Surya Sari Snack

The Surya Sari Snack is a delightful fusion of traditional and contemporary flavors, inspired by the diverse culinary heritage of Southeast Asia. This snack is designed to tantalize your taste buds with a harmonious blend of spices, textures, and ingredients. Surya, meaning 'sun' in Sanskrit, and Sari, meaning 'essence', epitomizes the radiant flavors and vibrant colors of this snack. Historically, street vendors in bustling Asian markets offered similar snacks, bringing people together over shared culinary experiences.

Ingredients

• Rice - 2 cups
• Coconut Milk - 1 cup
• Turmeric - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander, ground - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin, ground - 1 teaspoon
• Chili Powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ginger, grated - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Lime juice - from 1 lime
• Soy Sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Peanut Oil - 2 tablespoons
• Spring Onions, chopped - 1/4 cup
• Cucumber, sliced - 1 medium
• Peanuts, roasted and chopped - 1/4 cup
• Salt to taste

Preparation

1. Begin by rinsing the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with coconut milk, 2 cups of water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes. Check using a cooking timer.
4. While the rice is cooking, prepare the spice mixture. In a small bowl, combine turmeric, coriander, cumin, and chili powder.

Cooking Process

1. In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil over medium heat. Add ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
2. Add the spice mixture to the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent burning, and cook for another minute.
3. Add the cooked rice to the skillet, stirring to coat the rice with the spices.
4. Stir in the lime juice and soy sauce, mixing well to evenly distribute flavors.
5. Continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the spring onions.

How to Enjoy

To enjoy the Surya Sari Snack, serve it warm with a side of sliced cucumber for a refreshing contrast to the spicy rice. Sprinkle with peanuts for added crunch and flavor. This snack pairs wonderfully with chilled lime soda or ginger tea. Ideal as an appetizer or mid-day snack, its vibrant flavors will invite warmth and comfort.