Rice steamed with coconut milk
may sound alien to you. However, if anyone mentioned nasi lemak kukus,
I am sure you would go "Aha!".
Nasi Lemak as it is sold on the streets of Penang and further in Malaysia
Besides the typical nasi lemak
being prepared in the saucepan or automatic rice cooker, this is another
variant, using the steamer. It is supposed to be more delicious because the rice
does not turn clumpy and there is also no possibility for it to burn while
cooking. Each grain is separated and fluffy, if freshly squeezed coconut milk is
used, you get triple A grade nasi lemak. Trust me.
The ingredients are about the same
but it is more time consuming in the sense that the rice has to be soaked
overnight. Also, cooking using a steamer takes longer than cooking with the
saucepan or automatic rice cooker. As with all good food, the taste would be
more delicious if all ingredients used are fresh.
Preparing nasi lemak kukus
I know several stalls that
specializes in this kind of nasi lemak. The price is a bit costly but you would
always get steaming hot rice. It is expected because pre-packed nasi lemak is
usually already cold when you eat them.
As for the sambal that goes with
it, only the creativity of the cook limits it. Some people love it with rendang
or crunchy spicy fried chicken. Anyway, normal
sambal ikan
bilis would do just as well. Throw in some freshly sliced cucumber, a
spoonful of fried peanuts, fried ikan bilis and a hard boiled egg, it is a
perfect Malaysian breakfast.
There are also stalls that make
mean crispy, spicy fried chicken to go with this nasi lemak. I tell you,
usually, the good ones would be sold out by 9a.m!
Oh yes, to make the experience more memorable, do not forget to serve the nasi
lemak on a plate lined with banana leaf. The aroma is a treat to the senses.
Forget about your diet this time. Tuck in and simply enjoy the meal.
Mmmmm...!
So, for you the adventurous cook, here is the recipe for nasi lemak kukus.
(Steamed rice with coconut milk).
1 cup rice, wash and soaked overnight then drain the water.
6 whole black peppercorns
1 pandanus leaf (knotted)
1 cup coconut milk (fresh is preferable)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 inch ginger, sliced thinly
Method:
Boil enough water in the steamer, normally you fill half of
the bottom pan with water.
Place the rice in a dish
Pour in coconut milk into the dish, together with the rest
of the ingredient
Steam until the coconut milk is absorbed by the rice (about
20-30 minutes).
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