Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups glutinous rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 4 shallots, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp oil
- Banana leaves, cut into 4-inch squares
Special equipment needed:
- Steamer
- Food processor or blender
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the glutinous rice and soak it in water for at least 2 hours. Drain the rice and set aside.
2. In a pot, combine the coconut milk, water, salt, and oil. Bring to a boil.
3. Add the glutinous rice and stir well. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
4. In a food processor or blender, pulse the chicken, shallots, garlic, coriander powder, turmeric powder, cumin powder, salt, and oil until it forms a smooth paste.
5. Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken paste and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Take a banana leaf square and place a spoonful of the cooked rice in the center. Flatten the rice into a rectangle shape.
7. Add a spoonful of the chicken paste on top of the rice. Fold the banana leaf over the chicken and rice to form a rectangle shape.
8. Fold the sides of the banana leaf over the rectangle to seal it. Repeat with the remaining rice and chicken paste.
9. Steam the lemper for 30-40 minutes or until the banana leaves are soft and the chicken is cooked through.
Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Steaming temperature: 212°F
Serving size:
Makes 16 pieces
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 10g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 500mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken can be substituted with beef or pork
- Banana leaves can be substituted with parchment paper or aluminum foil
Variations:
- Lemper can be filled with other ingredients such as shrimp, mushrooms, or vegetables
- Lemper can be grilled or fried for a crispy texture
Tips and tricks:
- Soaking the glutinous rice in water helps it cook evenly and prevents it from sticking together.
- Pulse the chicken paste until it forms a smooth texture to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Use a spoon to flatten the rice and chicken paste to ensure it is evenly distributed.
Storage instructions:
Lemper can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Lemper can be reheated in the microwave or steamed for 5-10 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the lemper on a platter and garnish with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes.
Garnishes:
Sliced cucumbers and tomatoes
Pairings:
Lemper can be served with sambal or sweet soy sauce.
Suggested side dishes:
- Indonesian fried rice
- Gado-gado (Indonesian salad)
- Satay (grilled meat skewers)
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the banana leaves are too tough, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before using them.
- If the chicken paste is too dry, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it forms a smooth texture.
Food safety advice:
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to prevent foodborne illness.
- Use clean hands and utensils when handling the ingredients.
Food history:
Lemper is a traditional Indonesian snack made of glutinous rice and filled with various ingredients such as chicken, beef, or vegetables. It is commonly served during special occasions and celebrations.
Flavor profiles:
Lemper has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the coconut milk and spices.
Serving suggestions:
Serve lemper as a snack or appetizer. It can also be served as a main dish with rice and vegetables.
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Region: Indonesian