Nasi Ulam (Malaysian Mixed Herb Rice)

Nasi Ulam. Malaysian Mixed Herb Rice. Indeed, a popularity in our Northern states (Laksam Kelantan) and a trip to any of these states is not complete if you don't tuck into Nasi Ulam. I of course as you know, have a profound and tremendous love for rice. Whichever type, believe me, will make me happy and Malaysia and Malaysian proud me (Mee Goreng Udang, Malaysian Sambal Sandwich, Nyonya Acar Fish, Masak Lemak Ikan Masin Nenas & Malaysian Spicy Sour Fish Soup Noodles). Furthermore, rice dishes are not something new to me. I quite have it at the back of my hands and when you grow your own herbs in your garden, what should be confusing in coming up with your version of Nasi Ulam (Nasi Pudina & Nasi Dagang). Honestly, if you are asking me, any combination of local herbs will do instead of specific varieties. You can even coin a vegetarian version, but by far, fried and flaked fish possibly must be one of the it in Nasi Ulam,  and of course for spiciness, nothing can beat our Sambal Belacan or even Sambal Terasi and instead of cooking rice in the rice cooker (Tomato Rice Pilaf) like I usually do, rice must be steamed. Thereafter, all things nice Malaysian herbs - pegaga/pennywort, kacang botol/winged beans (Kerabu Kacang Botol), bunga kantan/ginger torch bud, daun kunyit/turmeric leaf, basil leaves, spring onion, and shallots and salt. Steamed Rice, flaked fish and herbs tossed and in one for a spectacular, Nava-K's version of Nasi Ulam. 

Ingredients

3 cups steamed white rice

3 sardine/mackerel fish - rub some salt, fry and flaked up, ensure that bones are totally discarded. 

Herbs/ulam

One handful of pegaga/Indian pennywort
3-4 kacang botol (winged beans)

1 lemongrass

1 bunga kantan/ginger torch bud

1 daun kunyit/turmeric leaf

One handful of Thai basil leaves

2-3 sprigs spring onion

4 shallots

Salt (if needed)

** All shredded/sliced thinly   

Method:

Add all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

Season with salt (if needed).

Toss together and serve with sambal belacan.