Saturday, January 2, 2016

Nasi Minyak

Nasi Minyak? Got you wondering? What is Nasi Minyak? Our Malaysian, specifically Malay style (Pucuk Ubi Masak Lemak) rice dish cooked alongside quite a whole list of ingredients. Mainly of course our local herbs and spices, and nasi minyak if I am not wrong, must be regarded as another rice dish trending near, far or close to Briyani (Burmese Briyani, Hyderabadi Vegetable Briyani & Vegetable Briyani). Why? Pretty much the main elements speaking for themselves. The main elements of ghee (Ghee Rice), spices, nuts, raisin, and of course any kinda of rice dish which is quite outstanding must be made with Basmati rice. We in Malaysia are also not short of our other famed rice dishes (Nasi Kerabu, Nasi Bunga TelangNasi Ulam & Nasi Dagang). Each and every one of it is a representation of our Malaysian food colors (Nasi Pudina & Nasi Kunyit) and Nasi Minyak on the whole, a rich, filling, aromatic and like a must have for special occasions rice dish. Furthermore, the pairing for Nasi Minyak is endless. Mostly spicy dishes, or as you wish, as you like (Roti Jala Kari Kambing, Ayam Buah Keluak, Salad Bunga Kantan & Sambal Udang). 
Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice - wash and drain off water
2 tbsp cashew nuts
2 tbsp black raisins
4 shallots - slice thinly
3 tbsp ghee or butter
1 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp ginger paste
1 red chilli – slice
1 green chilli – slice
1 lemongrass – smash
Spices – 2 cinnamon, 1 star anise, 3 bruised cardamom and 3 cloves
3 to 4 screwpine/pandan leaves – bundle up
1 tsp turmeric/kunyit powder
¼ tsp saffron strands – optional
2 cups carton milk
1 cup water
Salt to taste

Method
Heat ghee and fry shallots till crispy
Remove and keep aside.
Do the same to the cashews. 
Then, quickly blister raisins in the same ghee.
Remove and keep aside.
In the same ghee/pan, saute spices, ginger paste, garlic paste, chillies and lemongrass.
Add rice, stir a couple of times and tip into the rice cooker.
Pour in milk and water and add turmeric powder, pandan leaves and salt.
Stir and cook, thereafter add saffron strands (optional) and fluff up rice.
Garnish with fried shallots, cashews and raisins.



18 comments:

  1. This looks fabulous! I'll carry on with seasonal and local and sometimes the exotic thrown in for good measure.:) 2015 was good by way of travel. I got see parts of the country that I haven't been to before.
    Wish you all the best for the year ahead. I hope your mom's health improves.

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  2. Great recipe and the Dish has been presented beautifully. Happy new year and have a prosperous one :)

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  3. it is looking so delicious
    keep in touch
    www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com
    www.indianbeautydiary.com

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  4. it is looking so delicious
    keep in touch
    www.beingbeautifulandpretty.com
    www.indianbeautydiary.com

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  5. I am all for the simple homemade food. This fits the bill perfectly.
    Have a wonderful 2016!

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  6. Looks so flavorful and delicious. Bookmarked. Wish you a very happy new year!

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  7. Love the clear shot of the colourful rice, Nava! Happy 2016, babe! xoxo

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  8. Happy new year dear!! Lovely dish. Simple and delicious. Love it :)

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  9. Looks delicious!!
    Happy new year..

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  10. I love this simple and effective dish.. i wish i cud have tried food made by you bt the distance.. damn!! ... Wishing u a happy & prosperous new year 2016 ♥

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  11. Beautiful presentation Nava.. That's one simple yet aromatic dish. Love the combination of lemon grass and saffron.

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  12. Simple yet elegant dish. Well done! :)

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  13. it looks super yumm dear...very flavourful and aromatic....

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  14. Flavorful dish has made my tummy growling at 11pm here. You blog fabulous as usual with trends. Keep rocking

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  15. Rich flavored rice as if iam peeping into a palace kitchen. Love this dish. Would try this weekend itself

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  16. saffron and lemon grass. such an amazing flavour combo..

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