Hello Kawan Mastah, are you a fan of Indonesian cuisine? If your answer is yes, then you must be familiar with nasi bakar. This delicious dish consists of rice that is cooked with various spices and grilled in a banana leaf. If you want to learn more about how to make this dish, keep reading!
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need to make nasi bakar:
Ingredients |
Amount |
|---|---|
Rice |
2 cups |
Coconut Milk |
1 cup |
Shallots |
5 pieces |
Garlic |
3 cloves |
Red Chili |
3 pieces |
Lemongrass |
1 stalk |
Kaffir Leaf |
3 pieces |
Bay Leaf |
2 pieces |
Salt |
1 teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s start cooking:
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Wash the rice thoroughly and put it in a cooking pot. Add coconut milk and enough water to cover the rice. Cook the rice over medium heat until it’s half-cooked.
Step 2: Make the Spice Paste
While the rice is cooking, make the spice paste. Blend shallots, garlic, and red chili until they become a fine paste. Chop the lemongrass and kaffir leaf finely.
Step 3: Mix the Rice with Spice Paste and Herbs
When the rice is half-cooked, mix it with the spice paste, chopped herbs, and salt. Stir well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Wrap the Rice in Banana Leaf
Take a banana leaf and cut it into a square shape. Put some of the rice mixture in the middle of the leaf and wrap it like a parcel. Use a toothpick to secure the leaf.
Step 5: Grill the Rice
Grill the rice parcel over medium heat until the banana leaf becomes charred and the aroma of the herbs is released. Flip the parcel occasionally to ensure that the rice is cooked evenly from all sides.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to make your nasi bakar taste even better:
Tip 1: Use the Right Rice
For the best nasi bakar, use medium-grain rice. This type of rice has the perfect texture to absorb the flavors of the spices.
Tip 2: Add Some Protein
To make your nasi bakar more filling, you can add some protein such as shredded chicken, beef, or shrimp. Mix the protein with the rice before wrapping it in banana leaf.
Tip 3: Serve with Acar
Nasi bakar tastes even better when served with acar, a type of pickled vegetables. You can make acar from cucumber, carrot, and shallots mixed with vinegar, sugar, and salt.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use other types of leaf instead of banana leaf?
A1: Yes, you can use other types of leaf such as pandan leaf or corn husk. However, banana leaf is the most commonly used leaf in Indonesian cuisine.
Q2: Can I cook nasi bakar in the oven instead of grilling it?
A2: Yes, you can cook nasi bakar in the oven. Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the rice parcel for about 20-25 minutes.
Q3: Can I freeze nasi bakar?
A3: Yes, you can freeze nasi bakar. Wrap the cooked rice in aluminum foil and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the rice in the fridge overnight and heat it up in the microwave or oven.
Conclusion
Congratulations, Kawan Mastah! You now know how to make a delicious nasi bakar. Follow the steps above and don’t forget to use the right ingredients and wrap the rice in banana leaf. Happy cooking!