Raffles Nasi Kerabu

Introduction

Nasi Kerabu is a traditional Malay rice dish, known for its stunning blue rice and accompanying assortment of herbs, vegetables, and proteins. Originating from the northeastern region of Malaysia, particularly Kelantan, it has become a cherished staple across the country. The vibrant blue hue of the rice traditionally comes from the petals of the Bunga Telang (butterfly pea flower). The dish is not only a feast for the stomach but also a visual delight, reflecting Malaysia's rich cultural tapestry.

History of Nasi Kerabu

The origins of Nasi Kerabu can be traced back to the Kelantanese royal kitchens and the fusion of Malay and Thai influences, given Kelantan's proximity to Thailand. Historically, it was a dish enjoyed during festivities and celebrations. Over time, Nasi Kerabu evolved with various regions adding their own twist, incorporating local ingredients and cooking techniques.

Ingredients

• Rice (preferably long-grain)
• Bunga Telang (dried butterfly pea flowers)
• Coconut Milk
• Lemongrass (knotted)
• Salt
• Fish Sauce
• Sugar
• Chicken or Fish (for protein)
• Tamarind Juice
• Fresh Herbs (Vietnamese mint, coriander, Thai basil)
• Cucumber
• Bean Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Fresh Red Chilies
• Shredded Coconut
• Fried Shallots
• Kerisik (toasted grated coconut)
• Belacan (fermented shrimp paste)
• Lime

Preparation

Before embarking on cooking the perfect Raffles Nasi Kerabu, it is essential to gather and prepare our ingredients meticulously:

1. Wash the rice thoroughly under running water. It's best to rinse it several times until the water runs clear.
2. Rehydrate the Bunga Telang by soaking them in hot water for about 10 minutes to extract the vibrant blue color. Once well soaked, strain the water to use for cooking the rice.
3. While the flowers are soaking, prepare the chicken or fish by marinating it with a mix of tamarind juice, salt, and sugar.
4. Once done, chop the fresh herbs and shred the cabbage. Slice the cucumber and wash the bean sprouts.
5. Grate the shredded coconut (or you can use ready-made) and dry-fry it until golden brown to make kerisik.

Cooking Process

The heart of Nasi Kerabu lies in its blue rice and accompanying side dishes, each prepared with care to maintain authenticity.

Step 1: Cooking the Rice

1. Take the washed rice and place it in a rice cooker.
2. Add the strained blue water from the soaked Bunga Telang, coconut milk, and water to cover the rice by 1 to 2 cm.
3. Add a knotted lemongrass stalk and a pinch of salt to the pot.
4. Start the rice cooker, allowing it to steam until fully cooked, this usually takes about 20-30 minutes. Ensure accurate timing by checking your cooking timer.

Step 2: Preparing the Side Dishes

1. Grill or fry the chicken/fish until fully cooked. Set aside to cool, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prep the shredded coconut by mixing belacan, kerisik, and a dash of lime. Toast this mixture lightly in a pan, stirring often.
3. Sauté fried shallots and fresh red chilies to add on as garnish.
4. Mix the cabbage, bean sprouts, and cucumber with slices of fresh herbs.

Step 3: Assembling the Dish

1. Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork before plating.
2. On a serving plate, scoop a portion of the beautifully colored rice as the centerpiece.
3. Arrange the shredded chicken or fish segments around the rice.
4. Top the rice with a generous portion of the coconut and herb mixture.
5. Serve with fresh vegetable salads on the side, garnishing with toasted shredded coconut and crispy fried shallots.
6. Add extra belacan for a spicy kick, if preferred.

How to Enjoy Nasi Kerabu

Nasi Kerabu is typically enjoyed as a communal dish, where it is placed at the center of the table, inviting everyone to serve themselves and savor the variety of flavors and textures in each bite. The combination of blue rice, fresh herbs, aromatic toasted coconut, and grilled proteins come together to deliver a truly memorable culinary experience. Ideally, it is savored on its own, as each component within the dish complements the others perfectly, bringing you a burst of flavors that is unique and satisfying. Pair it with a glass of cool tamarind juice to refresh your palate with each bite.