How to Make Authentic Surinaamse Nasi

If you’re looking for a truly authentic and delicious meal, look no further than Surinaamse Nasi. This flavorful and aromatic dish combines rice with a variety of spices and ingredients to create a unique and satisfying meal that will have your taste buds begging for more.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of white rice
• 3 cups of water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp chicken powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice several times until the water runs clear, then let it soak in water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain the rice and add it to a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. While the rice cooks, heat the oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent.
4. Add the soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, dried thyme, cumin powder, coriander powder, turmeric powder, and bay leaves. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add the cooked rice to the pan with the spices and stir until everything is well combined. Add the chicken powder and salt and pepper to taste, then stir again.
6. Let the nasi cook for another 5-10 minutes so that the flavors can meld. Serve hot and garnish with chopped scallions.

Introduction:

Surinaamse Nasi is a dish that is near and dear to my heart. Growing up in a Surinamese household, this was a staple meal that we had at least once a week. Over time, I have learned how to cook this dish just like my mother and grandmother did, with their own unique blend of spices and ingredients.

The key to making a truly authentic Surinaamse Nasi is in the spices. The combination of thyme, cumin, coriander, and turmeric gives the rice a unique and flavorful taste that is unmistakably Surinamese. Don’t be afraid to play around with the spice amounts until you find the perfect balance that suits your taste buds!

Another important component of this dish is the use of sweet soy sauce, known as kecap manis. This adds a richness and depth of flavor to the dish that can’t be replicated with regular soy sauce. You can usually find kecap manis at Asian grocery stores, and it’s well worth seeking out for this recipe.

I hope you enjoy making and eating this delicious Surinaamse Nasi as much as I do. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that always reminds me of home, no matter where I am in the world.