Chinese New Year Fare: Kiam Chye Ark

A traditional Nyonya dish served during the Lunar New Year and other festival days. It is a dish unique to Penang Nyonya and it is salty and sour.

1. 1

   Method:

2. 2

   Cut the pickled mustard into bite size and taste the mustard. It is usually very salty. Soak for about ½ hour in cold water and test again. If it is still very salty, rinse and soak for another ½ hour.
   2.In the mean time, cut the duck into 4 pieces each to give you 12-16 pieces.
   3.Take a large pot and add in all the ingredients except the tomatoes and plums. Squash the 2 plums with your fingers and add to the pot. Add in about 1.3L of hot water and bring to the boil.

3. 3

   Let it boil for 10 minutes and remove the scum.

4. 4

   Simmer for about 1 hour so that the duck meat and vegetables are soft.

5. 5

   Adjust the taste. If it is not salty or sour enough, put in 1 plum at a time until you get the taste that you want. You can add extra salt as needed.

6. 6

   Add the tomatoes and add more water if necessary. Simmer for another 10-15 minutes.

7. 7

   Remove the spice bag and the sliced ginger.

8. 8

   Dish out and serve.
   
   
   Note:
   If you are using a crock pot, tip all the content into the pot after step 4. Leave on high for at least 3 hours.