The History and Origins of Surinaamse Nasi

Introduction

Surinaamse Nasi, also known as Surinamese rice, is a traditional dish that originated in Suriname, a small country located in South America. Suriname is a multi-cultural country that has been influenced by various cultures, including Dutch, Indian, Arawak, and African. This fusion of cultures has influenced the cuisine of Suriname and given birth to many traditional dishes, including Surinaamse Nasi.

Surinaamse Nasi is a delicious and flavorful rice dish that is made with a variety of spices, fresh vegetables, and meat. The dish is popular not only in Suriname but also in the Netherlands, which has a large Surinamese population.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of long-grain white rice
• 3 tbsp. of vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp. of soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. of ketjap manis (sweet soy sauce)
• 1 tbsp. of tomato paste
• 1 tsp. of ground cumin
• 1 tsp. of ground coriander
• 1 tsp. of turmeric
• 1 tsp. of paprika
• 1 tsp. of chili powder
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken or shrimp (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

1. Wash the rice thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and stir-fry until fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the soy sauce, ketjap manis, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and chili powder to the pot. Stir to combine, then add 4 cups of water or chicken broth.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the diced carrots and bell peppers. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Add the rice to the pot and stir well to combine. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice cook undisturbed for about 20 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. If using cooked chicken or shrimp, add it to the pot during the last few minutes of cooking.
7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.

Cool Tricks and Facts

• Surinaamse Nasi is often served with Sate, a skewered meat dish that is marinated in a peanut sauce.
• Ketjap manis, a sweet soy sauce that is used in Surinaamse Nasi, can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
• Cumin, coriander, and turmeric are commonly used spices in Surinamese cuisine and give the dish its unique flavor.
• Suriname is the smallest country in South America but has one of the most diverse populations in the world.