Beverages > Hot Drinks > Indonesian Hot Drinks

Bandrek with Cinnamon and Cardamom Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 cardamom pods, crushed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Special equipment needed:
- Saucepan
- Strainer
- Mugs

Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine water, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, crushed cardamom pods, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mixture through a strainer.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract and evaporated milk.
6. Serve hot in mugs.


Time:
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for boiling, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 200
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 2g
Sodium: 20mg
Sugar: 41g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown sugar can be substituted with white sugar or honey.
- Evaporated milk can be substituted with regular milk or cream.

Variations:
- Add a pinch of ground cloves for a spicier flavor.
- Use coconut milk instead of evaporated milk for a creamier taste.
- Add a shot of rum or brandy for an adult version of the drink.

Tips and tricks:
- Crush the cardamom pods with a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon to release their flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less sugar.
- Serve with a cinnamon stick for a decorative touch.

Storage instructions:
Store leftover bandrek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat bandrek in a saucepan over low heat until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve bandrek in mugs with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Garnishes:
Cinnamon sticks

Pairings:
Bandrek pairs well with Indonesian snacks such as fried bananas or cassava chips.

Suggested side dishes:
Fried bananas or cassava chips

Troubleshooting advice:
If the bandrek is too sweet, add more water to dilute the sweetness. If it's not sweet enough, add more sugar.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to strain the mixture to remove any cardamom pods or cinnamon sticks before serving.

Food history:
Bandrek is a traditional Indonesian hot drink made with spices and sweeteners. It is often served during cold weather or as a remedy for colds and flu.

Flavor profiles:
Warm, sweet, spicy, and aromatic.

Serving suggestions:
Serve hot in mugs with a cinnamon stick for garnish.

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Region: Indonesian

Taste: Spicy, Sweet, Aromatic, Earthy