by Violet Oon
Nasi Lemak is not only the name for rice steamed in coconut milk, but is also the name for a whole range of dishes. Though Malay in origin, the Nonyas added more dishes to the menu, making it part of the traditional feast on the twelfth (last) day of a wedding. Besides the rice, the meal would include Sambal Ikan Bilis, Ikan Assam Perkat, Sayur Kangkong, Sambat Udang, sliced cucumber and omelette triangles.
Ingredients:
500 g long-grain Royal Umbrella Rice, washed and soaked overnight
400 g grated coconut without skin, or 1� cups tinned coconut milk, or � cup think coconut cream
300 ml water for grated coconut (If using tinned coconut milk, subtract 1 cup from 300 ml; if using tinned coconut cream, use all 300 ml.)
4 fresh screw pine leaves (daun pandan)
� to 1 tsp salt to taste
Method:
Drain the rice that has been soaked overnight. Fill the bottom part of a steamer with water; boil. Place the rice grains on the top part of the steamer. If the steamer holes are too big, spread a thin piece of cloth on its base. Make holes in the rice to allow the steam to get through. Steam for � hour over high heat, Stir twice during steaming.
Squeeze grated coconut for thick milk. You will get about � cup. Add the 300 ml water to the grated coconut and squeeze for thin milk -- about 1� cups.
Wash fresh screw pine leaves and knot into a bunch. Put into a pot together with coconut milk and salt.
Add the steamed rice and stir well. Cover the pot tightly and leave for 30 to 40 minutes till all the liquid is absorbed.
Bring water in the steamer back to the boil. Place the rice back into the steamer. Spread it out and make steam holes. Steam for 30 minutes over high heat, stirring 2 to 3 minutes during steaming.
Basic accompanying dishes
Sambal Udang (Chilied prawns)
Fried small fish or Ikan Kuning
Cucumber slices
Omelette*
* Beat 3 eggs well with � or � teaspoons salt. Place small frying pan over high heat and after � minute add 1� tablespoons oil. When smoking, add � to � of beaten egg mixture and swirl around so that the layer is even. Fry for about � minute on one side, turn over and repeat. Repeat with the rest of egg mixture. Cut into wedges.
To serve :
Place rice hot or warm in a wide dish and spoon out individual portions. Place accompanying dishes around the Nasi Lemak.