Padang rice, or Nasi Padang, is a quintessential Indonesian dish hailing from the city of Padang in West Sumatra. This flavorful meal is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Indonesia, boasting a symphony of spices and textures that tantalize the taste buds. Here's how to recreate this aromatic delight in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of jasmine rice
- 400g beef (or chicken for a variation), thinly sliced
- 1 cup of coconut milk
- 2 shallots, finely chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 2 green chilies, sliced (adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 lemongrass stalk, bruised
- 2 kaffir lime leaves
- 1 inch of galangal, bruised
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil
Instructions:
Rinse the jasmine rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook the rice in a rice cooker or on the stovetop according to package instructions.
Heat some cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the shallots and garlic until fragrant.
Add the thinly sliced beef (or chicken) to the pan and cook until browned.
Stir in the turmeric powder, coriander powder, and cumin powder until the meat is well coated with the spices.
Pour in the coconut milk and add the diced tomatoes, green chilies, lemongrass stalk, kaffir lime leaves, and bruised galangal. Season with salt to taste.
Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the flavors have melded together and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to serving plates.
Ladle the flavorful Padang curry over the rice, ensuring each plate gets a generous portion of meat and sauce.
Tips:
- For an extra kick of heat, add more green chilies or a dash of chili powder.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the chilies or remove the seeds before slicing.
- Adjust the consistency of the curry by adding more coconut milk or water if needed.
- Serve Padang rice with traditional condiments such as fried anchovies, boiled eggs, or crispy fried shallots for added flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Seafood Padang Rice: Substitute the beef or chicken with prawns, squid, or fish fillets for a delicious seafood twist.
- Vegetarian Padang Rice: Skip the meat altogether and load up on vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and green beans for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Padang Rice: Amp up the heat by adding extra chili peppers or a dollop of spicy sambal sauce to the curry.
Nutritional Information:
The exact calorie count of Padang rice can vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. However, on average, a serving of Padang rice with beef provides approximately 400-500 calories.
Conclusion:
Indulge in the exotic flavors of Indonesia with this authentic Padang rice recipe. Whether you're a meat lover, seafood enthusiast, or vegetarian, there's a variation of this dish to suit every palate. With its aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender meat, Padang rice promises to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of West Sumatra. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece as a hearty meal any day of the week!
