Tag Archives: Rice

Nasi Kuning (Indonesian Yellow Rice)

Nasi_Kuning_2013_04_14Nasi kuning literally means “yellow rice” in Indonesian. On special occasions, it is served in the shape of a cone, or tumpeng, and some of my research indicates that this is a representation of the mountains of Indonesia. It has a wonderful, aromatic flavor, and I love to serve it as an accompaniment to a variety of Indonesian meals (and not just on special occasions). The method I use to make it is not completely traditional,  but I think it ends up tasting pretty authentic.

1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
14 oz water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp shredded, unsweetened coconut
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp coriander
2 salam leaves
1 clove garlic, very finely grated
1 medium onion, diced
1 tsp canola oil

Heat oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and saute until translucent, about 3 – 4 minutes.

Combine rice, water, salt, shredded coconut, turmeric, coriander, salam leaves, garlic and the sautéed onions  in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Stir well. Put the lid on and reduce the heat to very low. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Put the lid back on and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves about 4.

Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)

Nasi GorengNasi goreng literally translates to “fried rice.” It’s another common dish in Indonesia, and believe it or not, they like it so much, they eat it for breakfast there! This dish is easy to make, but plan ahead, as you must use leftover rice (or cooked rice that’s been refrigerated for 4 hours).

1 medium boneless, skinless chicken breast
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup water
4 cups (give or take) steamed jasmine rice — use cold leftover rice, or rice that’s been in the fridge for a few hours
2 Tbsp canola oil
3 eggs, beaten in a small bowl
1 medium onion, diced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 leek (white part only), finely chopped
4 tsp sambal ulek
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp Laos powder (or 1 1/2 tsp peeled, minced, fresh galangal)
1/2 lb shrimp (prawns), shelled and deveined
3 Tbsp kecap manis

Trim the chicken breast, and poach in turmeric water. To do this, combine the water, salt and turmeric in a small pan. Bring to a boil. Add the chicken breast (water should come up to half way on the chicken; must not be fully submerged). Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 8 minutes. Flip breast over, then simmer, covered, for an additional 8 minutes. Remove from heat and dice (rather finely). Set aside.

Heat a small frying pan that has been coated with cooking spray on low heat. Cover and cook until Fried Eggthe eggs are set (like an omelette, but don’t flip or turn). Remove from pan and cut into small cubes.

Heat oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, leek and sambal ulek. Stir fry until the onions are soft, about 2 minutes. Add the coriander, cumin and Laos powder, and stir for another minute. Season with a bit of salt. Add the chicken and shrimp, and fry until the shrimp are no longer pink, about 2 minutes. Add the rice, egg cubes and kecap manis. Turn the heat up to high, and stir fry for another 5 minutes, until all ingredients are well mixed. Serve hot.

Serves 4.

Steamed Jasmine Rice

Jasmine RiceThis recipe for steamed jasmine rice is so easy, and it turns out perfectly every time. This is my standard go-to recipe for just about any Southeast Asian dish that is served with rice. Although you are supposed to rinse the rice in cold water until the water is no longer cloudy, I don’t bother. In fact, I think it upsets the moisture content for this particular recipe, causing the finished product to turn out mushy. For coconut rice, simply add 2 tablespoons shredded, unsweetened coconut before you put the lid on to steam.

1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
14 oz water
1/4 tsp salt (rounded)
1/2 tsp butter

Combine rice, water salt and butter (and 2 Tbsp of shredded coconut if you desire) in a sauce pan. Bring to a boil. Stir well. Put the lid on and reduce the heat to very low. Simmer for 20 minutes. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Put the lid back on and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Serves about 4.