"Lemak Rice," also known as Nasi Lemak, is a traditional Malaysian dish that is beloved for its rich, fragrant coconut rice and an array of accompaniments. This dish is a perfect blend of flavors, combining creamy, spicy, and savory elements. Here’s how you can make it at home:
Ingredients
For the Rice:
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 cup of water
- 1 pandan leaf, knotted
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 piece of ginger (about 1 inch), sliced
For the Sambal (Spicy Sauce):
- 5 dried chilies, soaked in hot water
- 5 fresh red chilies
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 3 shallots
- 1 teaspoon of belacan (shrimp paste)
- 1/2 cup of tamarind juice
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- Salt to taste
Accompaniments:
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup of roasted peanuts
- 1/2 cup of fried anchovies (ikan bilis)
- Fried chicken or rendang (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Rice:
- Rinse the jasmine rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- In a rice cooker, combine the rice, coconut milk, water, pandan leaf, salt, and ginger slices.
- Cook the rice as per your rice cooker's instructions. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and keep it warm.
Make the Sambal:
- Blend the soaked dried chilies, fresh red chilies, garlic, shallots, and belacan into a smooth paste.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chili paste and cook until the oil separates and the paste is fragrant.
- Add the tamarind juice, sugar, and salt. Cook until the sambal thickens. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
Prepare the Accompaniments:
- Boil the eggs, peel, and cut them in half.
- Slice the cucumber thinly.
- Roast the peanuts in a dry pan until golden brown.
- Fry the anchovies until crispy.
Assemble the Dish:
- Serve a generous portion of coconut rice on a plate.
- Add a spoonful of sambal on the side.
- Place the boiled eggs, cucumber slices, roasted peanuts, and fried anchovies around the rice.
- Add a piece of fried chicken or rendang if using.
Tips
- Coconut Milk: For the best flavor, use fresh or high-quality canned coconut milk.
- Pandan Leaves: These add a unique aroma to the rice, but if you can't find them, you can omit them.
- Sambal: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge; it keeps well and can be used in other dishes.
- Serving: Nasi Lemak is often served on banana leaves for an authentic touch.
Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the anchovies and fried chicken, and consider adding tempeh or tofu.
- Seafood: Replace the fried chicken with grilled fish or prawns.
- Spiciness: Adjust the number of chilies in the sambal to control the heat level.
Nutritional Information
- Calories per serving (approx): 600-700 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 25g
Conclusion
Nasi Lemak is a delightful dish that offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The versatility of the dish allows for numerous variations, catering to different dietary preferences. Making Nasi Lemak at home can bring a taste of Malaysia right to your kitchen, and with this recipe, you can master this beloved dish.
