After cleaning the squid, you can proceed to prepare the spices either by blending or pounding with pestle and mortar.   Do adjust the spice level to suit your preference.

The squid is simmered in a spicy gravy using dry chili, onion, garlic, turmeric and lemon grass. Do not overcook squid, it will become rubbery.  Add more water if you want  extra gravy.

BINGKA PISANG

If you have over ripened banana and don't know what to to do with them, I suggest you should try making this Malaysian/Singapore popular baked  Bingka Pisang.  The recipe below uses over ripened bananas as the main ingredient.

 It is mashed before adding the flour, sugar, coconut milk, butter and salt.

Bingka Pisang  is very simple to prepare, just need a mixing bowl to combine and stir until well incorporated then pour into greased pan to bake. No washing up of extra dishes involved. Let the cake to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy this as your delicious dessert or serve them for snack.

SESAME AND OAT COOKIES II

Cookies is all time my family favorite tea time snack, I have baked various type of cookies but this time around I stick to rolled oat and black sesame seed. Besides snacking I make sure it contains health benefits and not overly sweet.

It is quite simple to prepare, first you need to cream the butter and sugar before combining the rest of the ingredient. After baking let them rest 5 minutes in the pan, do not try to remove since they are still soft. Within minutes of whipping up the dough, crunchy and healthy treat is ready to be enjoyed by your family.


INGREDIENTS

1 C all purpose flour
1 C rolled oat
1/2 C black sesame seed
1/2 C fine sugar
140g softened butter
2 T fresh milk
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla essence

METHOD

* Cream butter and sugar until creamy, add vanilla essence. Preheat oven @ 160 C.

* Combine flour with baking powder, mix well. Gradually add the flour to the butter mixture.

* Add oat and milk, forms into pliable dough. Roll into small ball then flatten slightly, place them into baking tray.

* Bake for 12 minutes and leave on pan about 5 minutes. Remove onto wire rack.

* Store into an airtight container when completely cool.

Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe
 I'm lovin it
 Home and Family Friday
 Favorite Summer Memory 
Tempt My Tummy 
Handmade Projects 
Take Look Tuesday 
Tuesday Night Supper Club 
Tutorials Tips Tuesday 
Tasty Tuesdays 
Tutorial Tuesday 
Anti-Procrastination Tuesday 
Show Me What Ya Got 
Delectable Tuesday
Real Food Wednesday 

SAMBAL GORENG (FRIED TOFU & TEMPEH)

Sambal Goreng (Fried Tofu & Tempeh)  is a vegetable dish made of soya bean cake, tempeh (fermented soya bean cake), long bean and spices simmered in aromatic coconut based gravy.

 It is so popular in Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia easily obtainable from food vendors around these countries. Normally fresh prawn or beef slices are added along with the vegetables but am omitting them in my preparation.

Sambal Goreng (Fried Tofu & Tempeh)  is served along piping hot white rice or during Eid to accompany lontong (rice cake). The tofu and tempeh are cubed then lightly fried before cooking this dish. Besides the vegetable, dry chili, red and green chili, ginger, garlic, lemon grass, lengkuas and tamarind juice are used for making this delicious and spicy food. Do adjust the chili needed according to your preference.

This is how I make my sambal goreng:

KUIH SAGU/ SAGO CAKE

Sago is a natural food which is in existence for centuries. During the period of East India trade, it was a product traded in the region and even considered to be superior substance when it was first imported to Britain in 18th century. It is used to be added to soups and made into puddings and desserts.

This yummy dessert of Malaysia and Singapore is really easy to prepare. Made of pearl sago, water and sugar, boil using medium heat and constantly stirring to avoid it sticks to the bottom of the pan, once the bubble appears you can safely remove from heat. Transfer this into rinsed pan or small cups to cool. To serve, roll them with grated coconut with salt added. Simply great for dessert or as a light snack. This is my mum's favorite dessert. She  used to serve  this after school  but  now I have to prepare myself to enjoy them..


INGREDIENTS

1 C pearl sago
1/2 C sugar
2 C water
red food coloring
1/2 of fresh coconut, grated
3/4 tsp salt

METHOD

* Soak sago pearl for 15 minutes, rinse and drain. Wet the 7 inches pan with water. Mix some salt to the grated coconut and keep aside.

* Place sugar and water in a deep pot and bring to boil.

* Add a drop of food coloring and stir.

* Now add the drained sago pearl and stir until the bubble appears on top.

* Transfer the sago into rinsed 7 inches pan and leave to cool.

* Slice and coat with grated coconut to serve.

Linking to  My Collection & Memories Contest