The Indonesian Ethnic Cuisine

Indonesia is well known for its cuisine. Especially the rice table, that was actually an invention of the Dutch, back in colonial times, is very well known. It consists of a lot of different dishes, a bit like a buffet. Most of you know the fried rice ( Nasi Goreng ), Satay (skewered meat) and maybe some of the Indonesian soups ( Soto ). But of course there is lot more to the Indonesian cuisine. Cooking varies greatly by region and combines many different influences. However, most Indonesian food shares the nearly universal food trinity of fish, coconut and chili.

Here are some recipes that will add a touch of exotica to your dinner table. Be it a family get together or a party these recipes are a sure shot hit!

Nasi Goreng ( Indonesian Fried Rice )

There are about as many ways of making Nasi Goreng, as there are cooks in Indonesia. This can be made with left over rice and can be enjoyed by itself or as the basis of a larger meal, for example with Indonesian satay's, Gado Gado and Peanut sauce. It is very easy to make and won't take more than 20 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients:
2 Eggs
1/4 teaspoon Salt
1/3 cup Cooking oil
3 cloves Garlic
1 Onion
2 Red chilies, finely chopped
1 teaspoon
1/2-teaspoon sugar
200g Raw prawns, peeled and deveined (optional)
1 cup White rice, cooked and cooled
2 teaspoons Soy sauce
1 tablespoon (Kecap Manis) (If not available use tsp Jaggery)

For garnish :
Finely shredded lettuce
1 Thinly sliced cucumber
3 tablespoons Crisp fried onion

Method :
1.Beat the eggs and salt until foamy. Heat oil in a frying pan.
2.Pour about one quarter of the egg mixture into the pan and cook for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat until the omelet sets.
3.Remove the omelet from the pan and repeat with the remaining egg mixture.
4.When the omelets are cold, gently roll them up and cut them into fine strips, set aside.
5.Blend the garlic, onion, chili and sugar to a fine paste.
6.Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large deep frying pan; add the paste and cook over high heat for few minutes.
7.Add the prawns and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they change color.
8.Add the remaining oil and the cold rice. Stir-fry, breaking up any lumps, until the rice is heated through.
9.Add the sweet Soya sauce, soy sauce and spring onion and stir-fry for another minute.
10.Arrange the lettuce around the outside of a large platter. Place the rice in the center and garnish with the omelet strips, cucumber slices and fried onion.
11.Serve immediately.

Source : http://cookncooking.blogspot.com/2007/05/indonesian-ethnic-cuisine.html