Nasi Kandar is a popular Malaysian dish originating from Penang. It consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes. Known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices, Nasi Kandar is a favorite for many. This guide will provide you with the ingredients, preparation steps, tips, variations, and nutritional information you need to make Nasi Kandar at home.
Ingredients
For the Rice
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 3 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder (optional, for color)
- 2 tablespoons of ghee or vegetable oil
For the Curries (Chicken and Fish)
Chicken Curry
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 tablespoons of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 2 onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of tamarind paste
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of oil
Fish Curry
- 4 pieces of firm white fish (like cod or mackerel)
- 2 tablespoons of fish curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of chili powder
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1 cup of tamarind juice
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons of oil
Side Dishes
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Okra (lady's fingers), boiled or steamed
- Fried eggplant slices
- Papadums
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a pot, heat the ghee or oil over medium heat.
- Add the rice and stir to coat the grains with the ghee.
- Add water, salt, and turmeric powder. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Chicken Curry
- In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Stir well.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are browned.
- Add the tomatoes and cook until they are soft.
- Stir in the coconut milk and tamarind paste. Season with salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the curry is thickened.
Step 3: Make the Fish Curry
- In a separate pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
- Add the onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until the onions are golden brown.
- Add the fish curry powder, turmeric powder, and chili powder. Stir well.
- Add the fish pieces and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Add the tomato and tamarind juice. Season with salt.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the fish is cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Side Dishes
- Boil or steam the okra until tender.
- Fry the eggplant slices until golden brown.
- Fry or microwave the papadums according to the package instructions.
- Boil the eggs, peel them, and set aside.
Step 5: Serve the Nasi Kandar
- Place a serving of rice on a plate.
- Add a piece of chicken with some curry sauce on one side.
- Add a piece of fish with some curry sauce on the other side.
- Arrange the boiled egg, okra, fried eggplant, and papadum around the rice.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips
- You can adjust the spiciness of the curries by varying the amount of chili powder.
- Marinating the chicken and fish with the spices for a few hours before cooking can enhance the flavors.
- For a richer taste, use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil.
Variations
- Beef Curry: Substitute the chicken with beef. Increase the cooking time to ensure the beef is tender.
- Vegetarian Option: Use tofu or mixed vegetables in place of the chicken and fish.
- Different Sides: Include other vegetables like spinach or potatoes, or different proteins like prawns.
Nutritional Information
A typical serving of Nasi Kandar (with chicken and fish curries, rice, and sides) provides approximately:
- Calories: 800-1000 kcal
- Protein: 35-40 grams
- Carbohydrates: 80-100 grams
- Fat: 30-40 grams
Conclusion
Nasi Kandar is a delightful and versatile dish that brings the flavors of Malaysia to your table. With its rich curries and variety of side dishes, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and savor the delicious taste of this traditional meal.
