| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 50 mins | Difficulty: Intermediate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 350 | 5g | 1g | 70g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 15g | 3g | 7g | 0.2g |
Today, I want to share with you one of my favorite fruit-based recipes that truly bridges my California roots with some international inspiration. The dish is called Indonesian Bay Leaf Rice Pilaf. Yes, you heard it right. This Pilaf, unlike the traditional ones, has a delightful twist of mixed fresh fruits which gives it an extraordinary sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory spices. This dish truly reflects my culinary journey, fusing classic American health-conscious ideas with a twist of international flavor!
Health Meets Flavorful Delight
Just like my signature avocado toasts or wine country-inspired dishes, this Indonesian Bay Leaf Rice Pilaf is not just about tantalizing taste but also about nourishment. This recipe is full of health benefits, making it a perfect flavorful fuel for your body. It contains Indonesian bay leaves (known as daun salam leaf), which are known for their health benefits such as promoting heart health and aiding digestion. Not only that, but the dash of fresh ginger root in this recipe possesses powerful medicinal properties, helping with everything from inflammatory illnesses to aiding digestion.
That’s not all, the recipe also has a splash of lime, enhancing it with vitamin C. Plus, the mixed fresh fruits provide necessary dietary fiber, essential for healthy digestion. Can you imagine, a bowl full of this Pilaf consists of all these nutrients while being an explosion of mouthwatering flavors. This nutritious rice dish is something I always love to reach for when my body needs something packed with goodness.
Food Pairing Ideas
Sometimes a single dish can be elevated even more by what you serve it with; even this standalone flavorful Indonesian Bay Leaf Rice Pilaf can be paired with an array of dishes. For a fuller Indonesian-inspired meal, consider serving this Pilaf next to a hearty plate of Sop Ayam (Indonesian Chicken Soup) or even a tempeh dish. The flavors complement each other beautifully and make for a more rounded, satisfying meal.
If you’re interested in keeping things a bit more on the West Coast side, a fresh, crisp salad would make a great light counterpoint to this hearty, robust Pilaf. This is especially true if you’re enjoying the dish in the warm summer months, where being mindful of balance is key.
Regardless of what you serve it with, Indonesian Bay Leaf Rice Pilaf is sure to leave an impression on your tastebuds and remain a special recipe to return to time and time again.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 10 Indonesian bay leaves (daun salam leaf)
- 1 large lime, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger root, peeled and minced
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups mixed fresh fruits (like mango, pineapple, or orange)
Method
Step One
Begin by washing the Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak the rice in water for about 20 minutes. After soaking, drain the water and leave the rice aside.
Step Two
In a large pot, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the finely chopped onion. Saute the onions until they become soft and start to brown.
Step Three
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pot and saute for about another minute, until they are fragrant. Sprinkle in the turmeric, coriander, cumin, and salt, then stir all of the ingredients together.
Step Four
Add the Indonesian bay leaves to the pot and stir again. Allow the mixture to cook for another minute.
Step Five
Now, stir in the pre-soaked and drained Basmati rice. Make sure each grain of rice is coated with the mixture in the pot.
Step Six
Add the water to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it is boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This should take about 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and all of the water has been absorbed.
Step Seven
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Leave the lid on the pot, and let the rice sit for about 10 minutes.
Step Eight
While the rice is resting, prepare your fruit. Peel and chop the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces.
Step Nine
After the rice has rested, stir in the lime zest, lime juice, and the chopped fruit. Mix everything together gently to avoid crushing the rice grains.
Step Ten
Serve your Indonesian Bay Leaf Rice Pilaf warm, with the fruit evenly distributed throughout the dish. Enjoy!
