Malay Nasi Lemak

Nasi Lemak, as all Malaysians know and adore, are the infamous breakfast in Malaysia among roti canai.

Its sambal and crunchy ikan bilis make the nasi that has coconut flavor a tasty and irresistible food, you'll never wanted to deny it.

Popular among the Malays, nasi lemak is also enjoyed by other races in Malaysia.

Below are the steps or guide to make Nasi Lemak, Malay style.

The ingredients:

• 2 cups rice
• 2 pandan leaves (tied in knot)
• 1 shallot - chopped
• 10 tsp thick coconut milk
• 1 small piece sliced ginger
• Salt and sugar to taste
• 1/2 cup dried ikan bilis (anchovies)
• 4 shallots *
• 1 small piece belacan (shrimp paste) *
• 1 clove garlic *
• 1 large onion - sliced *
• 1/2 cup tamarind juice *
• 8 dried chillies - soaked *

*Items to be pounded together

Preparing the rice:

• Wash and clean rice
• Add 2 cups of water and coconut milk
• Add shallots, gigner and pandan leaves
• Bring to boil, lower heat, simmer for about 10-15 minutes until water has been absorbed
• Loosen rice grains with wooden ladle
• Cover pot and leave rice to cook for 10-15 minutes

Preparing the sambal:

• Heat oil and fry ikan bilis until crisp
• Keep aside
• Heat oil in wok and fry pounded ingredients till fragrant
• Add sliced onions, tamarind juice, salt and sugar
• Cook till gravy thickens
• Add ikan bilis and mix well
• Remove from heat
• Serve with sambal ikan bilis, garnished with cucumber slices, sliced hard-boiled egg and roasted peanuts

You can add more items like chickens, meats or whatever that you like to eat with nasi lemak.