pork patties with sambal

These Indonesian pork patties from Petty Elliott via Delicious are served topped with a fragrant lemongrass and chilli sambal. In a bowl mix 600g (1⅓ lb) of lean pork mince with 4 cloves of finely minced garlic, an equal amount of finely minced fresh ginger, 1 finely chopped large red chilli, 2 tablespoons of desiccated…… Continue reading pork patties with sambal

Balinese baked fish + asinan sayur

Try this delicious recipe, by Justine Scholfield, with barramundi or snapper. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350ºF). Heat ¼ of a cup of coconut oil in a large frypan over high heat. Add 6 finely chopped purple shallots, 6 finely chopped cloves of garlic, a finely chopped 5cm piece of ginger, 5 very finely sliced…… Continue reading Balinese baked fish + asinan sayur

tempeh kecap

Tempeh (tempe) is a fermented soybean cake from Indonesia, particularly popular in Java where it is a staple protein. Unlike tofu, tempeh is made from whole soybeans which are fermented using a fungus as starter. The whole soybeans retain more protein, fibre and texture and the earthy taste develops over time. Tempeh is widely available…… Continue reading tempeh kecap

ayam taliwang + asinan

This recipe, from Fire Islands: Recipes from Indonesia by Eleanor Ford, hails from Lombok and definitely lives up to being “everything you could hope for in grilled chicken”. Despite a few substitutions, the marinade, which also becomes the sauce, had flavour and heat from garlic and many chillies; sourness from lemon; fragrance from curry and…… Continue reading ayam taliwang + asinan

gado gado 2.0

My first version of gado gado is a little westernised (not such a bad thing) and makes a great meal on it’s own. This recipe, from Fire Islands: Recipes from Indonesia by Eleanor Ford, is a lighter version with a fresher peanut dressing which is served underneath the other ingredients in the traditional manner. It makes…… Continue reading gado gado 2.0

coconut roast chicken

I love cookbooks. My latest birthday gift, Fire Islands: Recipes from Indonesia by Eleanor Ford is no exception. The book is full of interesting regional recipes, all beautifully photographed. The chicken in this recipe is coated with a wonderful combination of tamarind, coconut milk and spices which not only ensure the chicken remains succulent but…… Continue reading coconut roast chicken

gado gado

My version of this Indonesian salad is a satisfying and delicious meal, although not a traditional one. The various components can be prepared ahead of time and the salad assembled before serving either warm or at room temperature. First hard-boil a few eggs. Now for the saté sauce. Mince (very finely or in a food processor) an onion, 2…… Continue reading gado gado