MasterChef Fani's "Berpasir" Nasi Kandar Recipe: A Taste of Penang
If you're a fan of MasterChef Indonesia, you're probably familiar with Fani's iconic "berpasir" nasi kandar. This dish, a staple in Penang, Malaysia, captivated viewers with its unique texture and tantalizing flavors. Fani, known for her passion and expertise in Malaysian cuisine, shared her family recipe, and now you can try it at home!
What is "Berpasir" Nasi Kandar?
"Berpasir" translates to "sandy" in Malay. It refers to the unique texture of the rice, which is slightly grainy and dry, reminiscent of sand. This distinctive texture is achieved through a specific cooking technique using a generous amount of oil, which helps the rice grains to separate and become slightly crispy on the edges.
Fani's Recipe: A Culinary Journey to Penang
This recipe takes you on a culinary adventure, transporting you to the bustling streets of Penang, where nasi kandar stalls are a common sight. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- Rice: 1 cup long grain rice, rinsed and drained
- Water: 1 1/2 cups water
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Oil: 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
- Curry leaves: 1 sprig, chopped
- Ginger: 1 inch, minced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Chilli paste: 1 tablespoon (adjust to your spice preference)
- Curry powder: 1 tablespoon
- Coconut milk: 1/2 cup, full fat
- Chicken stock: 1/4 cup
- Dried shrimp: 1 tablespoon, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
- Onion: 1 small onion, sliced
- Tomato: 1 small tomato, diced
- Green chillies: 2-3, sliced (optional)
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
- Combine rice, water, and salt in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add oil and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.
2. Make the Curry:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a pan. Add curry leaves, ginger, garlic, and chilli paste. Saute for 1 minute.
- Add curry powder and cook for another minute.
- Pour in coconut milk, chicken stock, and dried shrimp. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add onion, tomato, and green chillies. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
3. Assemble and Serve:
- Gently fluff the rice with a fork to ensure it's "berpasir".
- Spoon the rice onto a serving plate.
- Pour the curry over the rice.
- Garnish with additional curry leaves and a sprinkle of dried shrimp.
Tips for Success:
- For a more authentic flavor, use pandan leaves when cooking the rice.
- Adjust the amount of chilli paste and green chillies to your desired spice level.
- Serve the nasi kandar with various side dishes like chicken rendang, fish curry, or vegetable sambal.
- Experiment with different curry combinations for a unique twist.
Enjoy Your Penang Experience!
Fani's "berpasir" nasi kandar is a labor of love, a tribute to her family's culinary heritage. This recipe is not just about creating a delicious meal; it's about embracing the vibrant flavors and traditions of Penang. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Malaysia.
