Turmeric rice or nasi kunyit is a Malay rice recipe that is often prepared during special occasions like weddings, festivals and Eid. Some areas like Penang also believe in giving food packages when a baby is on his or her first month. The food pack also known as a full moon food package often contains 2 red colored eggs, chicken curry and nasi kunyit. Those who believe in this tradition share it with family and friends.

I am one of those Asians who go crazy over fried rice or any type of flavored one. They definitely go well with certain dishes. It is like eating steak with mashed potatoes, the dish is incomplete without it. This dish is aromatic and delicious to all the senses. It looks, smells and tastes good.  The original recipe calls for steaming the rice. Since I am not so sure about the process, I decided to prepare it the way I cook normal rice. The only difference is that I had to watch it closely because the coconut milk can clump up, that is why it is important to stir the rice once in a while.

I think that it would be a great idea to mix and match different types of rice dishes with other Asian food. I’m sure that the result will definitely be interesting and flavorful. You can also prepare the traditional food package for friends and see if they like it.

 

Ingredients:

500 g glutinous rice

2 slices tamarind pieces

3 tablespoons turmeric powder

2 litres + 150 ml water

200 ml thick coconut milk

1 teaspoon black peppercorns

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 pandan leaf

 

Rinse the rice in running water until it runs clear. After, soak it in 2 liters of water, turmeric and tamarind pieces. Leave overnight.

Drain the rice and discard the tamarind pieces. Rinse it once with tap water.

Place the rice in a rice cooker or pot. Add the coconut milk, 150ml water, peppercorns, salt and pandan leaf. Mix well.

Cook the rice for 5-10 minutes until fluffy. Stir once in a while. Serve warm with beef rending or chicken curry.

 

Photo Courtesy Of:  Satoru Kikuchi