Nasi liwet - coconut rice
Indonesia is a melting pot of cultures, and this is especially visible in its cuisine. The archipelago is home to hundreds of ethnic groups, each with their own unique dishes and cooking traditions. One such dish that exemplifies this diversity is nasi liwet, a coconut rice recipe that originates from the central Java region.
Nasi liwet is essentially rice cooked in coconut milk, seasoned with spices and served with a variety of savory toppings. It is a popular dish in many parts of Indonesia, but especially in the Javanese community where it is often served during festive occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or religious celebrations. The dish is known for its delicious aroma and rich, creamy texture, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
The recipe for nasi liwet may vary slightly depending on the region and personal taste, but the basic ingredients remain the same. To make this dish, you will need jasmine rice, coconut milk, salt, pandan leaves, lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, salam leaves, and water. You can also add garlic and shallots for added flavor.
The first step is to wash the rice thoroughly and soak it in water for about 30 minutes. Drain the rice and add it to a pot along with the coconut milk, salt, and water. Tie the pandan leaves, lemongrass, and galangal together and add them to the pot with the bay leaves and salam leaves. Place the pot on high heat and bring to a boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, you can prepare the toppings. Nasi liwet is typically served with a variety of savory side dishes such as fried chicken, tofu, tempeh, boiled egg, and vegetables. You can also add sambal (a spicy chili paste) for an extra kick.
Once the rice is fully cooked, remove the pandan leaves, lemongrass, galangal, bay leaves, and salam leaves. Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving bowl. Arrange the toppings around the rice and drizzle some of the coconut milk sauce over everything.
Nasi liwet is a beautiful and delicious dish that can be served as a main course or as part of a larger meal. The coconut milk gives the dish a creamy richness that pairs perfectly with the fragrant spices and savory toppings. It’s a great recipe to try if you’re looking to explore Indonesian cuisine and experience the diverse flavors of this wonderful country.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 2 cups of water
- 2 pandan leaves (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of cooking oil
- 1 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 2 Kaffir lime leaves
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
Instructions:
- Rinse the rice in cold water and drain well.
- In a pan or rice cooker, heat the cooking oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped garlic, ginger, bay leaves, turmeric powder, Kaffir lime leaves, and pandan leaves (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes to release the aromatic fragrance of the herbs.
- Pour in the coconut milk and water. Add salt and sugar.
- Stir the mixture and bring to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice and stir well.
- Lower the heat, cover the pan or rice cooker, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and absorb all the liquid.
- When the rice is done, turn off the heat and let it sit covered for another 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to fully absorb the flavors.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.
You can serve this delicious coconut rice with your favorite Indonesian dishes such as ayam goreng, rendang, or sate. Enjoy!