Nasi bakar

Nasi Bakar is a traditional Indonesian dish, which translates to "grilled rice". The dish is made by cooking rice with a variety of ingredients, then wrapping it in a banana leaf and grilling it. The grilling process gives the rice a smoky aroma and enhances the flavors of the ingredients used.

Ingredients and Preparation

The main ingredient in Nasi Bakar is rice, which is typically cooked with coconut milk to give it a rich, creamy texture. Other ingredients can vary widely, but often include chicken, fish, or vegetables, as well as a variety of spices and herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves.

Once the rice and other ingredients are cooked together, they are wrapped in a banana leaf and secured with a toothpick or string. The wrapped rice is then placed on a grill and cooked until the banana leaf becomes charred, which infuses the rice with a smoky flavor.

Variations

There are many regional variations of Nasi Bakar throughout Indonesia. In West Java, for example, it is common to use salted fish and tempeh in the dish. In Central Java, Nasi Bakar is often made with chicken liver and gizzard. Some versions of the dish may also include sambal, a spicy chili paste.

Cultural Significance

Nasi Bakar is often served at special occasions and celebrations in Indonesia, such as weddings and festivals. It is also a popular street food and can be found at many warung, or small family-owned businesses.

See Also

• Nasi Goreng
• Nasi Kuning
• Nasi Lemak
• Nasi Uduk
• Indonesian cuisine