Indonesia

Independence Day

On August 17, 1945, Sukarno announced the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence. In Indonesian, the proclamation is known as Proklamasi Kerdekaan Indonesia. Soon after the announcement of the proclamation, Sukarno and Hatta used Japanese weapons and equipment to revolt against the Dutch government in Indonesia. The Dutch were initially driven out of Jakarta, but reinforcements ensured that fighting would continue until 1949. Weary of bloodshed, the United Nations blocked the Netherlands’ ambitions to go to war by calling for diplomatic measures. After ten weeks of tedious debates, Indonesia was granted its independence and Dutch forces withdrew from East Asia. In August 1949, the United States of Indonesia was founded.

Nasi Goreng

Ingredients:

serves 4

  • 3 cups white rice, cooked
  • 1 teaspoon shrimp paste
  • 2 shallots
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-3 fresh red chilis, seeds and white pith removed
  • 1/4 cup peanut oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons kecap manis, sweet soy sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 eggs sunny side
  • 1/4 cup finely shredded cabbage
  • 1 cucumber sliced

Method:

Make rice according to package instructions, set aside to cool ( I make the day before). Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok, add shrimp paste, shallots, garlic and chilis. When the shallots are brown, add soy sauce and tomato paste, and keep frying for 2 minutes. Add the rice and stir continuously for about 5 minutes. Then add more soy sauce, salt and pepper to taste. Plate 4 portions, set aside. In a fresh pan add  2 tablespoons more of oil and fry sunny eggs until crispy bottoms, place 1 egg on top of each portion with a bit of cabbage on the side and 6 slices of cucumber on cabbage and serve.
Sometimes I add finely chopped vegetables,, shrimp, chicken or tofu.

Try with:

Mango Juice or a great bottle of  Rosé        Tepuk Tangan !