Nasi Goreng (Simple fried rice)

 

                This basic recipe is very adaptable, and often includes meat, seafood, vegetables and herbs, depending on the region. West of Jakarta, for example, chicken is a standard ingredient.

                The rice for this dish should always be boiled a few hours before it is to be used, and allowed to cool completely.

Serves 2-4

• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 ml shrimp paste
• 30 ml vegetable oil
• 2 fresh red chilies, thinly sliced, seeds discarded
• 4 cups (1 liter) cooked long grain rice
• 15 ml soy sauce
• 125 gr cooked chicken, diced, optional
• 250 ml cooked shrimp (prawns), optional
• 30 ml peanut oil
• 1 egg per person
• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges

1. Blend the onion, garlic and shrimp paste.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet and stir-fry the paste and chilies for about 1 minute ; stir in the rice and soy sauce and mix until the rice is well coated and heated through.
3. Add the chicken and shrimp, if desired ; check for flavor and add a little salt if necessary.
4. If the rice is too dry a little extra vegetable oil may be added.
5. Heat the peanut oil and lightly fry the eggs ; the yolks should still be soft.
6. Serve the rice hot with the fried eggs on top, and garnish with the cucumber slices and the tomato wedges.

BON APPÉTIT