Balinese Celebration Rice

Hi Guys, Peta here! Some of you might already know that I recently got married and honeymooned in beautiful Bali. The people, the culture, the sights, and, the weather were spectacular. If you ever get the chance to go and visit, I highly recommend it. We especially liked getting into the jungle areas of Ubud. it was in Ubud that we did an agroforestry, eco cycling tour, that took us through small villages and rice fields. When we finished, we were lucky enough to get a traditional Balinese cooking lesson. We made a Bali favourite, satay chicken, fresh, vibrant stir fried watercress, and, the recipe I am going to share today, celebration rice. The rice is full of turmeric, aromats and coconut cream. It is high in good fats and anti- inflammatory, adding both flavour and nutrition to a simple rice dish.

Al and I visiting Bali’s oldest and largest temple.

Visiting the protected monkey forest in Ubud

Learning to grind the spice paste for the satay

Serves: 2

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups of organic rice (or substitute with a grain of your choice)

1 Tbsp of fresh turmeric (2 tsps is using dried, ground)

1 cup of organic coconut cream or milk

1 stalk of lemongrass (make sure you bash to release the flavour)

1 dried bay leaf

Method

Par cook your rice on the stove using absorption method until is has begun to soften and set aside

In a small bowl add your coconut cream and turmeric, and mix until well combined.

Add the lemongrass and bay leaf to your rice and pour over tumeric and coconut mixture. If using fresh turmeric strain the mixture as you pour it over your par cooked rice. Return to the stovetop and simmer on low with a lid on until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Turn the heat off and let sit with the lid on for at least five minutes, as you would when cooking normal, white rice.

Serve immediately with an indonesian curry of your choice. I recommend satay chicken and some stir fried greens.

All ingredients can be found on our website and from the green grocers.

traditional cooking lesson

Celebration rice, satay chicken and, stir fried green served on traditional banana leaf.