Nasi uduk - fragrant rice

nasi_uduk_-_fragrant_rice

Indonesia is renowned for its unique and flavoursome cuisine, with Nasi Uduk being one of the most popular dishes. This fragrant rice recipe is a staple in Indonesian households, and it is loved by locals and foreigners alike. The dish is simple, yet it exudes an incredible aroma that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Traditionally, Nasi Uduk is served with a variety of toppings that add extra flavours and textures to the dish, making it more delicious and satisfying.

Nasi Uduk, also known as coconut milk rice, is a simple yet intriguing dish that embodies the essence of Indonesian culture. The dish consists of fragrant, fluffy rice cooked in coconut milk and is infused with a combination of spices like lemongrass, pandan leaves, and galangal. These ingredients impart the dish with a delicious aroma and a unique flavour that makes it irresistible. It is said that the word ‘uduk’ used in the name of the dish means “soft” or “cozy,” which accurately describes the texture of the rice.

The origins of Nasi Uduk can be traced back to Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital city, where it is regarded as the city’s most popular breakfast meal. Today, Nasi Uduk is eaten throughout Indonesia and is a popular street food as well as a staple in most Indonesian households. Due to its popularity, Nasi Uduk has also become a popular dish in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Malaysia and Singapore.

The star ingredient in Nasi Uduk is undoubtedly the coconut milk. It adds a delectable creaminess to the dish, while the lemongrass, pandan leaves, and galangal provide a delicate herbaceousness that balances the creaminess. Adding these herbs and spices to the coconut milk while cooking the rice infuses the dish with a deep and flavorful aroma that is hard to resist.

Apart from the fragrant rice, Nasi Uduk is typically served with a range of toppings, including fried chicken, tempeh, crispy fried onions, boiled eggs, and tofu, which all add to its deliciousness. The dish is usually accompanied by a spicy condiment, such as sambal or chili sauce, to add an extra kick to the rice.

What sets Nasi Uduk apart from other rice dishes is its versatility. It can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and can be eaten at any time of day. The dish can also be incorporated into other recipes, such as stir-fries, salads, or soups, making it a versatile and adaptable ingredient in the kitchen.

In conclusion, Nasi Uduk is a dish that embodies the essence of Indonesian cuisine. It is a simple yet incredibly delicious dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether it is served for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Nasi Uduk is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! The combination of coconut milk, herbs, and spices makes this dish a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into something truly sensational.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of jasmine rice
  • 2 stalks of lemongrass
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 cups of coconut water
  • 1/2 cup of coconut milk

Spice paste:

  • 4 shallots
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 3 red chillies
  • 2 tsp of coriander seeds
  • 1 tsp of cumin seeds
  • 1/2 tsp of turmeric powder
  • 1 tbsp of vegetable oil

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice with cold water and soak in water for 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the spice paste: blend the shallots, garlic, red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder and vegetable oil in a food processor until smooth.
  3. In a pot, heat the spice paste until fragrant. Add in lemongrass and kaffir lime leaves and stir for 1 minute.
  4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot. Stir until the rice is coated in the spice paste.
  5. Add coconut water, coconut milk, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
  7. Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
  8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes.
  9. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot. Nasi Uduk is often served with fried chicken, boiled egg, and sambal (Indonesian spicy sauce), or any side dishes of your choice. Enjoy!