Indonesian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, colors, and textures, deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage. Among the myriad of dishes that grace Indonesian tables, Village Fried Rice, or “Nasi Goreng Kampung,” stands out as a beloved classic. This delightful rice dish is not only a staple in Indonesian households but also a symbol of the country’s culinary diversity. Today, we’ll take you on a culinary journey, guiding you through the stepbystep preparation of this iconic dish.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably dayold for better texture)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 shallots (thinly sliced)
12 red chilies (sliced, adjust to taste)
1 carrot (diced)
100 grams green beans (cut into short lengths)
2 eggs
2 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
Salt and pepper to taste
Spring onions (for garnish)
Cucumber and tomato slices (for serving)
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
The essence of great cooking lies in the preparation. Start by gathering and prepping all your ingredients. Chop, dice, and slice the vegetables, and set them aside. Using dayold rice is crucial, as it helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy.
Step 2: StirFry the Aromatics
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over mediumhigh heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the minced garlic and sliced shallots. Stirfry for about 12 minutes until they are fragrant and translucent, being careful not to burn them. This step is the foundation of flavor for your fried rice.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Next, introduce the sliced red chilies, diced carrots, and green beans to the mix. Stirfry the vegetables for another 34 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. This adds not only a burst of color but also essential nutrients to your dish.
Step 4: Scramble the Eggs
Push the vegetable mixture to one side of the wok and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs until they are just set, then mix them through the vegetables, ensuring an even distribution of the rich eggy flavor.
Step 5: Incorporate the Rice
Now it’s time to add the star of the dish – the rice. Increase the heat to high and break apart any clumps of rice with your spatula as you fold it into the vegetable and egg mixture. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
Step 6: Seasoning
Once the rice is evenly mixed with the other ingredients, drizzle in the sweet soy sauce. Stir well to ensure even coating. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The sweet soy sauce not only enhances the flavor but also gives the rice a lovely golden hue.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
When the rice is heated through and flavors meld beautifully, remove it from the heat. Transfer your Village Fried Rice to a serving platter, garnishing it with chopped spring onions. Serve with fresh cucumber and tomato slices on the side for an extra touch of freshness and crunch.
Enjoying Your Creation
The beauty of Village Fried Rice lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it by adding proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, making it a wholesome meal that caters to all tastes.
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of your homemade Indonesian Village Fried Rice, and let each bite take you on a journey through the heart of Indonesia’s culinary landscape. Happy cooking!