Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Put one foot in front of the other

In Malay tradition, Kueh is a form of traditional "cake" or bite sized dish, that is either sweet or savory, and is especially abundant during holidays or celebrations. In this part of the world kueh is seen in such a large variety of offerings that there really is no description I can think of that perfectly describes these lovely morsels. Virtually all of the ethnic food traditions here have their favorite kuehs. They are a notable feature of the foods offered during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan for the Buka Puasa (breaking of the day's fast) each evening and the celebration of Hari Raya AidilFitri that follows, as well as during the Hindu celebration of Deepavali. So, given its prevalence here, I'm not sure why I had the preconception that it is difficult to make kueh, but it explains why I have not made any after I had attempted "chwee kueh" many months ago. 


If you would like to get the recipe, just click on the picture.


So why am I blogging a kueh now? It's because I decided to participate in this month's Aspiring Baker #12 which calls for traditional kueh. I was looking for a relatively simple kueh to make and since my mum likes pumpkin, I decided to make pumpkin kueh.  It was very fortunate that both the look and the taste were quite good after my first attempt.  I was very pleased.  Having said that, I remembered a post I had read recently from my friend, David’s blog, Pen to Page. It was a very simple picture but very powerful.  It showed a few steps of stairs and below it these words: "Things that seem hard are not always that hard. Put one foot in front of the other, and you’ll get to the end". I will keep this in mind and,the next time when something seems very hard to do and I procrastinate because of that, I'll remember to take that first step. It is pretty simple really. Just make yourself lift up that one foot and keep on putting one foot in front of the other. Very soon, you will complete a task which seemed difficult and perhaps come to realize it is not so hard after all. I did and it works! When I served a piece of this pumpkin kueh to my mum with a big grin, she said to me, "世上无难事,只怕有心人." (where there is a will, there is a way.)

Pumpkin Kueh
(Based on Madam Kwan's recipe with modification)


Steam pumpkin kueh
Largely adpated from Madam Kwan's recipe


Ingredients:
100gm green bean powder/flour
250ml thick coconut milk
200gm sugar
300gm pumpkin

Method:
Steam 250gm diced pumpkin and 50gm sliced pumpkin till cooked. Mashed diced pumpkin. Add green bean powder to cononut milk and mix well. Add in sugar gradually and mix well. Add in mashed and sliced pumpkin, cook over moderate heat till thick. Transfer to a pan or mould and let cool. Refrigerate and serve cold.

Note: If you do not want to have sliced pumpkin, just mash them all for a more consistent texture and mouth feel. 

I am submitting this recipe to Aspiring Bakers #12 Traditional Kueh (October 2011) hosted by Smallsmallbaker

69 comments:

  1. this looks and sound s delicous,, beautifully presented as well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. This pumpkin kueh is sure to be delicious and healthy. I have not really use pumpkin to make any cakes or kueh before. I like your plates.

    ReplyDelete
  3. That looks good ! I love using coconut milk in both sweet and savoury dishes so yours must be delicious :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love the natural coloring from the pumpkin...It makes the kuih looks even delicious!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kuih is new to me but if your photo is any indication - I certainly would love to try one! I love your friend's philosophy - one step at a time. Annie LaMott (writer) wrote a book "Bird by Bird" which has that same philosophy - one step at a time and it's not so overwhelming.

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks easy enough.. and since I like pumpkin.. gonna try this out! Thks for sharing as always...

    ReplyDelete
  7. I dun really like the taste of pumpkin. But that chwee kueh really brings back childhood memories. Until today, I have yet to find a delicious chwee kueh that I'd used to eat when I was a child.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It looks so pretty. I love the color.I've never had green bean powder, but the kueh sounds good.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Lovely orange colour to your kuih. I like 'chwee kueh' very much too. When I go back to KL, a few trips to Nyonya Colours is a must, I love the kuih-muih there!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. OMG, this sounds amazing, wowsers :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Looks delicious! I love the flavour of coconut milk and pumpkin.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I must remember your advice: Put one foot in front of the other.

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe and words!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thank Quay Po Cook, this pumpkin recipe is the one that I want. I like it very much. I will sure try one day. I am a pumpkin lover.

    ReplyDelete
  14. The color and pumpkin flavor must be wonderful here. I love how pumpkin is so popular everywhere now...sweet and savory. I would love a taste, and every journey starts with ine step, and you help us keep going.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Quay Po, this pumpkin kueh is so intriguing and to read about it leaves me inspired. Thank you for sharing the recipe and the traditions behind it!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, I'm surprised at how few ingredients are involved in making this pumpkin kueh. I think I would probably mashh all the pumkins cause it sounds easier that way and I'm so lazy....teehee. Either way, I'll bet this will taste as good as it looks. I'm a fan of pumpkin anything. Glad your mom liked the kueh as well.

    ReplyDelete
  17. The first dish looks very good. At first I thaught these were scallops

    Greetings,
    Filip

    ReplyDelete
  18. I enjoy looking at all kinds of pumpkin and now this is Asian pumpkin sweets! Yay! I don't think I've tried Kueh before but looking at these photos and recipe, I would definitely enjoy these. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Ok, now this recipe looks quite simple and if I don't try it, I'm gonna regret soon. Love all types of kueh, sweet or savory :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Although I'm not a pumpkin lover. Your pictures makes it look so appetizing!

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is knew to me and will make it.Pumpkin slowly disappearing from my garden..as it is spring here now;))

    ReplyDelete
  22. your sweet pumpkin kuih, sound nice! also very nice colour.

    ReplyDelete
  23. This sounds delicious. There are now lots of pumpkin dishes, this ones quite unique

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lovely colours & I'm sure it's tasty too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. The pumpkin kueh looks delicious, like the colour too :)

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ah, you're joining in as well. I've just recently joined up too and I'm glad I did. I'm learning to make more local kuehs now. This kueh sounds and looks fantastic! I'm taking this down. Will make it soon. I have some mashed pumpkin in the freezer.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Lovely! Won't u pass me some pleeeeeeeese??

    ReplyDelete
  28. I like the pumpkin in those kueh...beautiful colour and so seasonal!

    ReplyDelete
  29. It is very intriguing. I love learning the stories behind food traditions!

    ReplyDelete
  30. i love ur plate so much,haha^^
    thx for sharing:)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Your Kueh certainly look enticing, I not much of a kueh person but can't stop drooling over your pumpkin kueh.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oh, this is the sweet pumpkin kueh, very interesting.The color was so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  33. The colour combination is very "striking"... love anything with pumpkin.. today my colleague gave a loaf of japanese pumpkin cake with lots of pumpkin seeds inside... :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Very creative...it looks delicious! Miss all the kueh in Malaysia.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This cake is cause for celebration in itself.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Put one foot in front of the other.. I really needed that today! Thanks for this post and a delicious-looking kueh recipe!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I've never had kueh before, but your Steam pumpkin kueh looks absolutely delicious! And congrats for nailing this recipe in your first attempt :) Loved the story behind this recipe, it's really inspiring. Sometimes, it's taking the first step that's so daunting, but once you take it, the rest just falls into place.

    Do pick up your award on my post, 3 Awards...whoa!, when you have time.

    Cheers,

    Wi
    A Single Girl's Musings

    ReplyDelete
  38. Loved the pictures and post- I love pumpkin in about anything. I am tempted to try this soon but was wondering if there is anything I might substitute for the green bean powder since I have not seen that before around where I live.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Veronica-this is absolutely gorgeous, colorful and oh, so delicious. I love any recipe made with pumpkin, and your Kueh, is so yummy!
    Beautiful presentation, and photos, as well!
    Hugs,

    ReplyDelete
  40. hi Quay ..lovely page indeed!! and nice photography! and good recipes! :) I've never tried this particular pumpkin queh before, only the one that;'s cooked like yam kuih. Perhaps..if I can overcomethat first step, I might give it a shot. :)

    ReplyDelete
  41. I've been learning so much about kueh the last few days. Very inspiring and oh so versatile. I love the addition of pumpkin. I can see how it would bring out the earthy flavor.

    Thank you so much for sharing, Veronica...

    ReplyDelete
  42. Love the pumpkin kuey... Looks so tempting!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I never had pumpkin kuih before. These looks good

    ReplyDelete
  44. WOW..your kuih looks good and yummy, the chwee kuih is my son's favourite, I think I should try it one day...(I am very lazylah,hohoho...)

    ReplyDelete
  45. How pretty! Glad you tried it!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Wow, your chwee kueh and pumpkin kueh looks awesome! Both are my favorite! Love the bright colour...

    ReplyDelete
  47. Both kuehs look delicious! It is hard to believe that they are home-cooked because they look very professional made.

    ReplyDelete
  48. hi quay po! the orange colour is very attractive, can i know is the texture of this kuih resembles a kuih talam?

    ReplyDelete
  49. Veronica,
    Thanks for stopping by my blog and your sweet words.

    I have never heard of kueh before, but yours is lovely. I like the texture of the kueh with the diced and mashed pumpkin. Great presentation!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Beautiful color and looks very delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Yum! Yum! They look heavenly... I love kuihs!!! Not difficult to make...but then, you end up with a lot to eat - easier to buy from outside and eat a piece or two...but then again, those bought outside can never be as nice as one's own-made ones. Sighhhhh!!! Heads you win, tail I lose...

    ReplyDelete
  52. i can read all but one word in that quote!! :) So proud of myself :D tehehehe.....

    I've never had kueh before, but I've seen in on a lot of blogs!! One day I'll have to try make some just to see what it tastes like ;) This looks delicious though!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. I absolutely love your blog ;) Thanks again for visiting Cool Bean Mommas!

    ReplyDelete
  54. @laurie
    I love encouraging words! Thanks.

    @anne
    I love coconut milk too but got to be careful not to consume too much. hehe

    @Yee Ling
    Yes the golden color of the pumpkin brightens up my day. I have tried to go your blog many times but it is not accessible.

    @Claudia
    Oh thanks for mentioning Annie LaMott's book. I got to go get a copy and read it.

    @Food Dreams
    No worries about sharing. I always will when for it gives me joy. I am glad you will try making this kuih. Since you love pumpkin, I know you will love this kuih.

    @mNhL
    Me too, I am no a big fan of pumpkin like my mum and my Quay Lo but I like this kuih. You might want to just give this kuih one chance and it might change your mind about pumpkin. I love chew kueh and I still get it from outside when I want to eat it. It is not as good as home made but "boleh tahan lah" (can do) because I am lazy to make it..hehe..

    @Darlene
    Green bean powder was new to me too before I made the "Ngoh hiang" http://quaypocooks.blogspot.com/2011/01/ngoh-hianglobak-five-spiced-pork-rolls.html some months ago. I am sure you can get it from the grocery stores or a cake supply shops. If you really can't find the green bean flour, substitute with corn flour. The texture will not be as soft as using the green bean flour then.

    ReplyDelete
  55. @David
    Wish you live nearby and I can send some to you:D

    @kyleen
    Taste amazing too.

    @hanushi
    It is a good advice.

    @Sheoh Yan
    If you are a pumpkin lover, this is the kuih for you my dear:D

    @Lyndsey
    I think it is the pumpkin season and also because of Halloween around the corner. That's why we see pumpkins flooding the food blogs.

    @Brooks
    I am glad the kuih intrigues you. That is what all your bakes did to me too.

    @LeQuan
    If you are a fan of pumpkin, you must not miss trying this one. I think mashing up all the pumpkins will give the kuih a smoother texture. You probably will like it better. The most rewarding thing about this kuih for me is my mum's like it:D

    ReplyDelete
  56. definitely sings autumn to me. pumpkin is so versatile, i love it either sweet or savory... but these kuih looks irresistable. if only i could grab one off my screen right now hehe.

    malou

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wow - that looks SO delicious and your plating is stunning! Nicely done!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Your photos are beautiful. The recipe sounds very good.

    ReplyDelete
  59. @Filip
    haha, I don't blame you for mistaken the chwee kuih as scallops

    @Nami
    You should try some Asian kuih, there are so many to choose from.

    @yvonne
    Yes, you will if you don't.

    @Carolyn
    Like I have said before, I am also not a pumpkin fan but I will eat this kuih anytime.

    @Dzoli
    No worries, wait till the next pumpkin season.

    @Sonia
    Haven't you made any pumpkin kuih before? I am surprise:D

    @Three-Cookies
    Yes, I see pumpkins in almost every food blog I visited.

    ReplyDelete
  60. @i-lostinausten
    Yes it is.

    @Ah Tze
    Thanks.

    @ping
    I can see that you are. Love your chai kuih you recently made. I am going to try making them too.

    @Shirley
    Sure can but would you move to stay nearer to me? hehe

    @Angie
    The strips of pumpkin in the kuih put a nice touch to the kuih but I am not so sure if everyone will like the bite feel.

    @Rosemary
    Yes, me too, when I see a kind of food, I would love to know the history of it.

    @鲸鱼蓝蓝蓝
    Those are very old plates bought from a sale.

    @Alice
    You have to eat it to know how tasty it is. Try making some.

    ReplyDelete
  61. @yummylittlecooks
    I have not tried any savory pumpkin kuih. This is the first pumpkin kuih I have tasted and it is delicious. I think I should try making a savory one to compare.

    @reanaclaire
    Your colleague is very thoughtful.

    @Biren
    Come back and visit. Give early notice of the time you will be here, maybe we can meet up and I can take you go eat all the kuih kuih.

    @That Girl
    Thanks

    @Kumi
    Most welcome.

    @Wi
    You got it!

    @sarah
    Yes, you can substitute it with corn starh but then the texture will not be as soft as using green bean flour.

    @Elisabeth
    Thanks and HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  62. @Martha
    I am sure you can. I did"D

    @louise
    It is a wonderful feeling to share especially with someone like you who is so supportive.

    @Hayley
    Hope you will try making it someday.

    @Small Kucing
    Me too before I made this.

    @may
    haha, get over that and lift that one foot.. hehe

    @yummychunklet
    I am glad I did.

    @Honey Bee Sweets
    So are you going to try doing both soon?

    @Zoe
    Wow, thanks for the compliment.

    @lena
    How to describe the texture to you… let me think… I think it is a bit softer than kuih talam.

    ReplyDelete
  63. @Becky
    I was thinking of you yesterday so I pay you a visit. So nice of you to come by.

    @Yummy Bakes
    Thanks

    @suituapui
    You are right. So make at home and if too much for you and your family, share with you neighbors lah. Then it will be a win-win!

    @Von
    Yes, if you make it, do share your experience with us.

    @Rachel
    Thanks for dropping by. Hope to see you around.

    @malou
    If only I can sen you a piece:D

    @Ann
    So good to see you again. Thanks

    @Words of Deliciousness
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  64. omg omg... those pumpkin kuih look so tempting.

    I'm afraid I don't do both. I don't eat kuih (much) and of course I don't make them. hehehe gotta watch my sugar intake. But I loved them. *drool*

    ReplyDelete
  65. @lina
    You are wise to watch your sugar intake:D

    ReplyDelete
  66. nice amazing kueh with the pumpkin and must say very creative one too.

    ReplyDelete
  67. I love the color and the texture! Hope I can make this one day but don't know where to find green bean powder. hehehe! Is there a substitue? By the way, I'm a new follower. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  68. @Nava
    Thank you. It is nice to see you again.

    @anney
    You can replace with corn flour except the texture will not be as soft. Thanks so much for your following. I hope you will enjoy your time here when you visit.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I recalled that kue back home, kue labu kuning. :)

    Since we grew from the same root, I don't celebrate halloween until now :)

    ReplyDelete

I love to hear from you. Your comments mean a lot to me. Thanks!