Nasi Merah

Dive into the wholesome goodness of **Nasi Merah**, a vibrant Indonesian red rice dish that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. This recipe combines the nutty taste of red rice with the creamy richness of coconut milk, infused with aromatic ingredients like lemongrass, bay leaves, galangal, and sautéed shallots and garlic. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it’s also a feast for the senses, thanks to its fragrant spices and perfectly fluffy texture. Ideal as a standalone meal or a versatile side, this dish pairs beautifully with your favorite proteins or vegetables. Ready in under an hour, Nasi Merah is your go-to recipe for a hearty, gluten-free, and exotic culinary experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups red rice
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 lemongrass stalk
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 inch piece galangal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 shallots
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Peel and thinly slice the shallots and garlic, then add them to the pan.

Step 3

Sauté the shallots and garlic until they become fragrant and start to turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4

Slightly bruise the lemongrass stalk and galangal by using the back of a knife, then add them to the pan along with the bay leaves. Continue to sauté for another minute.

Step 5

Add the rinsed red rice to the pan and stir well, ensuring the rice is evenly coated with the fragrant oil and spices.

Step 6

Pour in the water and coconut milk. Add the salt, then stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 8

Once cooked, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Remove the lemongrass, galangal, and bay leaves before fluffing the rice with a fork.

Step 10

Serve the nasi merah warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course with your choice of protein or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1798.3 grams (1798.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1876

Total Fat 36.20g	46%
Saturated Fat 4.10g	21%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.80g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2441mg	106%
Total Carbohydrate 359.10g	131%
Dietary Fiber 21.00g	75%
Total Sugars 23.50g
Protein 39.40g	79%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 169mg	13%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 556mg	12%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 17.0%

Protein: 8.2%

Carbs: 74.8%