Indonesian cuisine is a delightful mélange of flavors, textures, and colors, drawing upon a rich tapestry of cultural influences. One dish that stands out for its comfort and heartiness is the vegetable curry rice cake, known locally as “kue lapis curry” or “nasi curry.” This dish is a wonderful expression of Indonesia’s vibrant culinary traditions, combining the creaminess of curries with the satisfying consistency of rice cakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To embark on this culinary journey at home, gather the following ingredients:
For the Vegetable Curry:
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1inch piece of ginger, minced
2 red chilies, deseeded and finely chopped (adjust based on your spice preference)
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 carrot, sliced
1 cup of green beans, chopped
1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
2 tablespoons of curry powder
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander (cilantro) for garnishing
For the Rice Cake:
2 cups of glutinous rice flour
1 cup of water
1/2 teaspoon of salt
1 tablespoon of sugar (optional)
Banana leaves (for steaming, optional)
Preparing the Vegetable Curry
1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and red chilies, cooking until fragrant.
2. Add Vegetables: Toss in the diced potatoes, carrot slices, and chopped green beans. Sauté for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to absorb the flavors.
3. Create the Curry: Sprinkle in the curry powder, mixing well to coat all the vegetables. Pour in the coconut milk and add soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the vegetables to cook thoroughly and the curry sauce to thicken, usually taking about 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
4. Garnish: Once ready, remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped coriander to add a burst of freshness.
Making the Rice Cake
1. Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, combine glutinous rice flour, water, salt, and sugar (if using). Mix until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
2. Steam the Rice Cake: If using banana leaves, line a steaming tray with them. Pour the batter into the lined tray, spreading it evenly. Steam for about 2030 minutes, or until the batter is set and firm to the touch. If you don’t have banana leaves, a greased plate or steamer basket will work just fine.
3. Cooling: Once cooked, let the rice cake cool slightly before slicing it into squares or rectangles.
Assembling Your Dish
To serve, place a slice of rice cake on a plate and generously ladle the warm vegetable curry over it. The interplay of the curry’s rich flavors and the chewy, slightly sweet texture of the rice cake creates an irresistible meal that delights the palate. This combination also represents the essence of Indonesian cuisine, where various elements come together harmoniously.
Can You Make It at Home?
Absolutely! This dish not only embodies the heart of Indonesian cooking but also allows for creativity in ingredient selection. Whether you prefer different vegetables or a spicier curry, feel free to customize it to suit your taste buds. Making vegetable curry rice cake at home promises a culinary adventure that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Indonesia. Enjoy sharing this dish with family and friends, or savoring it on a quiet evening to relish a taste of Indonesia within your own kitchen.